I play a variety of instruments, & know quite well how deprived one can feel when unable to play a fav instrument. If you do go after the autoharp, remember that it can be quite addictive. I got an adirondack autoharp a few years back & a friend helped me set up the chord bars in the Bryan Bowers configuration. Within a few weeks, the bug had bitten, but the dinging & ringing & buzzing was driving me crackers. Therefore I bought a Fladmark! I've been pinchin' & pluckin' ever since. You might want to start looking for your own right away.
Meanwhile, see what the Dr. says. You might even want to take your guitar with you. Some Dr.s are good about working with Musicians.