1. Keep your post-operative checkup appointment as scheduled.
2. Avoid constipation: Eat high fiber, prunes or drink prune juice daily. Take Miralax once or twice a day or Colace 100 mg twice a day till you have few normal bowel movements, and then stop.
3. Take medications as prescribed by your physician.
4. You may shower, but don’t rub the incision. ONLY REMOVE DRESSINGS as directed by your doctor.
5. Avoid strenuous activity at home; you may wash dishes and do light cooking only.
6. You may take 1-2 tablets of Tylenol every 4 hours for pain, or 600 mg of Motrin (ibuprofen) every 6 hours, or pain medication as prescribed by your physician.
7. NO EXERCISE UNTIL CLEARED by your doctor.
8. NO SEX UNTIL CLEARED by your doctor.
9. Rest frequently; take a nap each day for 1-2 hours for the first 2-3 weeks after going home.
10. Driving Instructions:
For C-Section, Abdominal Hysterectomy: Wait 2 weeks
For Laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic/robotic hysterectomy: Right away BUT WAIT 3 HOURS AFTER TAKING ANY NARCOTICS before driving and try to limit trips to less than 30 minutes of driving for 2 weeks.
THINGS TO AVOID
1. No tampons, douching or intercourse until cleared.
2. No heavy lifting (over 15 pounds) until cleared.
3. No exercising other than walking or usual light household activity.
Normal Course After Surgery
1. Incision may be tender for 3-4 weeks, but usually no drainage.
2. You may have vaginal bleeding/discharge for up to 5-8 weeks.
3. You may have slight headaches for 3-4 weeks.
4. You may have aches in pelvic area for 3-4 weeks.
5. You may have swelling around the rectum or vagina for 2-3 weeks.
6. You may have pressure when urinating.
7. You may be very tired and easily fatigued for the first 3-4 weeks.
8. You may have numbness (loss of feeling) around the incision for 12 weeks or longer.
9. Expect swollen legs after a cesarean (dependent swelling).
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE for any of the following:
1. Temperature of 100.4 or greater.
2. Heavy bleeding
3. Severe pain, unrelieved by normal medication.
4. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or chest pain.
5. Painful or burning urination or severe back pain.
6. Drainage or pus from the wound.
7. Foul smelling vaginal discharge