I haven’t tried ice packs I might give them ago. The pain at the beginning really wasn’t good, I felt like I couldn’t breath couse everything was so heavy and tight but I didn’t have strapping so not sure if it’s any different. The first 5 days I wasn’t able 2 do much at all but by day 6-7 I started doing as much as I could, after that I’ve had some really good days but also a few really bad days but ive got 2 boys and I’m a waitress so don’t think that’s helped my recovery. U will b fine but just make sure u take it easy whenever u can, some women don’t have any pain at all so u could b one of the lucky ones?X