I had surgery on my right thumb 2 years ago (I couldn't hold anything heavy) at the age of 52, I have NO regrets, the recovery took about 6 months but now my left thumb is giving me the same trouble, eventually I will have it rebuilt. In the mentime, I have a steroid shot once a year, it is amazing the relief you can get.
Then, I use Aleve naproxen), it lasts for 12 hourse so not as hard on the liver as advil (ibuprofen)
My philosophy is why suffer, I am still young and don't want to be crippled by pain.