Heating Pad Post Hysterectomy?

Hi ladies!

I have not gotten a chance to speak with my doctor about this, but I am 7 days post-op and have been icing regularly. Because of my horrible pelvic pain and cramps in the past, I typically slept with a infrared heating pad every night.

I have not wanted to apply heat this first week due to inflammation. I felt that ice would be better, but I know that heat would also help considerably with the aching.

Has anyone talked to their doctor about applying heat; and, if so, what did the doctor recommend?

Thank you so much!

In the hospital, they gave me heated blankets. So when I got home, I heated a slightly moist towel in the microwave.for a minute and used that. At week 2, I used the heating pad but had it on warm and for only 15 mins max.

Hi. I have also used a heating pad from day one but only during the day. Your body will talk to you and when it will want it or not. I have also used it to heat up my feet on a rotational basis to my abdomin. It feels great.

I have used a heating pad since the 2nd week. I have it right now. It has been a lifesaver

I also have used a heating pad. I think that it worked better than the pain meds. I had a rice bag, and I would heat it up for about 1 1/2 mins in the microwave. It felt soo good.

I was only cleared to use heat on my back and hips during recovery, unless it was a heating blanket, which doesn't give off nearly as high or direct heat. He explained that direct heat would actually increase the inflammation.

I've used the heating pad a lot since my first day home. But I only use it on my back. And it's heavenly!

I had asked my doctor about heat vs cold therapy and he told me heat only. He feels it works better. I've used my heating pad a couple of times in my back since I got home from the hospital, but I don't seem to tolerate it as much as I used to. Before the surgery it was my BFF, and now I can only handle it for about 10-15 minutes on the lowest setting before I start to get too warm. I've only used it on my back, not my abdomen. I'm a little concerned that using it on my belly would make the swelling worse. He told me it's fine to use on the belly, just not directly on my incision.

I thought I felt good enough today to do some sweeping. I was trying to hurry and do it because someone was coming over. By the time I was done, I had yelled at two of my kids, burst into tears and almost passed out. Like blurry-vision, cold sweat, couldn't stand...So, yeah, not time for that yet!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Robinlynr I thought I felt good enough today to do some sweeping. I was trying to hurry and do it because someone was coming over. By the time I was done, I had yelled at two of my kids, burst into tears and almost passed out. Like blurry-vision, cold sweat, couldn't stand...So, yeah, not time for that yet!

Oops! That was for another thread. Sorry!