Well, here is the solution for you d-pad problem

You can assign "favorite" to an item in the inventory (press Y on desired item) and in game you can press the d-pad and you will get a list of the selected favorites (game is paused), you choose one and hit B and you will use it or have it in your hands. I don't know the limit on the list, I have four selectebles at the moment, but you might be able to have more items in the list.

I hope that helps.

Have Oblivion on console and PC. Have Skyrim for PC, will not be getting it for console. Modability.