One thing I can tell you: it’s a two-handed world. I learned that at 16 with a broken left wrist. Thought I’d be okay because I was right-handed.
I’ve had carpal tunnel releases on both hands and surgery a few years ago for a fractured right wrist. Here are some points that occur to me:
1. Follow the doctor’s instructions. If the doc says keep it elevated for three days, keep it elevated for three days. I slept with my right forearm on a pillow.
2. It took me 45 minutes just to prepare for a shower (plastic bags and tape, two layers) and another 45 to shower.
3. Shampoo: I placed a plastic teaspoon on the shower caddy. At shampoo time, I held the handle between my teeth and poured shampoo into it, and then poured it on my head and shampooed with one hand.
4. If your doctor prescribes hand therapy, do whatever the therapist tells you, and practice at home.
5. Walk carefully. Watch your balance. One-handed is not half as good as two-handed if you stumble. Do try not to break anything else while recuperating from the surgery.
6. Yes, you will probably have arthritis there later on. I sure do. My right hand wakes up about an hour later than the rest of me.
7. For pill reminders, a kitchen timer and a list to check off are always helpful to me.