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, 200818 yr by benhamgal

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

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

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!