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Please review this entire instruction sheet. |
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If you have concerns not covered on this sheet, you may call the Urogynecology nurse during normal clinic hours (573-875-9258). |
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For emergencies after clinic hours and on weekends, call the hospital operator and ask to speak with the Ob/Gyn physician on call. |
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What you SHOULD NOT DO after Prolapse Surgery
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You may not lift or strain for 3 months after surgery |
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You should not allow yourself to become constipated. Use anything you are comfortable with to avoid constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement within 3 days following surgery, it is alright to use any combination of enemas, suppositories, fiber supplements, stool softeners, and laxatives. |
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You should not have intercourse or place anything in your vagina (such as a tampon) until you see your doctor for a 6 week postoperative appointment. However, you should use any vaginal medications, such as estrogen cream, prescribed by your doctor. |
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You should not take a tub bath after surgery until you are no longer having vaginal bleeding. |
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What you SHOULD NOT DO after Incontinence Surgery
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You should never allow yourself to go more than 6 hours during the day without emptying your bladder (during the first 2 weeks after surgery). |
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You should not go to bed in the evening without emptying your bladder (during the first 2 weeks after surgery). |
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You should not do anything when you awaken in the morning until you empty your bladder (during the first 2 weeks after surgery). |
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You should not have sex or place anything in your vagina (such as a tampon) until you see your doctor for a 6 week postoperative appointment. However, you should use any vaginal medication, such as estrogen cream, prescribed by your doctor |
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You may not lift or strain for 6 weeks after surgery |
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You should not take a tub bath after surgery until you are no longer having vaginal bleeding |
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You should not allow yourself to become constipated. Use anything you are comfortable with to avoid constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement within 3 days following surgery, it is alright to use any combination of enemas, suppositories, fiber supplements, stool softeners, and laxatives |
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What you MAY DO after Prolapse & Incontinence Surgery
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You may walk, ride in a car, and climb stairs. |
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It is likely that you will feel well enough in the first few weeks after surgery to have dinner out, visit with friends, or even attend social events such as church services |
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You may shower anytime after surgery |
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You may return to your normal diet as quickly as you are comfortable doing so |
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You may drive a car when you are completely finished using pain medication and you feel as though you can respond to an emergent situation |
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You may return to work when released to do so by your surgeon |
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What you MUST DO after Prolapse & Incontinence Surgery
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Restart your routine medications such as medications you have been prescribed for high blood pressure or diabetes |
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What you can expect after Prolapse & Incontinence Surgery
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You will have light vaginal bleeding and spotting for up to two weeks after surgery |
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You will have mild to moderate pelvic and abdominal pain for several weeks after surgery |
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Transient episodes of nausea and lightheadedness are common in the first few days after surgery |
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If you are wearing a bladder catheter with a urine collection bag:
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Expect occasional bladder spasms that may be uncomfortable |
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Take any antibiotics prescribed by your doctor or the doctor who released you from the hospital |
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If you are using an “in and out” catheter program:
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Take any antibiotics prescribed by your doctor or the doctor who released you from the hospital |
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Always try to empty your bladder normally before you use the catheter. You should attempt to empty your bladder every 4 to 6 hours during the day. Each time you empty your bladder, pass the catheter into your bladder to make sure you are completely empty. Write down the amount of urine you emptied normally and the amount you emptied with the catheter. |
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When the amount of urine left in your bladder after urination is less than 100cc (3½ ounces), you may stop using your catheter |
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If you stop using your catheter and you cannot empty your bladder for 6 hours, start your catheter program again |
| Please call your doctor or the Urogynecology surgeon on call if: |
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You have a temperature (by oral thermometer) of 101° F or higher |
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You experience severe abdominal pain despite taking reasonable amounts of pain medication |
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You cannot tolerate food or drink |
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You experience heavy vaginal bleeding like a menstrual period |
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