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Once you return home, showers are preferred for ten days to two weeks. If a shower is not available, a shallow tub bath may be taken. Pain medicine may be prescribed. Follow the directions on the label and know that excessive use of prescription pain medication can cause nausea and constipation. If that happens, switch to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as the label directs and increase your intake of water, juice, fruit, and fiber. A mild laxative can be taken as the label directs.
During the first week following surgery, you may ride in a car, take walks, and do light housework as long as it does not involve straining or lifting. You may climb stairs, but only as needed. You can eat what you ate before surgery. Get plenty of rest and keep up your fluids. During the second week, you may drive if you are not on pain medication and it does not hurt when you push the car brakes. You may gradually increase your activities as you feel like it, but do not lift more than 30 pounds. During the third week, continue to increase your activities as you feel like it -- but do not exercise until your check up with Dr. Boo, Dr. Graber or Dr. Carroll. If your ovaries are removed, discuss hormone replacement therapy with Dr. Boo, Dr. Graber or Dr. Carroll to avoid symptoms and complications from menopause.
