Helping you manage after a major operation - Fact Sheets

Before you go home

• any medications you brought to hospital

• any medications that the doctor has prescribed

• any x-rays that you may have brought in

• an appointment to return to the clinic for a check-up, (usually in six weeks unless the doctor wants to see you earlier). If an appointment is not made at the time of your discharge, it will be sent out to you in the mail.

• a medical certificate if you need one.

What to expect after you go home

• The time it takes to recover from a major operation is different for each person. We expect that it will take between six and eight weeks.

• Vaginal bleeding will continue for five to ten days and there will be spotting for up to six weeks after the operation. If the bleeding continues or gets heavier and becomes like a normal heavy period, you should either go to your local doctor or come back to the Women’s Emergency Department. You should also see a doctor if you have offensive smelling discharge.

How to care for your wound

• Keep your wound clean and dry. When you shower rinse with water and gently pat dry with a towel. For most patients we recommend you leave your wound uncovered. Dressings are not required after the first few days.

• Do not use talcum powders, creams or disinfectant on your wound.

• Watch for signs that the wound is irritated, like swelling or redness. If it is hot to touch or there is a discharge you should go to your local doctor or come back to the Women’s Emergency Department.

• To help manage your pain take analgesia such as Panadol or Panadeine, or Panadeine Forte (if prescribed by the doctor), regularly every four to six hours.

• If you are taking codeine you need to be careful not to become constipated. Mild laxatives like Metamucil or Nulax are helpful, ask your local pharmacist for advice.

• Drink eight glasses of fluid daily, preferably water, to avoid urinary infections.

• Avoid heavy lifting. You should avoid lifting anything heavier than a two-litre container of milk for the first three weeks. You should also avoid pushing shopping trolleys.

• Avoid heavy housework or other strenuous activities for at least six weeks. Heavy housework includes vacuuming, washing floors, hanging out laundry, etc. After three weeks gently ease back into such activities. If you are concerned about how you will manage with your housework please ask a nurse about the free services that can be organised to help you

• If you need to bend, squat at the knees rather than bending over.

• Avoid driving a car for up to two weeks or until you feel comfortable. The reasons to avoid driving are:

• For laparoscopic or pelviscopic surgery, you may resume sexual intercourse after vaginal bleeding stops and when you feel comfortable. In the case of open abdominal surgery or vaginal surgery, wait until you have returned for your follow-up appointment and your doctor is happy with your recovery. If you have any questions or concerns about resuming sexual activity please speak to one of the nurses on the ward.

Be aware of signs of infection

• sudden hot flushes or sweating

• high temperatures above 38oC
  

• sudden onset of pain that is not relieved by analgesia.

Related fact sheets

• After your operation - helping you recover

• Normal bowel function

Contact numbers at the Women’s

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