Though retro, another option would be purchasing a separate luggage cart to use with your comfortable backpack during this period when you need to shift its weight from your back to some wheels.

I have a short torso, too, and it can be difficult finding any pack that fits right!

Asking for a wheelchair escort would also be reasonable, though it feels embarrassing sometimes when you are used to being "normal" and healthy.

I will also say that, when it became obvious that my mobility/joint issues were permanent (autoimmune disease), I started carrying less on board instead of switching to wheeled luggage. This does mean I check bags more often, which stinks, but I also have issues with my shoulder, and I literally can't safely lift heavy wheeled cases. I do use wheeled checked luggage, so I can manage it myself.

I once had an FA refuse to help me stow my bag, though my need for help is disability related, which was mortifying. Another passenger helped me, but, because my health issues are not always readily visible, and the FA was across the (F!) cabin, and I didn't want to shout out that I had this limitation of being physically unable to raise my left arm above should height, I was left embarrassed and in tears.

These days, when flying alone, I use a regional jet sized, ultra lightweight travel pack made by Tom Bihn. It is impossible/difficult to make it too heavy for me to safely manage, plus it fits underneath a seat if I can't get assistance to stow it. (The case is called the Western Flyer.)