Annette, oh, you have had lots of wonderful comments. Surgery, no matter how you look at it, should you chose to have it, is not a piece of cake. I had rotator cuff surgery in late October of 2005. The surgery was done arthroscopically, thank goodness, the tears I had in my shoulder were severe, the surgeon didn't even know how well he could repair them, because of the extent of the tears, he even didn't know he could perform this arthroscopically, it might have had to be open shoulder surgery, thank goodness it was the latter.
You will be just fine. Your bees will be just fine. Do what you can before the surgery with the bees. You will be able to observe the bees any time that you feel like it, you just won't be able to work them for awhile. BUT....at the same time, you may be surprised at what you can do with the left side of your body. Don't be freaked out about the bees. You shouldn't be in the swarming season yet. (I don't understand your seasons or climate), but I would think that you have some time yet before you have that worry. That should be the only worry this time of year. I think I remember you saying that you are pretty sure they have enough food stores. Check that out too before you get the surgery done too.
Things will be well, keep your chin up, keep smiling, that will help you to heal even faster. Keeping up a good attitude is one of nature's helpers with healing, and I know that you are a positive and upbeat woman, that shines through, you will heal fast, you will be strengthed by the surgery, if you decide to have it, and you will more than likely be released from the pain of the carpel tunnel syndrome effects. Positive thinking, positive attitude, and most of all girl, have a most beautiful and wonderful day, Cindi