This page covers the post-operative issues associated with several operations across the age spectrum. They may not be relevant to everyone.
The following are NOT part of a normal recovery:
- Severe pain or pain that worsens over time after using analgesia
- A fever > 38.5 °C or are feeling unwell
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge
- If the wound becomes hot, painful, or has offensive fluid / blood draining from it
- Unable to empty your bladder
- Swelling in the calf or leg pain
- Vomiting and nausea which do not settle
- Bowels stop working and you are no longer passing wind.
You should seek medical attention straight away. This may mean you need to call 000 or go directly to ED. You can also contact the rooms on 0478 570 901 or the CNC.
After you leave the hospital, you should feel better day by day. There won’t be a straight line to well but a gradual improvement back to normal. The type of operation will have a major impact. If you do feel worse, please contact 0478 570 901 during business hours. Go to an emergency department or call an ambulance after hours. Please remember to take your discharge summary with you.
Follow-up appointment.
- Standard follow-up appointments would be at two weeks post-operatively. Please ensure you have booked your appointment before you leave the hospital. If you have concerns prior to this appointment, please contact us to make an earlier appointment.
Discharge medication
- You will receive some medication on discharge from the hospital. You should take regular simple analgesia (e.g. paracetamol and anti-inflammatories) and then use stronger opioid (morphine) based drugs as needed. You should need less and less of those over time. Strong pain relief can lead to significant constipation. Please take a bowel softening agent (e.g. movicol, coloxyl, lactulose) until you have ceased strong pain relief, are eating normally, and have normal bowel function. If you need chemotherapy, you should consider continuing medication to help your bowels stay regular. Additional water is helpful as are some fruits (e.g. kiwi fruit and pears).
Blood clots
- You may be asked to take a blood thinner post-operatively. There is a risk of blood clots after major surgery especially when you have cancer. The blood thinners are mostly in the form of an injection of enoxaparin (Clexane). You will receive instruction on this post-operatively on the ward before you leave.
Driving and traveling
- Once you are pain free, not limited by any post-operative issues, and no longer taking opioid (morphine based) medication you can drive. Your insurance company may have an issue with covering you in case of an accident if you drive too soon after your operation. I suggest you check with them before you hit the road.
- If you travel long distances while on blood thinners, please stop and move every hour (or regularly). Remember when traveling to take the medication with you.
Lifting
- After an open operation or a hysterectomy you should avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- If you need to think about lifting it then it is too heavy.
Exercise and around the house
- You should gradually be able to increase your activity as time passes. Moving is good for your post-operative recovery so I recommend you try to move regularly. Fatigue tends to be as big an issue as pain. Your body will rob you of energy to heal. Start slowly and listen to your body. Moving will reduce the risk of chest infections, blood clots, and constipation and is good for your mental health.
Supporting your mental health
- Please take it easy on yourself. There is a significant mental burden leading up to and after a big operation, regardless of how well it goes or why you had it. I am happy to put you in touch with a psychologist/counselor if you don’t have one. Cancer Australia can link you to support services in the ACT. There are also support groups available for women with ovarian cancer, menopausal symptoms, and endometriosis.
Returning to work
- This will vary depending on several factors including what type of work you do, whether you work full or part-time, the type of operation you had, and whether you will need more treatment post-operatively. It is worthwhile discussing this before the operation and before you head home from the hospital.
Vaginal Discharge
- After a hysterectomy or surgery on your cervix, it is normal to have some vaginal discharge or bleeding. It will lessen over time. If the bleeding is heavy with clots or flooding this is NOT normal, and you should seek medical attention. An odour in the discharge may signify an infection. In this case, you should contact the CNC if you had an operation in a public hospital, or the rooms number during business hours if private. You can also see your GP or present to the emergency department.
Stitches and dressings – Please refer to the type of surgery that you have had.
Menopause Symptoms
- If you were still menstruating before the operation and both of your ovaries were removed, you will experience surgical menopause. The Australian menopause society has multiple fact sheets on menopausal symptoms and treatment. There are a range of treatment options to try. We can discuss these with you and commence appropriate treatment as needed.
Sexual Intercourse
- Sexual intercourse is not recommended for 8 weeks following a hysterectomy. You should discuss any issues or anxiety about returning to intercourse with your partner. Purchase and use of a water-based lubricant, until you are comfortable, is an option. There may be vaginal dryness and a small amount of bleeding with the first episode of intercourse so do not be alarmed. If there is heavy bleeding seek medical attention. The Sex & Libido page goes into this in more detail.