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Surgery

Recovering at Home after Gynecological Surgery

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woman relaxing on couch

After you leave the hospital following your procedure, you will continue healing at home. The amount of time it takes to heal will depend on the type of surgery you had. Your surgeon will give you an idea of how long it will take you to recover.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when recovering at home after gynecological surgery:

  • The area around your incision may be numb. This should go away over several months.

  • You may have some pain or discomfort. Your care team can suggest ways to deal with this.

  • You may need more rest after surgery, but you’ll be able to do more each day.

  • You may have some bleeding or discharge from your vagina or incision. Your surgeon will tell you how much to expect and how long it could last.

  • You may be asked to avoid putting anything in your vagina after surgery (tampons, douche, vaginal sex). Follow the instructions provided by your surgeon.

If you’re having anesthesia and/or sedation you’ll need an adult to take you home and stay with you overnight. For the first 24 hours after surgery:

  • Plan to relax and take it easy.

  • Don’t make any important or legal decisions.

  • Don’t drive or use machines at home or at work.

  • Don’t drink alcohol.

  • Drink clear liquids first. If you don’t feel sick to your stomach, slowly add solid food. You should be able to eat your usual food by the day after surgery.

Bathing and Hygiene

Once your surgeon says you may shower, please follow these tips:

  • Shower daily. Gently soap your belly and let the soapy water run over the incision. Don’t rub.

  • Pat to dry. Dry all areas fully, including any folds in the belly area.

  • You don’t need to re-cover the wound.

Pain

It is common to have some pain and cramping when you go home. Take pain medicine as needed. Do not wait for the pain to become strong before taking pain medicine. Follow the directions that came with your pain medicine. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or naprosyn (Aleve) with food and a full glass of water. This will reduce stomach upset.

While taking narcotic (opioid) pain medicine:

  • Don’t take pain medicine if you have no pain or your pain is mild and tolerable.

  • Don’t drive or use heavy machinery. You may re-start driving and operating machinery after you have stopped taking narcotics, and you feel safe to do so.

  • Don’t make important or legal decisions.

  • If you have nausea, vomiting or a rash, stop the medicine and call your doctor.

  • Opioid pain medicines can cause constipation.

  • When coughing or sneezing, you may want to hug a pillow for added support if you had surgery on your belly. This may reduce pain.

  • If you had laparoscopic surgery: You may feel some mild pain in your belly, chest, or shoulder within the first 48 hours. This is due to the gas (CO2) used during the surgery. The pain will pass quickly as the gas is absorbed. For relief, take your pain medicine and lie flat.

Diet

  • You may eat your normal diet unless told otherwise.

  • Foods that are high in protein (fish, meat, poultry, soy, dairy and beans) may help you heal faster.

  • Foods that are high in fiber (prunes, vegetables, fruits and grains) can help prevent constipation (trouble pooping). Constipation is common after surgery, especially if you take opioid pain medicines.

Constipation

If you become constipated (trouble pooping), try the options listed below as needed.

  • Take stool softeners as needed, such as Colace.

  • Milk of Magnesia: 30ml (2 tablespoons) twice a day

  • Metamucil: 2 tablespoons mixed with 12 ounces of liquid

If you’re told to use a laxative, try the following options:

  • Senokot-S

  • Dulcolax oral or suppositories

  • Miralax every day as needed

You can stop if you are pooping regularly or if you start having diarrhea (watery poop). Call our office if you have not had a bowel movement for 2 days.

Follow-Up Visits

You may need to see your surgeon for a check-up. This varies by the type of surgery you had. If you need to return, your surgeon will let you know when. Please call your surgeon’s office to make a follow-up appointment.

Contact MetroPartners OBGYN

If you have any questions about your specific gynecological surgery, it’s best to consult your provider. Give MetroPartners OBGYN a call and schedule an appointment today if you are in need of gynecological surgery.