Ice Packs

[Captain Jack]

Due to the recent surgery, I still have to ice my leg a couple of times a day. Has anyone traveled with the re-usable gel packs that are given to you from the hospital? Just wondering if they can get through security.

[jimg20]

The gel packs are unlikely to get on the plane as a carry-on. I am certain that they can go in checked bags.

JIM

[Diana2]

Gel packs are not allowed through security and must be checked.

[STX lady]

For all our ice pac needs, we use frozen peas! They can be reused many times & are usually more comfortable than anything else. Who can begrudge you a bag of peas???

[Barbara]

I like the peas idea. And then pack the gel packs. Plural. Cuz it takes awhile in the frig to get cold enuf to last. I will tell you this. IF you have to go to the hospital and clinic, no worries. They are so nice. While on island last week I developed a case of bladder pain. I thought for sure I had an infection. Crap, I thought. Right during vacation. Right in the middle of Vies Beach. I could feel it coming. So the B's and Jorge packed me up and took me to the clinic. I wasn't expecting much and boy was I wrong. Friendly staff at check-in. Only 15 minutes in the waiting room. Very sweet nurse practitioners, and a very nice doctor with good suggestions. Turns out I was negative on infection. Just a really bad case of worries about my job that starts on Monday. Darn it. But the doc was helpful and I was on my way in no time. Let's see what happens when I get the bill! That was my first time in the clinic. And very happy about it.

[bevm]

I always pack a Colpac....I had back surgery and still ice regularly. It's the only thing that helps with the pain...They have a website...throw it in your suitcase and it's available all week if needed. The peas just aren't cold enough for me and shift too much.
Glad you're ok Barbara! And nice to know the clinic did a good job. I've heard horror stories...Good luck with your new job, too! Are you leaving banking??

[Captain Jack]

Thanks for the updates. I'm not checking a bag so I was wondering if there was a place on STJ I could buy one. Peas are good, but like bevm, they do not get could enough and tend to press on the scar (still tender)I can make anything work if I have to, gel pack would be nice though. We travel light so I do not want to check a bag.
Captain Jack

[bevm]

Put a bunch of Ziploc bags in your carry-on. Crush up some ice and wrap a dish towel around it! Voila'!!

[SoulvilleUSA]

Bevm has it right. I have become a grand champion of ice-packing after 13 knee surgeries. I always used to carry around a ziplock or 2 in my pocket and pretty much any person at a restaurant or bar or any place with ice will fill it for you if you ask nicely. (never had anyone say no) ...even airline attendants while you are on the plane. Use freezer bags because they are thicker and tend to leak less. You can't go wrong with having a ziplock handy on the island as well for a variety of things.

[Patty]

I too had a very positive experience with the clinic last summer. I developed a bladder infection and they saw me on a Sunday morning. The doctor was great! They took my insurance card and I never got a bill for anything. I did get a bill from the lab in St. Thomas but it wasn't much. They have someone available by phone 24 hours.

[Barbara]

I ALWAYS care extra ziplock bags. 2 sizes. cuz i am always bringing stuff home. Muffins. Shells. Stuff. Thanks for asking about the job. Still in banking. Different bank. They called and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Ha! I started today and I already have off Wednesday cuz of Veterans day. So I'm gonna make a blackberry cobbler and wow them on Thursday.

[bevm]

It's nice to have a mid-week day off! Lots of luck with the new job!

[SS in NC]

Hi Captain Jack,

IMHO - the simpler the better...ziplock freezer bags and crushed ice. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE) 20 min on, 20 min off 20 min on again...depending where you need to apply the ice pack, toss the bag into a tee shirt and tie it off with an ace bandage (not good to apply directly to your skin) shouldn't take up much space at all in your carry on...best wishes for a speedy recovery. STJ is a good start! Scott