Aw, Adelaide, what a hard time you've had! I do not mean that at all
in the superficial way either. Like many others here I GET IT!
I have a splint for my wrist that was made by P.T to encourage my thumb to
bend again (it won't) but I wear it in public on purpose for a lot of reasons.
CERTAINLY NOT FOR SYMPATHY!. It does kinda warn people not to try to
hand me things or touch etc. with no words or explanation needed.

I understand how much it hurts to have limited participation in things
that matter deeply to you. Many, many times I put on the brave face as well
and smile and hide the pain & fear especially to loved ones.