Hysterectomy
Gynecology & Obstetrics
Out-Patient Vaginal Hysterectomy
The following are general guidelines I have put together to assist you postoperatively. Please remember, your common sense judgment is your best guide.
1. Record your temperature every four hours for two days.
2. If your temperature is greater than 100.6 degrees, please call.
3. Drink at least six glasses of liquid during the first 24 hours after surgery.
4. Begin a regular diet after 24 hours. If you have nausea you can take Dramamine or Benadryl and chew with a small amount of water.
5. Have a support person to assist and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
6. Refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least two weeks.
7. Do not drive for at least one week and until you can turn quickly and do not require sedative pain medication.
8. No douching of vaginal intercourse for four weeks.
9. Please notify me if you develop vaginal bleeding heavier than a menstrual period, persistent nausea, vomiting, or pain not relieved by your medication.
10. You may contact me by calling (727) 669-6242 (this will automatically call forward to the answering service if the office is closed).
11. Please call 9 am. on the morning following surgery to discuss you progress.
12. You may return to work as soon as you are capable, usually two weeks.
13. Please call the office to schedule a follow-up visit approximately four weeks from the date of your surgery.
14. Please try to avoid constipation. Stool softeners such as MIRALAX- DAILY, Metamucil, Pericolace, or Doxidan two to three times per day will usually be preventative if taken in advance. Also, Milk of Magnesia, two tablespoons at bedtime, may be useful.
15. A thick yellow vaginal discharge is typical starting in the second through fifth weeks post-operation.
16. I welcome hearing from you with any questions you may have.