1. Cesarean Section (C-Section)
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Your back may be sore for a few days from the spinal anesthesia that was used during surgery. If you had general anesthesia, your throat may be sore for a few days from the tube used to put you to sleep. You may also have abdominal and/or shoulder pain from gas that enters your abdomen from having an open surgery. These symptoms are not serious. They will go away within a few days.
-
INCISIONS:
-
You have one incision in your belly, usually in the bikini line. If you have tape strips over the incisions, leave them on for 7 days and then remove them. When you shower, let soapy water run over the incision. Afterward, pat it dry. If a strip starts to fall off, it is okay to remove it. It is normal to have bruising around the incisions.
-
PAIN:
-
You will get prescriptions for Ibuprofen (Motrin) and a narcotic pain pill (Vicodin or Tylenol #3.) Take Ibuprofen three times a day, with meals, until you no longer need it. If you need them, take the narcotic pain pills in addition, according to the instructions on the bottle.
-
DIET:
-
If you are not hungry, just drink liquids for the first 24 hours. When you are hungry, eat regular food. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation. If eating regular foods gives you gas pains, go back to clear liquids.
-
ACTIVITY:
-
You can shower 24 hours after your surgery. Don’t drive for at least 3 weeks after surgery. After that, when you are no longer taking narcotic pain pills, not feeling drowsy, and you can move around quickly without discomfort, you may begin to drive. Do not stay in bed all day. You will heal faster if you get up and move around the house. You may walk up and downstairs. It is not harmful. When you feel ready for a particular activity (such as light housework or exercise) you can try it. You can expect to be able to return to work approximately 4-6 weeks after your surgery.
-
VAGINAL DISCHARGE and BLEEDING:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding or discharge from the vagina for up to 4-6 weeks after surgery. You may have a sudden gush of blood about 2 weeks after delivery; this should not last more than 1-2 days; if it does, call the office. Do not douche for 6 weeks after your surgery.
-
INTERCOURSE:
-
Do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse until after you have come for a post-op examination. You may resume sexual intercourse after 6 weeks unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Hage.
-
BOWELS:
-
It is normal not to have a bowel movement for several days after surgery. To avoid getting constipated, you may drink prune juice or take an over-the-counter product such as milk-of-magnesia or colace.
-
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
-
If you do not have an appointment when you leave the hospital, call the office the next business day to arrange for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery.
-
IF YOU NOTICE ANY of the FOLLOWING:
-
Fever > 100.4 on two occasions, 4 hours apart. -
Pus coming out of the incision.
-
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period.
-
Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medicines and/or does not lessen with time.
-
Unable to keep down liquids.
-
Redness, swelling or bruising around the incision which is worsening day-after-day.
-
YOU SHOULD:
-
1.Call for a same day appointment.
-
2.Go to urgent care.
-
3.Go to the Emergency Room.
-
To leave a non-urgent message for your physician, call the office.
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
2. Dilation and Curettage (D & C)
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Your throat may be sore for a few days from the breathing tube that was used during surgery. These symptoms are not serious. They will go away within a few days.
-
PAIN:
-
You can take Ibuprofen (Motrin) three times a day, with meals, until you no longer need it.
-
DIET:
-
If you are not hungry, just drink liquids for the first 24 hours. When you are hungry, eat regular food. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation.
-
ACTIVITY:
-
You can shower a few hours after your surgery. Don’t drive for at least 24 hours after surgery. After that, when you are not feeling drowsy, and you can move around quickly without discomfort, you may begin to drive. Do not stay in bed all day unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Hage
-
VAGINAL DISCHARGE:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding or discharge from the vagina for a few days after surgery. Do not douche for 6 weeks after your surgery.
-
INTERCOURSE:
-
Do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse until after 6 weeks unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Hage.
-
BOWELS:
-
Your bowel function should not be affected after surgery. To avoid getting constipated, you may drink prune juice or take an over-the-counter product such as milk-of-magnesia or colace.
-
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
-
If you do not have an appointment when you leave the hospital, call the office the next business day to arrange for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery.
-
IF YOU NOTICE ANY of the FOLLOWING:
-
Fever > 100.4 on two occasions, 4 hours apart.
-
Pus coming out of the incision.
-
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period.
-
Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medicines and/or does not lessen with time.
-
Unable to keep down liquids.
-
Redness, swelling or bruising around the incision which is worsening day-after-day.
-
YOU SHOULD:
-
1.Call for a same day appointment.
-
2.Go to urgent care.
-
3.Go to the Emergency Room.
-
To leave a non-urgent message for your physician, call the office.
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
3. Hysterectomy-Abdominal
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Your throat may be sore for a few days from the breathing tube that was used during surgery. You may also have abdominal and/or shoulder pain from gas that enters your abdomen from having an open surgery. These symptoms are not serious. They will go away within a few days.
-
INCISIONS:
-
You have one incision in your belly, usually in the bikini line. If you have tape strips over the incisions, leave them on for 7 days and then remove them. When you shower, let soapy water run over the incision. Afterward, pat it dry. If a strip starts to fall off, it is okay to remove it. It is normal to have bruising around the incisions.
-
PAIN:
-
You will get prescriptions for Ibuprofen (Motrin) and a narcotic pain pill (Vicodin or Tylenol #3.) Take Ibuprofen three times a day, with meals, until you no longer need it. If you need them, take the narcotic pain pills in addition, according to the instructions on the bottle.
-
DIET:
-
If you are not hungry, just drink liquids for the first 24 hours. When you are hungry, eat regular food. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation. If eating regular foods gives you gas pains, go back to clear liquids.
-
ACTIVITY:
-
You can shower 24 hours after your surgery. Don’t drive for at least 3 weeks after surgery. After that, when you are no longer taking narcotic pain pills, not feeling drowsy, and you can move around quickly without discomfort, you may begin to drive. Do not stay in bed all day. You will heal faster if you get up and move around the house. You may walk up and downstairs. It is not harmful. When you feel ready for a particular activity (such as light housework or exercise) you can try it. You can expect to be able to return to work approximately 4-6 weeks after your surgery.
-
VAGINAL DISCHARGE:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding or discharge from the vagina for a few weeks after surgery. Do not douche for 6 weeks after your surgery.
-
INTERCOURSE:
-
If your cervix was removed, do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse until after you have come for a post-op examination. If your cervix is still in place, you may resume sexual intercourse after 6 weeks unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Hage.
-
BOWELS:
-
It is normal not to have a bowel movement for several days after surgery. To avoid getting constipated, you may drink prune juice or take an over-the-counter product such as milk-of-magnesia or colace.
-
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
-
If you do not have an appointment when you leave the hospital, call the office the next business day to arrange for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery.
-
IF YOU NOTICE ANY of the FOLLOWING:
-
Fever > 100.4 on two occasions, 4 hours apart.
-
Pus coming out of the incision.
-
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period.
-
Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medicines and/or does not lessen with time.
-
Unable to keep down liquids.
-
Redness, swelling or bruising around the incision which is worsening day-after-day.
-
YOU SHOULD:
-
1.Call for a same day appointment.
-
2.Go to urgent care.
-
3.Go to the Emergency Room.
-
To leave a non-urgent message for your physician, call the office.
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
4. Hysterectomy-Laparoscopic
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Your throat may be sore for a few days from the breathing tube that was used during surgery. You may also have abdominal and/or shoulder pain from gas that we used to inflate your belly during surgery. These symptoms are not serious. They will go away within a few days.
-
INCISIONS:
-
You have 3 or 4 small incisions in your belly. If the incisions are covered by gauze or a clear dressing, you can uncover them 24 hours after surgery. If you have tape strips over the incisions, leave them on for 7 days and then remove them. When you shower, let soapy water run over the incisions. Afterward, pat them dry. If a strip starts to fall off, it’s okay to remove it. It is normal to have redness or bruising around the incisions.
-
PAIN:
-
You will get prescriptions for Ibuprofen (Motrin) and a narcotic pain pill (Vicodin or Tylenol #3.) Take Ibuprofen three times a day, with meals, until you no longer need it. If you need them, take the narcotic pain pills in addition, according to the instructions on the bottle.
-
DIET:
-
If you aren’t hungry, just drink liquids for the first 24 hours. When you are hungry, eat regular food. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation. If eating regular foods gives you gas pains, go back to clear liquids.
-
ACTIVITY:
-
You can shower 24 hours after your surgery. Don’t drive for at least 24 hours after surgery. After that, when you are no longer taking narcotic pain pills, not feeling drowsy, and you can move around quickly without discomfort, you may begin to drive. Don’t stay in bed all day. You will heal faster if you get up and move around the house. You may walk up and downstairs. It is not harmful. When you feel ready for a particular activity (such as light housework or exercise) you can try it. You can expect to be able to return to work approximately 1-3 weeks after your surgery.
-
VAGINAL DISCHARGE:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding or discharge from the vagina for a few weeks after surgery. Do not douche for 4 weeks after your surgery.
-
INTERCOURSE:
-
If your cervix was removed, do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse until after you have come for a post-op examination. If your cervix is still in place, you may resume sexual intercourse when your belly is not sore and when you feel ready, unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Hage.
-
BOWELS:
-
It is normal not to have a bowel movement for several days after surgery. If you feel constipated after that, you may drink prune juice or take an over-the-counter product such as milk-of-magnesia or Colace.
-
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
-
If you do not have an appointment when you leave the hospital, call the office the next business day to arrange for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery.
-
IF YOU NOTICE ANY of the FOLLOWING:
-
Fever > 100.4 on two occasions, 4 hours apart.
-
Pus coming out of the incision.
-
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period.
-
Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medicines and/or does not lessen with time.
-
Unable to keep down liquids.
-
Redness, swelling or bruising around the incision which is worsening day-after-day.
-
YOU SHOULD:
-
1.Call for a same day appointment.
-
2.Go to urgent care.
-
3.Go to the Emergency Room.
-
To leave a non-urgent message for your physician, call the office.
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
5. Hysterectomy-Vaginal
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Your throat may be sore for a few days from the breathing tube that was used during surgery. You may also have abdominal and/or shoulder pain from gas that enters your abdomen from having surgery. These symptoms are not serious. They will go away within a few days.
-
INCISIONS:
-
You will not have any visible incisions, your incision is inside the vagina. When you shower, avoid getting too much water inside the vagina. Do not sit in a bathtub unless instructed to do so by Dr. Hage.
-
PAIN:
-
You will get prescriptions for Ibuprofen (Motrin) and a narcotic pain pill (Vicodin or Tylenol #3.) Take Ibuprofen three times a day, with meals, until you no longer need it. If you need them, take the narcotic pain pills in addition, according to the instructions on the bottle.
-
DIET:
-
If you are not hungry, just drink liquids for the first 24 hours. When you are hungry, eat regular food. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation. If eating regular foods gives you gas pains, go back to clear liquids.
-
ACTIVITY:
-
You can shower 24 hours after your surgery. Don’t drive for at least 3 weeks after surgery. After that, when you are no longer taking narcotic pain pills, not feeling drowsy, and you can move around quickly without discomfort, you may begin to drive. Do not stay in bed all day. You will heal faster if you get up and move around the house. You may walk up and downstairs. It is not harmful. When you feel ready for a particular activity (such as light housework or exercise) you can try it. You can expect to be able to return to work approximately 3-4 weeks after your surgery.
-
VAGINAL DISCHARGE:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding or discharge from the vagina for a few weeks after surgery. Do not douche for 6 weeks after your surgery.
-
INTERCOURSE:
-
Do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse until after you have come for a post-op examination. You may resume sexual intercourse after 6 weeks unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Hage.
-
BOWELS:
-
It is normal not to have a bowel movement for several days after surgery. To avoid getting constipated, you may drink prune juice or take an over-the-counter product such as milk-of-magnesia or colace.
-
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
-
If you do not have an appointment when you leave the hospital, call the office the next business day to arrange for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery.
-
IF YOU NOTICE ANY of the FOLLOWING:
-
Fever > 100.4 on two occasions, 4 hours apart.
-
Pus coming out of the incision.
-
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period.
-
Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medicines and/or does not lessen with time.
-
Unable to keep down liquids.
-
Redness, swelling or bruising around the incision which is worsening day-after-day.
-
YOU SHOULD:
-
1.Call for a same day appointment.
-
2.Go to urgent care.
-
3.Go to the Emergency Room.
-
To leave a non-urgent message for your physician, call the office.
-
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
6. Pelvic Repairs
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Your throat may be sore for a few days from the breathing tube that was used during surgery. You may also have abdominal and/or shoulder pain from gas that enters your abdomen from having surgery, if you also had a hysterectomy. These symptoms are not serious. They will go away within a few days.
-
INCISIONS:
-
You will not have any visible incisions, your incision is inside the vagina. You may have an incision similar to an episiotomy. When you shower, avoid getting too much water inside the vagina. Do not sit in a bathtub unless instructed to do so by Dr. Hage.
-
PAIN:
-
You will get prescriptions for Ibuprofen (Motrin) and a narcotic pain pill (Vicodin or Tylenol #3.) Take Ibuprofen three times a day, with meals, until you no longer need it. If you need them, take the narcotic pain pills in addition, according to the instructions on the bottle.
-
DIET:
-
If you are not hungry, just drink liquids for the first 24 hours. When you are hungry, eat regular food. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation. If eating regular foods gives you gas pains, go back to clear liquids.
-
ACTIVITY:
-
You can shower 24 hours after your surgery. Don’t drive for at least 3 weeks after surgery. After that, when you are no longer taking narcotic pain pills, not feeling drowsy, and you can move around quickly without discomfort, you may begin to drive. Do not stay in bed all day. You will heal faster if you get up and move around the house. You may walk up and downstairs. It is not harmful. When you feel ready for a particular activity (such as light housework or exercise) you can try it. You can expect to be able to return to work approximately 3-4 weeks after your surgery. With major prolapse repairs, avoid strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks to allow complete healing and avoid recurrence.
-
VAGINAL DISCHARGE:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding or discharge from the vagina for a few weeks after surgery. Do not douche for 6 weeks after your surgery.
-
INTERCOURSE:
-
Do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse until after you have come for a post-op examination. You may resume sexual intercourse after 6 weeks unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Hage.
-
BOWELS:
-
It is normal not to have a bowel movement for several days after surgery. To avoid getting constipated, you may drink prune juice or take an over-the-counter product such as milk-of-magnesia or colace.
-
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
-
If you do not have an appointment when you leave the hospital, call the office the next business day to arrange for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery.
-
IF YOU NOTICE ANY of the FOLLOWING:
-
Fever > 100.4 on two occasions, 4 hours apart.
-
Pus coming out of the incision.
-
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period.
-
Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medicines and/or does not lessen with time.
-
Unable to keep down liquids.
-
Redness, swelling or bruising around the incision which is worsening day-after-day.
-
YOU SHOULD:
-
1.Call for a same day appointment.
-
2.Go to urgent care.
-
3.Go to the Emergency Room.
-
To leave a non-urgent message for your physician, call the office.
-
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
7. Tubal Ligation
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Your throat may be sore for a few days from the breathing tube that was used during surgery. You may also have abdominal and/or shoulder pain from gas that we used to inflate your belly during surgery. These symptoms are not serious. They will go away within a few days.
-
INCISIONS:
-
You have 1 or 2 small incisions in your belly. If the incisions are covered by gauze or a clear dressing, you can uncover them 24 hours after surgery. If you have tape strips over the incisions, leave them on for 7 days and then remove them. When you shower, let soapy water run over the incisions. Afterward, pat them dry. If a strip starts to fall off, it’s okay to remove it. It is normal to have redness or bruising around the incisions.
-
PAIN:
-
You will get prescriptions for Ibuprofen (Motrin) and a narcotic pain pill (Vicodin or Tylenol #3.) Take Ibuprofen three times a day, with meals, until you no longer need it. If you need them, take the narcotic pain pills in addition, according to the instructions on the bottle.
-
DIET:
-
If you are not hungry, just drink liquids for the first 24 hours. When you are hungry, eat regular food. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation. If eating regular foods gives you gas pains, go back to clear liquids.
-
ACTIVITY:
-
You can shower 24 hours after your surgery. Do not drive for at least 24 hours after surgery. After that, when you are no longer taking narcotic pain pills, not feeling drowsy, and you can move around quickly without discomfort, you may begin to drive. Do not stay in bed all day. You will heal faster if you get up and move around the house. You may walk up and downstairs. It is not harmful. When you feel ready for a particular activity (such as light housework or exercise) you can try it. You can expect to be able to return to work approximately 1-3 days after your surgery.
-
VAGINAL DISCHARGE:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding or discharge from the vagina for a few days after surgery. Do not douche for 1 week after your surgery.
-
INTERCOURSE:
-
Do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse until after you have come for a post-op examination. You may resume sexual intercourse after your next period and when you feel ready, unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Hage.
-
BOWELS:
-
It is normal not to have a bowel movement for several days after surgery. If you feel constipated after that, you may drink prune juice or take an over-the-counter product such as milk-of-magnesia or Colace.
-
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
-
If you do not have an appointment when you leave the hospital, call the office the next business day to arrange for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery.
-
IF YOU NOTICE ANY of the FOLLOWING:
-
Fever > 100.4 on two occasions, 4 hours apart.
-
Pus coming out of the incision.
-
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period.
-
Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medicines and/or does not lessen with time.
-
Unable to keep down liquids.
-
Redness, swelling or bruising around the incision which is worsening day-after-day.
-
YOU SHOULD:
-
1.Call for a same day appointment.
-
2.Go to urgent care.
-
3.Go to the Emergency Room.
-
To leave a non-urgent message for your physician, call the office.
-
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
8. Vaginal Delivery
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-
Your back may be sore for a few days from pushing or from the epidural, if you had one. You may also have muscle soreness from exertion during pushing. These symptoms are not serious. They will go away within a few days.
-
INCISIONS:
-
If you had an episiotomy or a laceration (tear) in the vagina, use the squirt bottle and rinse your stitches each time you use the bathroom. Use the Dermoplast spray and Tucks wipes as directed. It is often helpful to soak in a warm bathtub once a day.
-
PAIN:
-
You will get prescriptions for Ibuprofen (Motrin) and possibly a narcotic pain pill (Vicodin or Tylenol #3.) Take Ibuprofen three times a day, with meals, until you no longer need it. If you need them, take the narcotic pain pills in addition, according to the instructions on the bottle.
-
DIET:
-
If you are not hungry, just drink liquids for the first 24 hours. When you are hungry, eat regular food. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation. If eating regular foods gives you gas pains, go back to clear liquids.
-
ACTIVITY:
-
Do not drive for at least 48 hours after delivery. After that, when you are no longer taking narcotic pain pills, not feeling drowsy, and you can move around quickly without discomfort, you may begin to drive. Do not stay in bed all day. You will heal faster if you get up and move around the house. You may walk up and downstairs. It is not harmful. When you feel ready for a particular activity (such as light housework or exercise) you can try it. You can expect to be able to return to work approximately 4-6 weeks after your delivery.
-
VAGINAL DISCHARGE AND BLEEDING:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding or discharge from the vagina for up to 4-6 weeks after delivery. You may have a sudden gush of blood about 2 weeks after delivery; this should not last more than 1-2 days; if it does, call the office. Do not douche for 6 weeks after your surgery.
-
INTERCOURSE:
-
Do not use tampons or have sexual intercourse until after you have come for a post-partum examination. You may resume sexual intercourse after 6 weeks unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Hage. You may want to consider contraception prior to resuming sexual activity.
-
BOWELS:
-
It is normal not to have a bowel movement for several days after delivery. To avoid getting constipated, you may drink prune juice or take an over-the-counter product such as milk-of-magnesia or colace.
-
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
-
If you do not have an appointment when you leave the hospital, call the office the next business day to arrange for an appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery.
-
IF YOU NOTICE ANY of the FOLLOWING:
-
Fever > 100.4 on two occasions, 4 hours apart.
-
Pus coming out of the incision.
-
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period.
-
Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medicines and/or does not lessen with time.
-
Unable to keep down liquids.
-
Redness, swelling or bruising around the incision which is worsening day-after-day.
-
YOU SHOULD:
-
1.Call for a same day appointment.
-
2.Go to urgent care.
-
3.Go to the Emergency Room.
-
To leave a non-urgent message for your physician, call the office.
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
9. Newborn Circumcision
-
1.The gauze on the penis will soak off easily in the bath. Once it comes off, it does not need to be replaced.
-
2.If bleeding occurs, apply gentle pressure with your thumb and index finger, up to five (5) minutes. If excessive bleeding occurs, go to the emergency room.
-
3.Change diapers often so that urine and feces do not irritate the area.
-
4.Wash the penis gently with soap and water daily after the first 24 hours.
-
5.Apply Neosporin or generic triple antibiotic ointment around the circumcised area during the first week to help prevent irritation and infection of the surgical area and to help expedite healing.
-
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call the office.
This information is provided as a resource only and is not intended to be a recommendation or a substitute for consultation with Dr. Hage regarding your health and needs.
