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Post Operative Instructions You
have just had a safe and simple pregnancy termination. Although
complications are rare, they do exist. Every woman is different,
so the time needed to recover from surgery will vary as will the
types of post-operative problems experienced, if any, will also
vary. Please take the time to read the following information to
familiarize yourself with how you should be feeling after surgery
-- what's "normal" and when do you need to call for additional medical
treatment and advice.
In order for you to feel better and get back
into your normal routine as soon as possible it is important that
you make an extra effort to take care of yourself. By following
the medical restrictions listed below you should be off to a good
start.
Please DO
the Following:
- Get at least 3 days of rest following your
procedure.
- Take your temperature every morning for the
next 5 days. If your temperature is 100 or more at any time, please
call us.
- Schdule a post-operative check-up for two
weeks after the precedure.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects, exercising and
all strenuous activity until after your check-up.
- Take all prescribed medications as directed.
Please DO
NOT do the following (in order to prevent infection):
- Have vaginal intercourse.
- Go swimming or take tub baths.
- Use tampons.
- Use feminine hygiene sprays or douche. A
discharge -- with or without an odor - is common following surgery.
You may feel sore and achy after
the procedure as a result of the anesthetic you received during
the surgery. This is normal and will disappear in a day or two.
You may take Tylenol or Advil to relieve any discomfort you may
have.
BLEEDING
Bleeding may be experienced for up to eight weeks after the procedure.
You might have little or no bleeding or the bleeding may start and
stop. Bleeding paffems vary. If you experience clotting, do not
panic. This is merely the uterus trying to eliminate itself of clots.
Watch the bleeding over the next few hours to be sure it slows down
once the clots are passed. If the bleeding does not slow down, please
call us. Your next normal period should begin four to eight weeks
after the procedure.
CRAMPS
Cramps, even heavy cramping is normal for the first few days after
the procedure. Cramps are usually relieved by resting or sleeping
and taking Tylenol or Advil. You may apply a heating pad to your
lower abdomen and sip hot beverages such as tea or chicken broth.
If cramps do not improve with rest and medication, please call us.
NAUSEA
You can expect any "morning sickness" to go away in the next few
days as the hormones of pregnancy leave your system.
BREAST TENDERNESS
The drop in hormones will cause any breast tenderness to go away.
If you are uncomfortable, pack your nipples in cotton and wear a
tight fitting bra day and night. You may apply ice packs to the
breasts and take Tylenol for pain. Avoid stimulation of your breasts
while in the shower. Remember, the discomfort will go away in a
few days.
Remember to call the office if any of the following occur:
- In any one day you have considerably more bleeding than a normal
period.
- Your temperature is 100 degrees or more.
- You have severe cramps or abdominal pain.
- You have no period within the next eight weeks.
- You develop pain or symptoms of a period with no flow of blood
four to eight weeks after the procedure.
If you experience fever, abdominal cramps leg cramps, pain, itching,
heavy bleeding, swelling of your body - any problem at all, stop
all medication, do not eat or drink anything and call the office
immediately.
Remember, it is very important that you call us before you go
to any other doctor or hospital ememency room.
We hope that this information is helpful and answers all your questions.
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