Legacy Obstetrics & Gynecology

MAJOR SURGICAL POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS.

For the next several weeks you will be recovering from having had a major surgical operation. While you are convalescing at home, please keep the following few things in mind. If you have any problems or questions please do not hesitate to call the office.

ACTIVITY : During the first two (2) weeks after your discharge from the hospital, your activities need to be restricted. You may bathe, shower and wash you hair. No heavy lifting, bending or prolonged standing. Do not drive a car. Just rest and relax. After the first two (2) weeks you may gradually resume your normal routine. No exercise until you return for you follow-up exam.

PAIN : After your operation you will experience some pain and discomfort. Upon your discharge from the hospital you will be given a prescription for pain medication. If your pain is not severe, Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) may be sufficient.

DIET : Before you leave the hospital you will be on a regular diet. You may continue with this after you go home, however, you may want to avoid gas forming foods. If gas pains occur you may take Mylicon chew tabs. For constipation, a mild laxative or prune juice should be sufficient.

WOUND CARE : If your surgery was abdominal your incision was either closed with staples or sutures. If the incision was closed with staples, then you need to return to the office in one (1) week to have the staples removed if not removed in the hospital. If your incision was closed with sutures, then these will dissolve and no return office visit before 6 weeks is necessary. The clear dressing and steri-strips covering the incision should be removed in one (1) week after you go home. If you notice any drainage you may clean the incision with hydrogen peroxide. If any redness or swelling occurs please call the office.

INTERCOURSE : Avoid intercourse until after your six (6) week check-up. You should not insert anything into the vagina. Unless you were given a prescription to insert a vaginal cream, no tampons, jellies or douching should be used until after your post-op exam.

VAGINAL DISCHARGE : Depending upon the type of surgery that you had there maybe some vaginal bleeding which may last up to four (4) or six (6) weeks. If the bleeding becomes excessively heavy please call the office. You may also experience a heavy discharge. This is normal after some major operations. If your discharge has an odor, please call for a prescription to treat this.

RETURN APPOINTMENT : After your discharge please call the office and make an appointment for your post-op check-up. Please try to make your appointment with the physician who performed your surgery.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS : Notify your doctor immediately if any of the following occur :

Fever equal to or above 100.4 F.
Heavy vaginal bleeding.
Persistent and Prolonged pain.
Redness, swelling or pus formation from your incision.

The office number is 404-284-3200

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