Major OB-GYN Post-Operative Instructions:

Please Follow These Instructions Carefully Upon Your Hosital Discharge

Warning Signs:

        Please call the office if, after arriving home you experience a sustained  fever greater than 100.5 degrees on two measurement 4 hours apart, pain that is not relieved by your prescribed pain medication, heavy bleeding greater than 1 full pad an hour, persistent vomiting, or a change in your bowel or bladder habits.

Activity:

       You may climb stairs if necessary, but limit your trips to 2-3 trips a day for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Morning and afternoon rest periods are advisable. Please restrict lifting to 8-10 lbs. until after your 6 week check-up. Unnecessary physical activity such as housework should be avoided until this time. You may drive a car after 2 weeks if you feel capable of doing so; however, do not plan trips until your check-up unless otherwise advised. If you have not had a hysterectomy or a large abdominal incision, you may resume driving after 3 days.

Bleeding:

       Intermittent vaginal bleeding may be present until your check-up. Please call if you have heavy bleeding, greater than 1 full pad an hour.

Bathing:

       Following abdominal surgeries, showers are preferred for the first 2 weeks to allow your incision time to heal. If you have had vaginal surgery, showers and tub baths are permitted at any time. You may find tub baths to be a comfort measure as well as a way to promote healing.

Bowels:

       Keep bowel movements soft by drinking large quanities of water and maintaining a good dietary intake of fruit and fiber. If necessary, use a laxative such as Citrucel, Metamucil, Dialose Plus, Colace or Surfak. All are available over-the -counter.

Bladder:

       To prevent infection and proper bladder care, drink large quanities of water and cranberry juice.

Diet:

       Regular foods including lean meat and green leafy vegetables are suggested. If your doctor recommends an iron supplement, any over-the-counter iron preparation may be used. A daily multivitamin is recommended.

Sexual Relations:

       You should not place anything in your vagina until after your check-up. This includes tampons, douching, or having intercourse.

Incisions:

        Your Incision (s) may be gently cleaned with antibacterial soap and water. Occasionally small area of redness may appear and drain a yellowish material. This is best treated by warm water soaks or cleaning gently with a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide and water mix (50/50). However, if the area of redness becomes larger or your incision has increasing tenderness or drainage, please call the office.

        If absorbable stitches have been used in your incision (s), they do not need to be removed. However, if they have not dissolved by your post op visit, they may need to be removed at that time.      

Support :

        A snug girdle or abdominal binder may be worn after surgery if desired. You may find this helpful following an abdominal surgery.

Post Operative Visit:

        Please call the office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for your 6-week post-op visit: 398-0193