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Ice machines for knee replacements?
What machine worked best for you?
I’ll need to buy or borrow one from friends. I’m sure I’ll want to use the frozen pop bottle method for cooling.
I’m looking for a moderately priced one. The surgeon doesn’t provide one.
I'm getting ready for the knee replacement! Thanks!
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Thank you for your response.
Insurance paid for my machines. The last two were sent home with me as I was told they could not be used on other patients. I assume for sanitation and health reasons.
I do the small Dixie cups like you see at water fountains. Fill with water and freeze. Push them out of the cup and into the water. Not much ice required. As many frozen cups as you want. Fill the cups up and do it all over again.
I now have another possibility. I live in a senior coop and two of my neighbors have offered to lend me their ice machines. After hesitating I think this is what I’ll plan to do along with having cold packs.
I don’t think the hospital will send me home with a machine but if they do I’ll take it!
My knees were done 12 years ago & didn't have an ice machine. I just recently had my shoulders replaced. The first one I had to go hunting for an ice machine not even 24 hours post op. It was so worth it. I used a similar thing but instead of pop bottles I used blue gel bricks like you would use in a cooler. I had enough to have one batch in the machine plus 2 sets in the freezer as they take longer to freeze. Those plus water was wonderful in helping with the
pain. 7 months later when I had my other shoulder done (at a different hospital) they sent me home with a machine. The brand i used is DonJoy. Just make sure to measure the ice chamber so you can fit the right number of ice blocks in it. Mine took 2 medium bricks. Put in the freezer ahead of time so it was ready to go when I got home!!!
You shouldn’t have to buy or borrow an ice therapy device. You should have one given to you by the hospital. The hospital includes the cost of the machine in their charges but you don’t get billed for it. Check with the hospital where you’ll have your surgery.
The machines are not covered by insurance so don’t go buy one, even if you have an order from your doctor. Hope your surgery goes well.
If the surgery is performed as an out-patient in the doctor's facility, would you still be entitled to an ice machine?
They should still give you one but it’s best to call and ask.
When I had my pre op physical today my primary care doc recommended that the hospital give me an ice machine. Since it will be one night in the hospital maybe they will. Otherwise I’ll borrow one.
It helped that I requested a machine.
I highly recommend Omni Ice™ Pulse Compression Cooler & Knee Pad.