Ice or heating pad work better?

Surgery was on Monday the 12th. When i stand I feel as though my insides are going to burst. It hurts so bad that i can barely talk or breathe. I was browing hamburger last night and got enough of a "help" out to my son and he came running and got my pillow for me. If i put pressure on my stomache i can atleast get back to bed and lie down. My one incision hurts the most-its on the left side and he said that the left will hurt most due to thats where my stitches are and most of the manuevering. I have tried heating pads and lessens the pain, but wondering if ice will help for longer periods. Is the pain normal too? I havent been doing much, I get something to eat, call for kids or something that usually only takes a few minutes to do. After shower i get the same pain, anything that makes me stand for more than a minute or two.
Thanks..

Heat has been the biggest help.

Honestly, I don't think you should be browning hamburger lol! You aren't even a week post op- I'd crawl back into bed and sleep.

Heat and ice both worked well for me. Heat on the abdomen and ice on the tailbone area. Honestly I did not stand at my stove for at least 3 weeks and then it might have been just to stir something.... Cooking 4 days post op is an over do for sure. There was a time that you would not even have been out of the hospital yet, at your time frame I still had a catheter... do you not have help? If not then I would really recommend microwave meals or sandwiches.

I kind of have help. A long/crazy story, but my bf ended things with me a week before my surgery. Still lives here, but acts like i am a nuisance and was feeling guilty so i tried to help. My boys are here as well and have been a great help. Will stay out of the kitchen for a bit..lol.

I haven't tried ice yet but love my heating pad. I agree with the above post, you shouldn't be browning burger if someone else could be doing it for you. I'm 7 days out today and have had to cook daily for 5 people and take my word for it, its not a good idea! We should be in bed being pampered.

Wow, you really shouldn't be up and cooking, at the stage you're at I was still in the hospital! Please listen to your body and take it easy - your family should understand that you've had major surgery and need your rest!

Send that ex to the store for canned ravioli and freezer meals. What a frustrating extra strain for you!