Swelly Belly Bands & Chillow -- Did they come in handy?

Hi sisters,

I am getting ready for my trip to the castle, and I was wondering if any of you have the swelly belly band and chillow, and do you like them? I would like to order them so that they arrive in plenty of time, so any input that you have on either item would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I did not get either and really wish I had. I originally could not figure out why I would want something cool on the tummy but now I see. Cool things make all that overly warm skin feel sooooo good.

loosterb - I got my Swelly Belly Band at 3 weeks post-op, and I really wish that I had it sooner than that. It is WONDERFUL!!! Even though I am at 5 wks post-op, riding in the car still presents challenges. But with the band in place, I don't have to worry about the seat belt around my incision area. And just knowing that there is some extra support there makes a HUGE difference. It also gives good support now that I am doing more walking.

The great thing about it, is that you can put it in the freezer, so if your incision begins to have that burning feeling, the frozen band works wonders!

I hope this helps.

I bought the pillow a few days ago. I was very keen to get a cool nights sleep. Followed all the instructions but first night the chillow warmed up like an ordinary pillow and I couldn't find a cool spot. I tried again a second night without having a pillow case over it and still was very disappointed. So I am returning it tomorrow for a refund. I amreally dis appointed as I thought I had got the perfect answer to the night sweats. I have benifited from supportive underwear tho' as my belly felt like it was hanging in mid air

I love my chillow. I sleep with two pillows-one have the chillow in the pillow case. I don't start out with that pillow. I wait until I become warm at night. It has been wonderful! It cools me instantly!

I didn't get either. I received a binder from hospital that I wear during the day when I'm up and about. I have a corn filled bag that can be heated or chilled and that's what I've used for cooling my belly. It is flexible and comfortable. You can get them on ebay.

I was going to order a swelly belly band before surgery to have it when I got home. But my Dr. told me that he might have to do a vertical rather than a bikini. So I didn't order one since I didn't know which kind to get. I didn't get a binder at the hospital and am wondering about getting a swelly belly band now...especially when I start my daycare kids back up at 7 weeks. Does it help provide support for when you are lifting and will it be protective for when my little ones want to sit on my lap? I'm really nervous about lifting the baby and he is so active sitting on my lap. My 2 yr olds love to sit on my lap as well but their knees and elbows go everywhere. I'm a little nervous about it all.

I didn't purchase either of the products you're asking about. I found that I needed a hot pad each evening before bed and sometimes during the night. It felt so good for the swollen belly! Also, I was cold during the night at times, so it came in handy then too (even on my feet!). Sometimes, if I have had a very physical day, I still put the hot pad on for a bit before I head to bed. I think, rather than spending $ on that stuff, you could use those grain filled hot/cold bean bags you can find at WalMart etc. I don't know that having something strapped on would be all that comfortable anyway. I wore some old granny panties for a few weeks, before heading back into my usual undies. I did have a catheter and stent for over a month post op and didn't really want any extra gadgets hanging around! LOL Hope you don't need any of these items, and your recovery goes smoothly and comfortably! Good luck.

Mar

I found that the grain filled bags at Wal-Mart didn't work as well as corn filled bags that I purchased at a craft fair and off Paul and Jenns Stuff store on eBay. You can chill or heat. Great moist heat for joint pain and chilling for belly or hot flashes (according to my mom).

	Quote:
Originally Posted by KingDuncan I didn't purchase either of the products you're asking about. I found that I needed a hot pad each evening before bed and sometimes during the night. It felt so good for the swollen belly! Also, I was cold during the night at times, so it came in handy then too (even on my feet!). Sometimes, if I have had a very physical day, I still put the hot pad on for a bit before I head to bed. I think, rather than spending $ on that stuff, you could use those grain filled hot/cold bean bags you can find at WalMart etc. I don't know that having something strapped on would be all that comfortable anyway. I wore some old granny panties for a few weeks, before heading back into my usual undies. I did have a catheter and stent for over a month post op and didn't really want any extra gadgets hanging around! LOL Hope you don't need any of these items, and your recovery goes smoothly and comfortably! Good luck. Mar

Is that a normal thing........to have a cath in that long or did you have other problems?