POST-OPERATIVE SHEET

C-Section, Hysterectomy, Laparoscopic and Abdominal Surgery

Keep your post-operative checkup appointment as scheduled.

  • 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.
  • Take medications as prescribed by your physician.
  • You may shower, but don’t rub the incision. ONLY REMOVE DRESSINGS as directed by your doctor.
  • Avoid strenuous activity at home; you may wash dishes and do light cooking only.
  • 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.
  • NO EXERCISE UNTIL CLEARED by your doctor.
  • NO SEX UNTIL CLEARED by your doctor.
  • Rest frequently; take a nap each day for 1-2 hours the first 2-3 weeks after going home.
  • Driving:

 C-Section, Abdominal Hysterectomy: Wait 2 weeks

 Laparscopic sugery, laparscopic/robotic hysterectomy: Right away BUT WAIT 3 hours AFTER TAKING ANY NACROTICS before driving and try to limit trips to less than 30 minutes of driving for 2 weeks

THINGS TO AVOID

  • No tampons, douching or intercourse till cleared
  • No heavy lifting (over 15 pounds) till cleared
  • No exercising other than walking or usual light household activity

Normal Course After Surgery

  • Incision may be tender for 3-4 weeks, but usually no drainage.
  • You may have vaginal bleeding/discharge for up to 5-8 weeks.
  • You may have slight headaches for 3-4 weeks.
  • You may have aches in pelvic area for 3-4 weeks.
  • You may have swelling around the rectum or vagina for 2-3 weeks.
  • You may have pressure when urinating.
  • You may be very tired and easily fatigued for the first 3-4 weeks.
  • You may have numbness (loss of feeling) around the incision for 12 weeks or longer.
  • Expect swollen legs after a cesarean (dependent swelling).

Danger Signs

Call the office for any of the following:

  • Temperature of 100.4 or greater.
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Severe pain, unrelieved by normal medication.
  • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or chest pain.
  • Painful or burning urination or severe back pain.
  • Drainage or pus from the wound.
  • Foul smelling vaginal discharge