Hysterectomy Post Operative Instructions

Hysterectomy Post Operative instructions

1. Schedule your post operative appointment for 10 days as soon as possible after you arrive home.
2. No heavy lifting, straining, vacuuming or reaching for 6 weeks.
3. No exercising for 6 weeks.
4. No driving for 2 weeks AND not taking narcotic pain meds.
5. Walking is o.k., eat a high fiber diet, take your usual medications.

Care of abdominal incision:

1. No tub baths/submersion for 2 weeks.
2. No swimming for 4 weeks.
3. Shower daily.
4. Clean incision 3 times a day with a mixture of 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 water.
5. Keep incision dry between cleanings.
6. It is normal for the incision to drain.
7. If incision swells with redness, is warm to touch, or has an odor, contact your doctor.

Vaginal care:

1. No douching or tampons for 6 weeks.
2. No intercourse (sex) for 6 weeks.
3. It is normal to experience some discharge and/or vaginal drainage for 2-4 weeks.
4. It is normal to experience some spotting in the post operative period (2-6 weeks) .

Warning signs:

1. Fever above 100.5 F.
2. Heavy abnormal vaginal bleeding.
3. Severe abdominal pain.
4. Severe nausea and vomiting.
5. Inability to urinate or have a bowel movement.