4 weeks post hysterectomy: Heating pad or ice pack

I had a total hysterectomy 4 weeks ago ( a vertical incision that starts right above my belly button) due to more than 70 fibroids. I am an overachiever.
Wondering if It is normal to need pain pills this far out and if a ice pack is better than a heating pad?
The pain is worse at night.

I can't tell you anything about the pain meds. Everyone has a different pain threshold. Chat with your doc about the use of them if you are concerned...

From my personal experience, ice is making my belly feel better, pretty much all around. I have had several other surgeries on various parts of my body and I have always found ice to bring more relief than heat. Again, I would say pain (and relief) is rather subjective. Find which one works well for you and go with it. It may change from day to day or week to week. Lord knows mine does!

G

I was prescribed 60 hydrocodone and they lasted me about 3 months (the last few were taken for back pain not related to surgery). So take them as you need them whether it be tylenol, ibuprofen or narcotic.

ice or heat - whichever makes you feel better. For me ice on my back and heat on my belly (the heat helped the gas more than anything).

If your pain at four weeks post op is severe enough to need pain medication you might want to call your doctor. S/he may want to see you to make sure everything is healing normally.