Cancer Care For Women

Post Operative Instructions

Discharge Instructions: Vaginal Hysterectomy
This guide will help you in your recovery at home. When you get home, call your doctor (gynecology oncologist) to make an appointment for a checkup in 2 weeks. At this 2 week check up you will learn the results of the tissue samples (biopsies) and your follow-up plan of care.

When to Call the Doctor
You should call your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Fever more than 101 F by mouth
• Shaking chills
• Trouble breathing
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Loose stools or diarrhea
• Pain or foul odor when passing urine
• Foul odor from vaginal drainage
• Suture line warmth, drainage, or hardness

Call (207) 771-5549 or toll-free 1-800-499-8344 . You will speak to a resident doctor if you call after office hours.

Bathing
You may shower. Do not tub bathe until your doctor or nurse says it is OK.

Activities
Every woman recovers from a hysterectomy at her own speed. During the first week or two, just plan to rest and relax. You can be up and around the house, but don't expect too much from yourself. Limit your activities to prevent stress to your suture line so it does not open.

1. Stairs - Plan to climb as tolerated.
2. Driving - Do not drive a car for at least 2 weeks. If you ride in the car, plan to stop and stretch at least every 2 hours. When your doctor feels you may start to drive, try to practice in the driveway first. You need to know if your abdomen and leg muscles can react well. Have someone with you until you feel you have healed and you can drive safely.
3. Lifting - Do not lift heavy objects which would make you strain. Lift no more than 10 pounds (such as a 10-pound bag of sugar). Lift slowly and use good body posture to prevent strain.
4. Sex - Do not put anything in your vagina for 6 weeks. When you do have sex, be slow and gentle and use a lubricant (such as Replens, Astroglide or KY jelly). Stop when you feel pain or see blood. Call your doctor if you have extreme pain or bleeding.
5. Exercise - Gentle stretching and walking as tolerated are encouraged and are acceptable.

If you have any questions about your recovery, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Your Provider can help you with:

1. "Change of life" or menopause symptoms (hot flashes, mood changes, trouble with sleep, or vaginal dryness)
2. Feeling depressed for more than 2 weeks
3. Relaxation techniques 
4. Pelvic muscle exercises
5. Sexuality and sexual questions
6. Treatment education 
7. Wig prescriptions (if you have chemotherapy which may cause hair loss)
8. Return to work plans and forms