mms
new member
I've been reading and see that alot of you are still using the ice machine. I stopped about 2 wks ago and am wondering if I should go back to it. I am 6 wks post RTKR tomorrow. looking forward to learning from you.
ice?
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I am 5 weeks out from left TKR, and I still use my ice machine all of the time! I love the thing!!! I am using it right now, as I type! When I am feeling stiff and swollen, I use my ice!! It does feel better after I use it, and I find myself really looking forward to it! Good luck to you, and I hope it works for you too!!
Hess
Hess
mms
new member
Thanks I'll get it out of the box today!!
You guys are great and fast to reply
-Michele
You guys are great and fast to reply
-Michele
beachcomber
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Michele,
Ice is the best non-pharmaceutical pain control for your knee. At 6 1/2 months my knee sometimes swells and hurts and ice still helps! At 6 weeks I was still using it several times a day! There isn't much room in your knee for swelling to go and it causes pain and stiffness which will hold up your progress. Keep icing to keep that under control. Ice and elevate! You still have a long way to go.
Ice is the best non-pharmaceutical pain control for your knee. At 6 1/2 months my knee sometimes swells and hurts and ice still helps! At 6 weeks I was still using it several times a day! There isn't much room in your knee for swelling to go and it causes pain and stiffness which will hold up your progress. Keep icing to keep that under control. Ice and elevate! You still have a long way to go.
carolinagirl
senior
I use my ice machine ALL THE TIME!!!!!! And I do mean all the time.
I fact the only time I am not on it is when I am on the CPM machine. I have had minimal swelling, and I have been lucky with my pain meds. Of course I take one before PT. That is so far, the only one I take on a set schedule.
Usually the only other time I take the Vicodin is when I get ready for bed. I think it also helps me to rest better at night. I go to my OS Thursday and I think I will ask him about taking Meletonin (spelling?) a herbal sleep aide.
I fact the only time I am not on it is when I am on the CPM machine. I have had minimal swelling, and I have been lucky with my pain meds. Of course I take one before PT. That is so far, the only one I take on a set schedule.
Usually the only other time I take the Vicodin is when I get ready for bed. I think it also helps me to rest better at night. I go to my OS Thursday and I think I will ask him about taking Meletonin (spelling?) a herbal sleep aide.
DaleMc
junior member
I was told not to use ice more then 20 minutes out of every hour. What timeframe do you use?
Dale
Dale
Dale,
My PT says to use ice as often as I wish!! I sure hope it isn't 20 minutes every hour, because I usually go to sleep at night on ice, and wake up 4 hours later with it still on!! I'll turn into a popsicle!!!
Hess
edk
senior
Ice is never bad after exercise. Marathon runners take ice baths, pitchers ice
their pitching arms. Keeps things from swelling. If you get any swelling (or stiffness
is usually minor swelling) ice will help.
their pitching arms. Keeps things from swelling. If you get any swelling (or stiffness
is usually minor swelling) ice will help.
beachcomber
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I don't think there is a limit on ice time, especially right after injury or surgery--- IF your skin is properly protected from the cold. The hospital had my ice machine on 24 hrs a day while I was in there and I used it at night the first few nights at home too, then only off and on during the day. But that was over the top of my dressing.
My PT said if you really want to knock down inflammation (after the first few weeks post-op) to alternate 20 minutes on and off--- or even better to alternate heat and cold in 20 minute intervals. I believe that using heat too soon after injury/surgery can increase bleeding/bruising but after a while can help reduce inflammation and loosen up the area to make it easier to get rid of the "crud" that builds up as a result of the injury/healing process.
My PT said if you really want to knock down inflammation (after the first few weeks post-op) to alternate 20 minutes on and off--- or even better to alternate heat and cold in 20 minute intervals. I believe that using heat too soon after injury/surgery can increase bleeding/bruising but after a while can help reduce inflammation and loosen up the area to make it easier to get rid of the "crud" that builds up as a result of the injury/healing process.
Gretchendz
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I don't use a machine, but at 12 weeks post-op I still often ice (especially after PT!).
At first I HATED icing. I'd never done it in my life, and I found it strange and uncomfortable.
Now I see the benefits and when I overdo, or have PT, or start swelling for no apparent reason, I grab the ice bagt from the freezer.
By the way, maybe you all know this already, but the home PT and my hubby figured out that one should add some alchohol to the water in the bag. That way it never fully freezes. When I go to use the bag, it is a bit slushy and I can fit it around my knee better.
At first I HATED icing. I'd never done it in my life, and I found it strange and uncomfortable.
Now I see the benefits and when I overdo, or have PT, or start swelling for no apparent reason, I grab the ice bagt from the freezer.
By the way, maybe you all know this already, but the home PT and my hubby figured out that one should add some alchohol to the water in the bag. That way it never fully freezes. When I go to use the bag, it is a bit slushy and I can fit it around my knee better.
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