This sounds similar to what I have experienced. I finally diagnosed myself with DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, and had it confirmed by 2 doctors. I had three separate steroid injections, which helped, but only temporarily. There is a surgery to fix it and it sounds like what you had. If you have this condition you might want to consider a brace for temporary relief. They are inexpensive and can be found on Amazon or Walmart.