Cyn, I had the surgery 1 1/2 yr. ago, but on my left side. It's amazing how much you use your shoulder. I wore the sling about 2 weeks; after that, only when I was in a crowd of people (mainly so they wouldn't bump me). I didn't need pain meds after the 2nd day. The only time I hurt was during physical therapy--take some ibuprofen before you go the first few times. Make sure you do the exercises at home. You may think you'll never have your range of motion again, but at the 6 month mark, I got mine back--seems like it was all at once.
You should be able to cross-stitch or crochet after a week or two. Knitting might be more difficult because of moving your shoulder to yarn over. Maybe some puzzle books, make some yo-yo's, --you probably won't be down as long as you think. Good luck with the recuperation!