After a Pelvic Floor Repair, you have a very important role to play in the ultimate success of your surgical treatment. Studies show that it can take approximately 12 weeks for tissues to heal and regain 80%, and then 6 months to achieve 90% of the eventual strength. Wound healing and tissue re-modification continue for 2 years. During this time, anything that increases your abdominal pressure can disrupt and tear down the repair prematurely. This is why it is of utmost importance to comply with the restrictions.
POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
You will return to our office for a check-in and examination one-week post-op, then again in 6 weeks, and again at 3 months.
If you were sent home with a foley (Urinary) catheter, you will return to our office within 3-5 days after surgery or as instructed by your physician. Voiding trials will be done after the catheter is removed. Please plan to spend 1-3 hours in the office.
PAIN
- Take 325 mg or two tablets of Tylenol as the need for pain. Take your pain medication prescription sparingly as needed to prevent constipation.
- Use a heating pad to your back as needed.
MEDICATIONS
- Return to taking all regular medications. Please discuss with us if you have any concerns.
- Apply vaginal estrogen cream once daily on the incision and in the vagina with only your finger for 4 weeks post-op.
- Take 2 tablets of stool softener twice daily for 6 weeks and Fibercon 1 tab daily. You may also take a laxative like Senokot-S orally as needed or Milk of Magnesia.
- Please regularly walk at home as this helps to prevent the formation of blood clots in your legs.
RESTRICTIONS
- AVOID Tub baths for 12 weeks. Showers daily are encouraged.
- DO NOT drive for the first week. You can start driving again based on the doctor’s decision at your first post-op appointment.
- DO NOT STRAIN to have a bowel movement. Take laxatives as directed above.
- DO NOT lift anything greater than 10 lbs. until we indicate it is safe to do so.
- NO sexual activity or tampons.
- AVOID swimming, biking, or strenuous aerobics for at least 12 weeks.
- If you need to reach down to the floor for anything, either sit down in a chair or slowly bend down on your knees to pick up.
PRECAUTIONS
Please call our office if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding: Filling 1 pad per hour for more than two consecutive hours.
- Increasing pelvic pain or abdominal pain lasting for greater than 24 hours.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge in large amounts.
- Fever greater than 101F or above 100.4 for 4 hours.
- Inability to empty your bladder after 6 hours.
