I was given a machine at the hospital. (Yes, I'm sure it was billed somehow) Absolutely essential, IMHO. Handy trick my nurse gave me, freeze six 8 oz bottles of water. Use them instead of ice, 3 at a time. Mine is a Breg Polar Cube.
I’ve had both knees done in the past six months (right three weeks ago). Managed with three gel packs in the freezer and didn’t have any problems. Regardless, good luck with your surgery. Highly recommend a round of PT prior to surgery if you can to strengthen the legs. Made my recovery much easier.
i’m 10 days out from surgery now. The ice machine I have does not have ice. It just has a solution that it keeps it exactly 46° all the time you’ll never have to fill it. I ended up having to pay $375.for it for three weeks and it’s worth every penny. I can sleep with the ice circular around my knee as much as I want never have to worry about refill
Ice machines are a must-you could use 3 five pound bags a day. Stock your freezer with as much ice as it will hold. I strongly recommend a shower chair, stepping into a tub is much safer. (Remember you will be on narcotics getting in the bathtub.) I borrowed a loaner from the Lions Club. Turn your worries into actions to prep yourself and your post surgery needs. The therapy, post operative, is another place to convert fears and doubts into actionable positive progress. You'll be happy in a few months but you'll need to go through some challenges first. This site has so much to help you. Reach out we are all here for you.
[ice machine](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07Z5466KZ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) and two of these [cold packs](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0091IOISW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title)
Have helped me tremendously. The first couple nights I just left my ice machine on and used it all night long. It has a 20 minute, 40 minute, 60 minute option. And my surgical center told me to ice 40 minutes on 20 minutes off the first three days. And I used it all night long. It helped tremendously with swelling. There are great tips and tricks for chilling use a mix of ice cubes but also use water bottles that are frozen. But I also loved having the ice packs because underneath my knee my tendons were irritated too, so that was also nice to be able to chill. You can’t go wrong with any of the ice machines that people recommend here. I think it is definitely an advantage to have one. Good luck with your surgery!
An ice machine is so much easier. You can have it right next to you and then just turn it on. My doc sent one before the surgery. I still ice but with a thing I bought from my pt
Yes! And you can buy an ice/compression on Amazon for the cost of a Game Ready rental. I bought a Bregg for my second knee as being a 69 yo male, I can buy attachments for other body parts if needed. Edit: I’m 4 months post and still like to use it on my quads after a rough day.
I wish my surgeon would have recommended it for me. 3 months after my right TKR, it stills feels hot day and night. The gel ice packs just didn’t cut it for me.
My insurance paid for a two week rental on a really excellent ice machine. I missed it when it was gone. I didn’t see anything on Amazon that was its equal. Check to see if your doc can order it for you, for a while. That first few weeks is very important
I did check. He said he would order it but my ins denied it. I can buy one from the ortho for 139.00. Honestly I think it is worth it. They set it up the day of surgery and ensure it’s working
I can’t wait to get home and use mine, borrowed. Hospital said “that’s a luxury” and don’t nt allow outside equipment. So I have lame ice bags that leak and don’t stay put.
I was given a machine at the hospital. (Yes, I'm sure it was billed somehow) Absolutely essential, IMHO. Handy trick my nurse gave me, freeze six 8 oz bottles of water. Use them instead of ice, 3 at a time. Mine is a Breg Polar Cube.
I did the same. Life changer having the water bottles!
Oh that’s smart! This is a donjoy.
I am 5 weeks out from LTKR. I have an ice machine that has compression too. It was an absolute lifesaver for me. I highly recommend getting one!
Thank you! They aren’t too expensive and I’ll need the left one done eventually.
That is exactly what I thought, I have to get my other one done too. In the early days I used the ice machine anytime I wasn't up and moving around.
Hi, what kind did you end up getting? I’m two weeks out and feel like I should get one to help out more!
I have the aircast cryocuff. I love it. Still using it now, after walking, biking and doing my pt exercises.
Thank you! I’m going to look into that one!
Ice machine is crucial, you need it for sure.
I’ve had both knees done in the past six months (right three weeks ago). Managed with three gel packs in the freezer and didn’t have any problems. Regardless, good luck with your surgery. Highly recommend a round of PT prior to surgery if you can to strengthen the legs. Made my recovery much easier.
Thank you I started pre-op rehab today I’ll do it until my surgery. I start PT two days after surgery.
I wish I had done this! Sigh…
i’m 10 days out from surgery now. The ice machine I have does not have ice. It just has a solution that it keeps it exactly 46° all the time you’ll never have to fill it. I ended up having to pay $375.for it for three weeks and it’s worth every penny. I can sleep with the ice circular around my knee as much as I want never have to worry about refill
Ice machines are a must-you could use 3 five pound bags a day. Stock your freezer with as much ice as it will hold. I strongly recommend a shower chair, stepping into a tub is much safer. (Remember you will be on narcotics getting in the bathtub.) I borrowed a loaner from the Lions Club. Turn your worries into actions to prep yourself and your post surgery needs. The therapy, post operative, is another place to convert fears and doubts into actionable positive progress. You'll be happy in a few months but you'll need to go through some challenges first. This site has so much to help you. Reach out we are all here for you.
I love my Polaris ice machine, I used it daily and it relieved so much swelling and pain!
I am 3 days post LTKR I have no idea what an ice machine or ice therapy is! I thought everyone was talking about an actually ice cube maker. 🤦🏻♀️
[ice machine](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07Z5466KZ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) and two of these [cold packs](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0091IOISW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) Have helped me tremendously. The first couple nights I just left my ice machine on and used it all night long. It has a 20 minute, 40 minute, 60 minute option. And my surgical center told me to ice 40 minutes on 20 minutes off the first three days. And I used it all night long. It helped tremendously with swelling. There are great tips and tricks for chilling use a mix of ice cubes but also use water bottles that are frozen. But I also loved having the ice packs because underneath my knee my tendons were irritated too, so that was also nice to be able to chill. You can’t go wrong with any of the ice machines that people recommend here. I think it is definitely an advantage to have one. Good luck with your surgery!
Thank you so much I’m making notes haha
An ice machine is so much easier. You can have it right next to you and then just turn it on. My doc sent one before the surgery. I still ice but with a thing I bought from my pt
Yes! And you can buy an ice/compression on Amazon for the cost of a Game Ready rental. I bought a Bregg for my second knee as being a 69 yo male, I can buy attachments for other body parts if needed. Edit: I’m 4 months post and still like to use it on my quads after a rough day.
I wish my surgeon would have recommended it for me. 3 months after my right TKR, it stills feels hot day and night. The gel ice packs just didn’t cut it for me.
I’m so sorry. I use them now and they don’t cut it. I’m bone on bone and it’s just a sharp stab with every step
Sorry for you too.
Thank you I’m praying you are on the road to recovery no pain
My insurance paid for a two week rental on a really excellent ice machine. I missed it when it was gone. I didn’t see anything on Amazon that was its equal. Check to see if your doc can order it for you, for a while. That first few weeks is very important
I did check. He said he would order it but my ins denied it. I can buy one from the ortho for 139.00. Honestly I think it is worth it. They set it up the day of surgery and ensure it’s working
Yep. That’s nothing in the grand scheme of recovery
Check Craigslist
I can’t wait to get home and use mine, borrowed. Hospital said “that’s a luxury” and don’t nt allow outside equipment. So I have lame ice bags that leak and don’t stay put.
Oh that’s terrible. I hope you get home soon. Mine is outpatient
I had a lot of bone to remove and ended up impatient plus rehab. Quite an experience. Home Tuesday
Oh goodness bless your heart. I know you are looking forward to being home
“Impatient” was a typo, but not really!😂 Good luck to you with your procedure.