First point - I lost the tip of my LH 2nd finger in the early 70s when I'd been playing clawhammer (frailing) for 10 years. I'm still playing - I can play most of the fiddle tunes I know with one finger.

Second point if you're still determined - In just over 4 weeks there will be an opportunity to sell a fine quality bluegrass banjo such as the Stelling Bellflower at Sore Fingers Summer School which will be held at Kingham School, near Stowe-on-the-Wold. There will be two classes each of 20 people studying Bluegrass banjo, and another studying Old Time banjo. I don't know a single active banjo player who doesn't want a better (or another) banjo. If you send John Wirtz (who runs it) an email telling him of your problem, I'm sure something could be arranged. Contact details at the website.

Good luck - I really know what you're going through.
Ray