Just implanted when to switch from icing to heat pad?

[CuzznClark]

Per the title:

Was implanted 5 days ago and am continuing to ice often to control and reduce swelling.

I recall reading somewhere on FrankTalk that: At some point in the recovery it is beneficial to switch from Ice to heat, can anyone comment on the when part?

Thanks in Advance!

[DeadlineDave]

I read on the internet that ice is great for about 72 hours after surgery to reduce and inhibit swelling.

After that, it suggests you use heat judiciously.....not too hot and not too long as heat is inflammatory and can relax blood vessels allowing more inflammation to flow in.

The conundrum is that after surgery, if you have swelling, warm baths and mild heating pads loosen the junk up so you can find the pump, etc.

[ED2013]

You can use heat once your pain and swelling is under control.

[jwitten567]

my last doc said 48 hours ice (on/off every 20 minutes) and then after 48 hours switch to warm pack/compresses. Hot showers helped a lot early on when trying to figure out the orientation of the pump. He said after about 2 weeks, once the incision is sealed ok to get into warm bath to help with cycling.

[CuzznClark]

Thanks guys - Im at 4 days of random icing, swelling is under control, so will transition to heating pad tomorrow.

[Buzzer]

I would suggest from my experience was about 10 days after surgery go to heating pad and occasionally an ice pack.

Bill

[CuzznClark]

Thanks Buzzer

[dflava02]

Did the heat ease the swelling more than the ice pack? I had my surgery on February 20th, and it was recommended that I start pumping. I'm continuously icing at least four times a day, and I recently purchased a heating pad.

[CuzznClark]

Did the heat ease the swelling more than the ice pack? I had my surgery on February 20th, and it was recommended that I start pumping. I'm continuously icing at least four times a day, and I recently purchased a heating pad.

I was implanted on 3/18. For the next 6 days I was icing often. On day 5 my swelling was down by 50%. I have now switched to the heat pad (days 6-8) and the swelling reduction seems to have slowed
, now is still about 40%.

From what others here have mentioned, icing is most effective the first week, then heating pad beginning week #2. I suspect the rate of reduction slows down as more time goes by (regardless of heat or icing choice)

[Flexwheeler]

my last doc said 48 hours ice (on/off every 20 minutes) and then after 48 hours switch to warm pack/compresses. Hot showers helped a lot early on when trying to figure out the orientation of the pump. He said after about 2 weeks, once the incision is sealed ok to get into warm bath to help with cycling.

I see in your signature you had both Titan and AMS CX. Which one do you prefer. Is there a difference in flaccid state?