Understood.. Yes getting the swelling down quickly is of the utmost importance. Having some leg function is priceless..
I don't see why you couldn't have the ports setup the way you need them down lower and plugged in. I would say a QH would be of some help to you, it would certainly be better than not having one. It's not easy for me to hook things to the 3pth and I have full upper body strength. The PTO shaft is by far the hardest thing I do, sometimes it takes me so long that I plan on using the tractor the following day.. I could probably install a tiny winch so that if I get the shaft in the right position I could use the winch to pull it into lock..