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So what do you do for the first 3 days on back? For instance...are you in so much pain that you just squirm around? No appetite? Watch TV to side-track you from the discomfort of the first 3 days? Stay loopy from your pain meds? How much sleep do you get?

Everyone is different. I think I was worse than the majority since some few don't even need pain meds. First of all, it is not a kidney stone attack so you will not be writhing in pain. Next, the pain meds do not make you "loopy",. They reduce pain and constipate you IF YOU DO NOT TAKE LOTS OF STOOL SOFTENER (one for every single pain pill).

So, watch tv, read, use your handheld phone or tablet to post here on FT and let us know how it is going.

Good luck!

Great question. Being a wuss I have been thinking past the recovery period, but I certainly want to be prepared to minimize opportunities for pain and discomfort. What are some of the other recommended items? My Dr said to have bags of frozen peas and underwear to hold everything snugly. I think that they send me home in a jock strap with a hole in it. Hmmm, where does the hole go?

andrew1959nj wrote:Great question. Being a wuss I have been thinking past the recovery period, but I certainly want to be prepared to minimize opportunities for pain and discomfort. What are some of the other recommended items? My Dr said to have bags of frozen peas and underwear to hold everything snugly. I think that they send me home in a jock strap with a hole in it. Hmmm, where does the hole go?

So, I used frozen peas and corn but I have since discovered that dried beans (like from a bulk food store) in an odd sock is best. The peas or corn thaws every time you use them. After a while they start to freeze in one big chunk which is no good for a round area.

Larry

Thanks, Larry. How many socks of frozen dry beans should I have ready?

I used three different size ice bags, got from amazon. smaller ones worked great in tight spots and never turned into block of ice.

Dirt man. Wow! I'm ordering those. I was wondering how cold they get.

My problem was I had so much bandage and padding not much of the cold got through. After three days Dr. Eid orders patients to stop ice and use only hot soaks.

These ice bags are great. No mess, no having to remember to put them back in the freezer. As a tip, just put the ice in, put a little water in to transfer the cold and to give good coverage no matter how you shape it. Push the air out so the water comes up close to the brim and screw the lid on. It is surprising how great they work.
https://www.amazon.com/AZMED-Ice-Bag-Re ... +bag&psc=1

You can also use them on the way home from the Hospital or motel if you stay out of town. Just hit the ice machine at the motel or any fast food place.

The pain wasn't that bad. There is discomfort and maybe some sharp pain when you move a certain way but it's not crippling. You just have to be careful getting out of bed, walking down stairs, etc. Just take it easy and don't overdo it.

Cold works for some, heat worked for me. Soaking in a hot bath gave blessed relief to what was an, ahem, difficult period. It all gets better eventually, though. Much, much better.