Welcome from NJ. As others have said, we have quite a few 'men folk' here on the board. And we're all happy to help in any way we can.
If you have carpal tunnel and are looking at surgery, you may want to consider one of the electric cutting machines if you have the budget. Or perhaps your wife would be so kind as to do your cutting for you if that is bothersome at this point with the rotary cutter (assuming you have a cutter; mat; rulers). I know nothing of the cutting machines but there have been LOTS of discussions here about the various ones, so do some searching if that is something that might work for you.
Otherwise, just toss out your questions as they arise and you'll get tons of responses. Enjoy.