Most women are pain free when they leave our premises, due to the local anaesthetic they have received. This will last some 6-8 hours. However, oral pain killers will also have been given (our standard is a combination of ibuprofen tab 400mg three times a day and co-dydramol two tabs four times daily), and these will render most women comfortable throughout the healing phase if taken according to advice. A local anaesthetic spray may also be used, especially in the first 2-3 days following the surgery.
Wound care:
The use of an ice pack reduces swelling, and can be soothing and helps with pain control. A feminine pad will absorb blood and discharge from the surgical area. Loose under clothes should be worn to minimize rubbing of the surgical area – use so-called “granny knickers” and avoid tight clothes such as jeans. Clean the surgical area with warm moist cotton wool buds after toileting, and dry the area with a hair drier set at a cool setting. Again a local anaesthetic spray will minimize discomfort in the early days.
Activity and time off work:
It is prudent to take 10-14 days off work to allow access to rapid personal hygiene in a familiar environment. Heavy lifting, vacuuming, swimming and jogging should be avoided during the 10-14 days following the operation, but light activity is permissible. It is also best to avoid driving during the first week. We will issue a “sick note” prior to your leaving hospital.
Some do’s and don’ts:
Do not use a tampon or put anything into the vagina (except of course the oestrogen cream you have been prescribed, which you should apply daily for 8 weeks to help the healing). You should avoid vaginal sexual activity for 8 weeks. You should avoid straining at bowel action, and should therefore use a stool softener such as lactulose, which you can buy over the counter. While you will be able to walk normally the following day, avoid strenuous physical (eg jogging, power walking, impact exercises or aerobics) activity for two weeks from the procedure. After two weeks you can gradually and gently introduce these activities. At 2 – 4 weeks the sutures start to dissolve and you may notice bits of thread falling off. Parts of the wound may appear to open up, but since the wound has been repaired in layers it is very rare for it to break down completely. If you are worried you should contact our Nurse Specialist in the first instance, and we are always happy to see you and reassure you. The key always is to continue to keep the area clean and dry.
You can resume vaginal sexual activity at 8 weeks following your surgery. Be sure to use plenty of lubrication (simple KY jelly will do) to start with, and of course start cautiously: if its painful do not force matters, but try again in a couple of days.
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