Gyn Surgery After Care

• Rest as much as possible during the first 2 weeks after the procedure.
• Avoid heavy lifting (anything > 10-20 lbs for 4 weeks)
• You may walk as much as you tolerate (don’t push it the first 1-2 weeks)
• You may do stairs as much as you tolerate (don’t push it the first 1-2 weeks)
• You may shower or bathe as preferred.  No hot tubs or swimming pools for 4 weeks. 
• You may resume normal diet right away (be mindful of constipation, which is common after surgery)
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily 
• Constipation is very common and can increase pain.  Please see the Constipation Protocol
• If you have an incision clean with soap and water
• If you have an incision remove dressings after 24 hours.  Your incision does not need to be covered
• If you have steri-strips on your incision, remove after 5-7 days.
• If you had a bladder repair or urethral sling, please refer to Self-Catheterization instructions as needed
• Nothing in the vagina for 6 weeks (tampons/intercourse/douche)
• If you use vaginal Estrogen cream, you may resume after two weeks
• Some vaginal bleeding may occur after surgery.  This should be light and improve weekly.
• Alternate your narcotic and Motrin pain medicine so that you get a medicine every 4 hours, but each only every 8 hours.
• As soon as possible, substitute Tylenol for the narcotic medicine, and wean off the narcotic medication.
• Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking the narcotic pain medication.

in addition:

• Frequent or urgent urination
• Burning sensation with urination
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Redness or pus at any incision
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge
• Persistent diarrhea