4 weeks post hysterectomy - heat or ice for aches?

Hi! Hoping someone can help me, I'm 4 weeks Post op tomorrow. Should i be using ice or heat when i get the aches ?

Whichever feels better. I used the heating pad on my stomach and ice on my lower back.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by charlotteel Whichever feels better. I used the heating pad on my stomach and ice on my lower back.

Thank you for your response. Every once in awhile I feel like I need either heat or ice to help with the healing

It seems that the sisters here use whichever gives comfort.
I am almost 7 weeks post op, & I have exclusively used ice during my recovery. I have a personal preference for ice over heat with any type of swelling or pain. I use big gel ice packs & have found them very effective in reducing swelling & dulling pain/discomfort.

((Shar pei)) I used both ice and heat during my recovery. Ice was very soothing and helpful for my vaginal swelling after repairs. A trick I learned from one of our hostesses was to soak a pad with water and then freeze it. It is just the right size and works wonders. My heating pad was my best friend when I was dealing with back pain and abdominal pain.

ice / cold pak will reduce inflammation and circulation, but can cause further nerve damage to delicate areas where the nerves have been ripped apart. IN that case, cool compresses are fine.

heat will increase inflammation and circulation. Heat only when all bruising and inflammation is gone!