2. Post-Surgery

P.R.I.C.E. Part II

The P.R.I.C.E. protocol was implemented in my recovery;

• I awoke from surgery to find my leg wrapped and Protected.

• I was lying in bed therefore, I was at Rest.

• I was wearing a Compression boot with my leg slightly Elevated on the bed.

• No Ice yet as the pain medication was doing its job. But now was not the time for overconfidence.

Ice became my friend as the medication began to wear off. A cold pack wrapped in a towel (to protect the leg) was placed around my knee as needed and helped considerably, as long as I remembered to remove the compression sleeve.

One of the best things you can do for yourself before surgery is to have ice packs waiting for you in the freezer when you return home

Do It Yourself Gel Ice Pack

You can purchase reusable gel ice packs at your local pharmacy, medical supply store, or Amazon. You can also make them at home if you are unable to obtain an ice therapy machine or commercial ice packs.

Here is a recipe for making Gel Ice Packs:

1. Take gallon-sized freezer bags and double them up, placing one inside the other for protection against leaking.

2. Measure about 8 cups of tap water and pour that into the doubled-bag.

3. Then measure out 2 cups of rubbing alcohol and add this to the water in the bag. Add a drop of blue food coloring if desired.

4. Squeeze out all the air in the inner freezer bag and seal, and then do the same for the outer freezer bag.

5. Place it in the freezer.

It will take about 8 hours for your bag to freeze to a usable gel. Once you use a bag and it thaws, refreeze for future use. Having at least 5 or 6 bags in the freezer will assure you a constant supply of this most necessary pain reducer.