POST OPERATIVE INFORMATION

1. Our telephone is answered 24 hours a day. If you have a problem, please call the office.

2. You may eat whatever appeals to you.

3. Take your medications as ordered. You may resume any medications you were taking before surgery.

4. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and increase your fiber intake post-operatively. Take Fibercon 2 tablets twice a day or Citrucel/Metamucil. Add prune juice and fiber cereal.

5. Many have trouble with constipation after surgery. If you have this tendency buy Pericolace (generic is ok) take one daily; add Milk of Magnesia as needed. Begin fiber up to a week before surgery.

6. You may shower or bathe as you wish.

7. If you’ve had a hysterectomy, the vaginal drainage will continue for 6-8 weeks. It is usually minimal but may increase and become bright red as stitches dissolve 1-2 weeks after surgery. Call me if your bleeding is as heavy as a period. Please do not use tampons or place anything in the vagina until I see you back in the office.

8. It is normal to have feelings of occasional flushing and sweats after surgery. Please take your temperature mid-morning and mid-afternoon. If it is elevated over 100.4 degrees on two separate occasions call me.

9. If you have a cut in your abdomen, it is normal for it to be a little red and tender. If it becomes increasingly warm or hot, red or swollen call me. Also call me if it starts to drain. You may remove the steri-strips in 2-3 weeks or sooner if your skin is irritated from them.

10. You may gradually increase your activity, as you are able. DO NOT DRIVE while you are taking any pain medications. Once off pain medicine, if you are comfortable, it is o.k. to drive.

11. With most surgery you may resume sexual activity when you are comfortable. If you have had a hysterectomy or vaginal repair surgery, please do not have intercourse until I have examined you.

12. Surgery does demand a lot of your system. Don’t be surprised when you feel very fatigued for no apparent reason-take a nap. You will recover faster if you rest frequently and allow your body to use its energy to heal. I suggest that you refrain from “working-out” or any strenuous activity until I see you back in the office. Please DO NOT LIFT anything heavier than a hardback book if you had major surgery.

13. Please call the office the day after you get home to set-up your post-op appointment.

The following prescription medications have been given to you:

Antibiotics:

Ibuprofen: 600-800 mg four times a day with food.

Demerol (mepiridine) 1-3 tablets every three to six hours as needed.

Naprosyn (Naproxen): Take twice a day consistently. Take these with food.

Percoset (Roxicet): Take ½ tablet up to 2 tablets as needed for pain. You may take

these up to Every 3 hours if needed. These will make you more constipated.

Hormones.

If you listen to your body and follow the above suggestions, your recovery should be smooth and rapid.