It's odd about the few drinks affecting the sensations on your arm.

are you pain free , or if not what pain rating # would you give yourself on average now?

Great to hear you are doing so well post surgery.

On the time part, I didn't have surgery but it took nearly 3 yrs for me to get back to 85% of normal.
That was with lots of self care stuff, some PT @ the beginning & regular chiro appts.
Mine was more of a myofascial based rsi/tos.