Day 1 of 365 on the road from surgery to an Olympic-distance triathlon Follow along

My recovery gear

The stuff that made life with one arm a lot easier.

This is what I actually set up at home after my shoulder surgery, and why I picked it. Want the full checklist? Grab the free prep guide.

This list keeps growing. I'll add gear as I need it at each stage of recovery. By the time I'm done, it'll be the full list I'd hand anyone getting ready for shoulder surgery.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This is what worked for me, not medical advice. Follow your surgeon's instructions, especially for icing and sleeping position.

Icing

  • ICIDRION Shoulder Ice Machine with Timer I use this

    Shoulder pad, on and off timer, and a soft shell that packs away.

    Why I picked it

    I picked this one for the shoulder pad design, the on and off timer, and the soft shell. It packs down so I can store it when I'm not using it, and it's easy to move around the house.

    Follow your surgeon's instructions on how long to ice, and keep a layer between the pad and your skin. I use frozen water bottles instead of ice cubes. They last longer and there's no melted mess.

    Get it on Amazon
  • FlexiKold Large Gel Ice Packs (2-pack) I use this

    Covers the whole shoulder and stays cold.

    Why I picked it

    Big enough to cover the whole shoulder and it stays cold. Good for when I'm off the machine or on the move.

    Get it on Amazon

Sleep and rest

  • Yojoker Wedge Pillow Set (9 pieces) I use this

    Lots of pieces to customize, with side supports for my arm.

    Why I picked it

    I went with this set because it comes with a lot of extra pieces to customize it, including side supports so I can prop my arm up underneath. Sleeping upright is a big deal after shoulder surgery.

    Practice on it for a full nap before surgery. My first night I kept sliding down.

    Get it on Amazon
  • Winsome Alex Folding Snack Tables (set of 2) I use this

    Fold flat when you're done. Water, phone, meds and remote within reach.

    Why I picked it

    Water, phone, meds and the remote all within reach of my good arm, so I'm not twisting or getting up for every little thing.

    Get it on Amazon
  • Anker 10 ft USB-C Charging Cable I use this

    10 feet. Charge your phone and still use it from the couch.

    Why I picked it

    This has come in handy so much. When you can't move around easily, a short cord means your phone is either charging or in your hand. Not both.

    Get it on Amazon

Everyday care

  • Refreshify XL Body Wipes I use this

    For the days in between showers.

    Why I picked it

    Great for the days in between showers, or wiping anywhere you need it. Showering is a whole project in the first couple of weeks.

    Get it on Amazon
  • Aquasonic Black Series Electric Toothbrush I use this

    Does the work your non-dominant hand can't.

    Why I picked it

    Brushing with your non-dominant hand is slow and sloppy. An electric toothbrush does most of the work for you.

    Get it on Amazon
  • Plackers Micro Line Floss Picks I use this brand

    Flossing with one hand. Mine look a little different, same brand.

    Why I picked it

    Regular floss takes two hands. Picks don't. Mine look a little different from this listing, but this brand works really well.

    Get it on Amazon
  • Owala SmoothSip Slider Coffee Tumbler I use this

    No spills when you knock it over. And you will.

    Why I picked it

    One hand, a sling, and hot coffee is a bad combo. A sealed lid means no spills when you knock it over, and you will.

    Get it on Amazon

Clothes

  • Magnetic button-down shirts From the comments

    Buttons are tough with one hand. Viewers love these.

    Why I picked it

    I wear regular button-downs, and those work. But a lot of you in the comments swear by magnetic ones, since buttons are tough with one hand. This link shows a few options.

    See options on Amazon

Also worth having

No links for these yet. Any basic version works.

  • Easy-open pill case. I don't have one, but it makes sorting meds one-handed much easier.
  • Pump bottles for soap, shampoo and body wash.
  • Water bottle with a straw.
  • Slip-on shoes.
  • Extra pillows for under your elbow and knees.
  • Shower chair if you're worried about balance.

My sling and squeeze ball came together, so check what your surgeon's office gives you before buying either.