I have osteoarthritis in my whole body. I have had both of my thumbs fused and this past March I also had a new joint in my index finger. It is a slow recovery and my surgeon told me it would be at least a year until it is fully recovered. He asked me what I wanted this surgery to do for me and I told him I wanted to be able to quilt again and do hand work again. I am now able to cut with a rotary cutter and some hand work. I can't cut for as long as I used to be able to, but I can do it again. I have the original accuquilt cutter that you hand turn and I can do that again. The electric one would be better. For me, being able to quilt in small doses is better than not at all. have you tried getting any cortisone injections?