Ice pack yes or no

Etherize, if you have lymphedema, you want to avoid extremes of temperature--you don't have lymmphedema and you're in pain, and pain increases lymph flow, so the most important thing is to get you comfortable.

If the ice pack helps, just wrap it in a towel and try and use it for about 20 minutes at a time.

Hope this passes quickly.

Kira

Etherize, extreme cold, for prolonged times could trigger swelling, but just don't over do it.

From the NLN risk reduction guidelines:

Extremes of Temperature
• Avoid exposure to extreme cold, which can be associated with rebound swelling,
or chapping of skin
• Avoid prolonged (greater than 15 minutes) exposure to heat, particularly hot tubs
and saunas
• Avoid placing limb in water temperatures above 102°Fahrenheit (38.9°Celsius)

http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/positionPapers.htm

Hope you're feelng better--pain isn't good for you.

Kira