Heating Pads

Hi Ladies,

Hubby and I went shopping tonight to pick up some things for my trip to the castle. After reading a lot of the posts, we went to the heating pad section of Wal-Mart. Oh My!!! There are so many to choose from!

What kind should I get? Dry heat? Moist heat? Does it matter?

I know this isn't a major question.... but I'm trying so hard to be prepared.

Thanks for the help.

Fran, hey there mate. On the matter of heating pads, well I do not think that it really matters. I never got mine until coming home and sent my DH down to get one. He got one with lavender in it and it was wonderful. It is the heat that soothes but i do not think that what type of heat matters. Mine was a god send and i used it constantly for the first few weeks. Glad that you got one before the big day. Good luck with your surgery, keep us informed as to how it all goes. Hugs Vicki

Fran. Don't know why they give us soooo many choices. Don't think I ever looked at them that close...but "moist heat" with an "electric" heating pad sounds dangerous.

Think I'd stick with dry heat. JMHO

Me too. My heating pad was my very best friend for many months after my surgery...it was very comforting.

I'd go with a simple, hi-med-lo heat thing, with maybe a washable removable cover. Moist heat sounds too complicated for a brain-foggy pampered princess to worry about...go with a "plain old".

I also got an herbal beanbag thingie online that was filled with lavender...you nuke it and it doubles as a tummy pillow...nicely heavy but not too heavy. I switched off between the two.

Karen

Hey Fran,

I found that my heating pad was my very best friend after my TAH. I used the standard electric heating pad w/ a low-med-high setting and found that using low and med heat worked best. The heat is very helpful to relieve gas pain and pressure and I also used it on my back alot as sitting and sleeping on my back for weeks really took it's toll.

Good luck with your surgery and I'll say prayers for you. Everything is going to be just fine... the waiting is the hardest part.

Claire

Hi Fran. I want to give you (and other LIW's) a little word of advise about heating pads. I used one in the hospital and it felt wonderful! When I got home, I couldnt wait to cut mine on. Heating pads, pain meds and a numb tummy can mean danger! I wish that someone had warned me (common sense didnt kick in) that if I were going to use one, to MAKE SURE it is on a low setting. I ended up with a bad second degree burn on my tummy. My doc freaked out and said he had never seen anything like that before! He said he would warn his patients from now on! He referred me to a plastic surgeon and luckily I didnt have to have skin graphed, but if I hadnt realized I had burnt myself when I did, it could have been alot worse. I never felt a thing, so please, please be careful. I still have a scar and probably always will. I guess its a good thing I am past the bikini stage!
Take care and dont do what I did!!!!
Peace and Love!
MB

Marybeth and Everyone,

Thanks for all of the advice on heating pads. Marybeth, I will definately listen and only use the low setting.

This site is truly remarkable. My dh is even checking in to see what he needs to know. I had gotten a few library books on hysterectomy but they were so outdated he wanted to hear what others had experienced. I'm very fortunate in that he cares.

Have a wonderful New Year's. Thank you all for being there for me during this time when I am so confused and scared.

:usflag:

When using heating pad that has herbal stuff in it or bean like stuff, always also as well as the pad, put a cup of water in the microwave to, this absorbs moisture and will stop the pad being burnt. Hugs

...and another thing about using a heating pad, along the lines of avoiding burns, as well as DR recommendation: do not use for prolonged amount of time. My DR says 20 minutes on, 20 or more minutes off....

P. S. Moist heat is widely recommended for joint pain-

I know that it is not the popular belief around here but ICE pack for first 2 days worked really well for me. Heat tends to increase swelling right after any injury or surgery. Increased swelling=increased pain. I learned this when I worked in oral surgeons office and it did work for me. Now at 9 days post I find heating pad a great comfort for painful GAS, OUCH, Who would have thought!! Good luck getting the rest of your trousseau ready Remember petroleum free chapstick.