When you go home
Each person’s recovery time may be a bit different.
You may feel shoulder tip pain (from trapped gas), abdominal pain/cramping, and/or vaginal spotting after surgery. These symptoms should improve with time. If you start to feel worse, you should seek medical attention.
You can shower 48 hours after your surgery. Do not scrub your incisions. Pat them gently to dry.
Avoid applying creams/ointments unless prescribed and leave the incisions uncovered (i.e. avoid bandages and tight clothing).
Skin tapes (steri-strips) should be removed 7 days after surgery. Do not worry if they fall off on their own.
If your incisions were closed with staples, these will be removed within 2 weeks by your medical team.
Numbness along the scars is normal and usually resolves several months after surgery.
Most people feel well by 2 weeks and are usually fully recovered by 6 weeks after surgery.
You can increase your activity levels gradually. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 6 weeks.
Avoid baths, swimming, and anything in the vagina (including penetrative sex) for at least 6 weeks.
Pain medications
You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) AND ibuprofen (Advil) OR naproxen (Aleve) for pain relief. Additional stronger pain medications may also be prescribed by your medical team. If your pain is not adequately managed with these pain medications, you should let your doctor know.
Heat packs
You can apply heat to your abdomen. This improves blood flow and helps relieve pain.
Relaxation techniques
Imagery, music, and rest are other ways to help relieve pain.
You should call your care provider if you experience:
Heavy vaginal bleeding (requiring 1 pad per hour)
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Nausea or vomiting
Fever (Temperature over 38 degrees Celsius)
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Pain, redness, or swelling in one or both legs
Severe pain that is not improved with medications
Signs of infections at incisions (pain, redness, or pus)
Painful or frequent urination
If you cannot reach your surgeon or it is after-hours, please present to the emergency room, preferably at the centre where you had your surgery.
Your doctor will schedule a follow up after the procedure. At this visit they will ask about your recovery and review the pathology results.
Depending on the final pathology, you may require additional treatments or surgery.