Post-Op Instructions for Gynecologic Patients
- Make sure that you take your pain medicine according to your doctor’s instructions. Do not wait until your pain is severe to take your medicine because it will be harder to control the pain. Pick up your pain medicine before surgery so you don’t have to do it when you aren’t feeling well.
- Eat lightly and according to your appetite in the beginning. Make sure you drink adequate fluids and are able to urinate.
- Make your follow-up appointment before your surgery. The first appointment is usually two weeks after surgery.
- If you have steri-strips on your incision, you can take them off after 5 to 7 days if they are bothering you. Otherwise, your doctor will remove them on your first post-op visit.
Make sure you know the warning signs of problems related to surgery. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Heavy bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Fever or chills
- Redness or discharge from incisions
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
