Short Term Post Operative Care Following Prolapse Surgery

Keep Hydrated

Drink between 6 to 8 glasses of fluids per day, at least half of this being water. This promotes good bladder and bowel function.

Avoid Straining

Usually up to 6 weeks post op.

For the first 2 weeks following your surgery it is important that you do nothing. You can potter around the house and make cups of tea but nothing more.

After 4 weeks and up to 6 weeks post op you can start to walk and do gentle exercises. Increase slowly as you feel comfortable.

As a guide you can:

• Place small items of clothing on the line, but do not carry the washing basket.
• Go shopping and place small items in the trolley, but have someone with you to push the trolley.
• Chop vegies and stir food on the stove but avoid standing for long periods.

Do not place anything in your vagina until your post op visit and cleared by your surgeon, i.e. no intercourse, tampons, etc.

Have adequate pain relief

This will make activities of daily living easier, allow you to walk and thus prevent blood clots and other complications.

Clots

After surgery, you are still at risk of having a blood clot if you do not stay active. You need to keep your anti-embolism stockings on for 14 days post op for the same reason.

Blood thinning self-injections are usually required for 5 days post op.

Recommence Aspirin, Plavix, Warfarin, Marevin, Coumadin or any other blood thinning medications one week post-op or as directed by Professor Maher.

Wound Care

You may have a small cut on either side of your groin area near your vagina. This area can be washed gently in the shower and left uncovered. Report any redness, offensive discharge or wound pain not relieved by analgesia to your doctor or GP.

Check with your insurance company to see if you are covered while driving. Some companies will not cover you if you have an accident within a certain time after surgery.

However a rule of thumb is, if you can apply your brake heavily in an emergency, able to easily turn the steering wheel and turn to either side to check traffic, you can usually resume driving. This takes at least a couple of weeks.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guideline only and reflects the consensus of the author/s, at the time of publication. The sources used are believed to be reliable and in no way replace consultation with a health professional.