Here is a list of the not too personal "recovery swag" I found most useful for one-handed hygiene, dressing, and cooking.
HYGEINE
Totally mechanical - no batteries needed! You might think this silly, but you just try using only one hand to put toothpaste on your toothbrush (and only the toothbrush, not the sink and the floor and your shirt), mr./ms.smartypants.
Right after surgery, most of my upper and middle body was in shock; bone and muscle had been removed from my shoulder, and the general anaesthesia was something to recover from too. Having a stool in the shower was very reassuring. I liked how this one folds flat, and is nice looking enough to use outside the shower. A bit fussy to close once it's been open a while.
The handle is heavy-duty and keeps the angle you bend it in.
Even if you're not injured, it's nice to have a bath brush that covers a large area. The textured handle makes it easy to work with in soapy conditions.
This wide-mouthed jar and soft whipped soap made for easy one-handed bathing. The jar diameter is about the same as the back scrubber pouf. I liked the refreshing lavender scent, and the charcoal color stood out against lighter-colored surfaces such as the tub and my skin, making the action of rinsing more certain.
ShoulderShirts
This is not a "cold shoulder" fashion statement, though perhaps that trend makes it possible these days to wear these shirts outside the home or doctor's office with impunity. The lovely folks at Shoulder Shirts (https://www.facebook.com/Shoulder-Shirts-332337340157630/) designed this shirt, which comes in several styles and fabrics in many colors and patterns, to help people get dressed without raising their arms. The shirts fasten at the shoulder with velcro, allowing you to dress yourself one sleeve at a time (an optional white "tether" ribbon helps you get the front and back pieces together). Or if someone is helping you dress, both shoulders can be detached.
These shirts are mostly styled for women, but there is a unisex/men's sizes section too.
My physical therapists love this shirt, since it allows them to examine and manipulate my shoulder freely during treatment.
Nail Brush with Suction Cup Base
This brush has soft bristles that made it easy to wash my one working hand. I fixed the two suction cups to one side of the sink, and positioned the faucet so water would run over the brush when I turned on the tap. This order came with two brushes, so I left one in the bathroom sink and one in the kitchen sink.
DRESSING
This is not a "cold shoulder" fashion statement, though perhaps that trend makes it possible these days to wear these shirts outside the home or doctor's office with impunity. The lovely folks at Shoulder Shirts (https://www.facebook.com/Shoulder-Shirts-332337340157630/) designed this shirt, which comes in several styles and fabrics in many colors and patterns, to help people get dressed without raising their arms. The shirts fasten at the shoulder with velcro, allowing you to dress yourself one sleeve at a time (an optional white "tether" ribbon helps you get the front and back pieces together). Or if someone is helping you dress, both shoulders can be detached.
These shirts are mostly styled for women, but there is a unisex/men's sizes section too. My physical therapists love this shirt, since it allows them to examine and manipulate my shoulder freely during treatment.
COOKING
One of the higher-priced items in my recovery swag haul, this cutting board made it possible for me to slice any food I needed. The sliding bracket (with red wood ball handle) holds bread and smaller items (the black square pegs can be moved to accommodate different sized things). The spikes were useful for skewering apples etc. in place so I could slice them. All the parts fit nicely in the dishwasher.
OTHER PRACTICAL STUFF
This sturdy but lightweight tray was easy to set up, and without the handle, it looks like a normal plastic tray. Although the handle was easy to remove, it never came off without my wanting it to. 17"L x 12.5"W x 10"H; holds up to 13 pounds.
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