Carrie - you really need some help from the Drs. for the problems. I know you have been to many, so hopefully the surgeon can find a solution with your shoulder.
I have done very few of the blocks with PPing. I really do not care for PPing at all. I avoid it if I can! I do not use a rotary cutter with my blocks either. I trace around the shapes, then cut them out with ergonomic scissors. Love the Fiscars ones. I had one that would not stay closed when not in use, it had to have been one of the first ones, probably over 20 years old! I sent them a picture of the scissors and they sent me new ones!