POOP! (Updated twice)

Call to orthopedic surgeon on Tuesday:
"Hey, Doc! Can I work a few hours during rushes to take orders in drive-thru?"
"You can work with no use of the right arm."
"Not even push buttons on register? No lifting, no change making."
"No use of right arm."
Hm. Wonder if I'm suppose to be typing?

(Update)
Hard copy of doctor's work release:
No use of right arm.
Must wear splint for 6-8 weeks post op.
May be able to lift 10 lbs or more in approximately 3-4 months.

First physical therapy appointment:
Take off splint except when out of house or sleeping.
Use hand for anything, except lifting, as much as possible.
Perform arm extending exercises hourly.
Perform all range of motion exercises for 30-45 minutes 3-4 times daily.

Is it me or are these professionals in contradiction?

Call back to doctor's office:
I'm really confused. What you said and what PT said seem opposite. Do nothing if working and everything if at home?
Response of physician assistant:
You're in a protected environment at home. If you use your arm at work, you may forget your limitations and do something harmful. If you can do your job left-handed, you can work.

Ultimately, the decision is mine. I can assess the aspects of the job with the experience of having recovered from a shattered shoulder while working it.

When I applied for this job, I had not yet been released by the doctor for a 3-way break of the humerus (knocked the ball off the end of left shoulder) and several tears of the rotator cuff. But I had to go to work. I was down to my last dime - literally. I didn't mention that I'd been injured or had limitations. When I was told to sweep and mop the dining room, I took a deep breath and prayed. Mopping was on my no-no list and that is a big dining room. It hurt. I couldn't wait to get off and go to bed. I asked Shaquilla to alternate our duties so that I didn't have to mop every shift.

Reaching boxes on high shelves was a problem because my reach measured 140 degrees instead of 180, and my muscles had atrophied from three months of non-use. I learned to scooch the box over the edge of the shelf with one hand, let it fall onto my chest while using that hand to guide it and slow the impact. It was an exercise of engineering. I also taught myself to get the boxes back on that shelf. I found ways to do everything. I took care of myself. I'm not saying it was easy, but I was determined... and careful.

One day, I realized that I didn't hurt anymore. I wasn't diving into bed after each shift. I was compensating less. My reach didn't improve nor will it, but I can do anything the other women can and one that most of the guys can't - get the lids off the salt shakers!

So therein lies the rub. I've done this before without the doctor's approval. It was better physical therapy than the kind I couldn't pay for (because I was broke).

What are the considerations? I'm in early recovery and very vulnerable. I can wear my splint for protection and limiting movement. I can start out slow and allow myself time to learn the job left-handed. I can accept fewer hours to limit my duties. Knowing what I can do here at home and what the job requires, I know how much I can use my arm and what I can use it for. I can be clear about what I can't do. My athleticism gives me a natural physical awareness. More importantly, I trust myself. Whether it's a broken finger (which I did in March) or a shattered shoulder, my instincts and reflexes are sharp enough to compensate without harming myself.

Next step? Contact the manager on Friday. She has had a bad wrist break and worked during recovery. That's a good thing. Well, for me.

(Update 2)
Yay! Therapist attests to clear, logical thinking.