Sorry to hear about your medical problems, but I wish you the best of luck and am certain you well recover. Houston has some very nice world-class medical centers. Again good luck!!

A couple of years ago I "commuted" from Phila to IAH and HOU almost once or twice a week. What I ended up doing re luggage was to leave a fairly complete duplicate etc of clothes, books, etc in two inexpensive suitcases at my usual Houston hotel (extra cost to accumulate was nil). A small carry-on bag held the recent stuff. I usually stayed at the Marriott Medical Center and when returning to Phila I would check the 2 bags with the Marriott bellman for a day or a week or more. A buck or two would retrieve them upon my return. If I changed hotels, it was a simple drive to get the 2 bags and go to the newer hotel.

In your case you may desire to request airport jitney or wheelchair assistance. This way they will also handle any bags and all for a tip. Request through the airline. As for speedy baggage service .....you can not ever count on it w or w/o elite tags or any special tags.