When I busted up my right hand *Juuuust after I got a stick shift, great timing there* I figured out how to shift by pushing the thing with my wrist instead of using my hand. Took some getting used to! (And Im sure I looked like a complete moron too).

Hang in there David! Soon you will be ready to hit the open road!

and pssst, if you're in to cleaning cars, want to clean mine? lol