Ice vs. Heat

[sistasassy 6]

I was wondering what preferences were to ice vs. heat post op. I am addicted to my heating pads and have a hard time putting ice on places of pain.

Is ice good for the first few days and then move to heat or what? Wondering if I need to get a few hot/ cold packs in the freezer before I have surgery.

Edited May 24, 2008 by benhamgal

[rch3877 0]

I don't know about anyone else, but like you I love my HEAT!

[ChristyC 1]

Just had my surgery Tues. and had four bags of frozen peas to rotate around in the freezer...two on two, refreezing. They work wonderfully. My hospital used ice packs. I never used to use them as they were inconvenient until someone suggested "frozen bags of peas". They mold to your form and fit anywhere. I think the cold shrinks swelling...makes things go down. Just try it and see. It was a new thing for me and worked. Good luck...ChristyC

[marineliebe 2]

i like a heating pad, although i can't put it directly on my port site or it starts to itch/hurt a little. its fine on the other incisions though. i think the heating pad helps get rid of the gas, I'm not sure now but i was having a really bad time with the gas and someone suggested a heating pad and i started using it and i feel like it really helps!