You'd be surprized at how easy it is to operate a load stick with your arm in a sling. I've had shoulder surgery and a broken arm (elbow), and a few sprained wrists (I'm a hockey player). If it hurts don't do it. If you can grab it with your fingers, then you are in control. If its a hard cast, have the doc add a metal hook to the cast so you can push, pull, left and right shove the stick. Heck, I put hay up with my arm in a cast. Just don't hammer anything. That can be painful. In fact, you can practice what it will take by sticking your arm in a piece of pvc and taping it up to simulate the cast. Even a shoulder injury is not gonna slow you down. Best that the loader is on the tractor before you start all this, though. Also fueled and ready to go...