ICE

Can I use ice to help reduce the swelling after LBL?

Thanks,
Jon

It really depends on your doctor.  Mine said no to that, but that was after I was already doing some!  It really just takes time, I'm 3 months out and its still swollen and definitely still numb too.  Try the natural remedies like pineapple, bromaline (someone else can tell you if that's the way its spelled), massage when you're released for it, etc.  Wear your binders, even when you're released, wear them at night..it does help the swelling!

They say you can use a bag of frozen peas. 

Thanks for the responses!

I remember hearing something a while ago about ice and could not remember if it was pro or con. I was really swollen and sore earlier this evening.

I am not sure if it was the ice or the vicoden but I am feeling better now.

I used it every day a few times a day - Just dont leave it directly on the skin or on for over 20 minutes - especially if you have numb areas (danger of frostbite, etc). This is what my doctor told me. It was a lifesaver, I couldn't sleep without icing certain areas first (my outer hips, lower stomach around the incision, etc).

Good luck!

Cass

I used an ice pack over my t-shirt and binder but be careful and not  leave it on very long because it can cause frost bite since you're numb and can't feel your skin. Debi