Scheduled For Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery? 4 Steps To Help You Through The Recovery Process
If age, or multiple pregnancies, have left you with vaginal prolapse, your doctor may have recommended pelvic reconstructive surgery. Vaginal prolapse, which occurs when the vaginal walls weaken, can cause the bladder and bowel to protrude from out of the vaginal opening. This can lead to pain, discomfort, bladder and bowel problems, as well as problems during sexual intercourse. Pelvic reconstructive surgery will repair the damage, and alleviate the pain and discomfort you experience. If you're going to be having reconstructive surgery, you need to be prepared for the recovery period. Here are some steps to take that will help keep you comfortable while you recover.
Keep Clean
After your surgery, you won't be able to take a bath for several weeks. That doesn't mean that your personal hygiene will need to suffer. To keep clean, place a shower chair in your bathtub. Be sure that a non-slip mat is placed in the tub first. This will help you avoid slip-and-fall accidents. Have someone help you into the tub, and then sit down in the chair. Don't try to get in and out of the tub by yourself for the first few days after surgery.
Stay Hydrated
After your surgery, you may not have much of an appetite. Don't worry. You'll feel like eating in no time at all. However, it is important that you stay hydrated. Even if you're only snacking for the first few days, make sure you drink plenty of water. Not only will the water keep you hydrated, it will also help you avoid constipation.
Avoid Straining
If your bowels were involved in the prolapse, they were re-positioned during the surgery. Because of that, you may have a difficult time during bowel movements during the first few days after surgery. It's important that you avoid straining while you're having a bowel movement. Try to sit and relax your sphincter muscles. The relaxation will make it easier to have a bowel movement, and will help you avoid damage to the surgical site.
Watch the Vaginal Discharge
After your surgery, you'll experience vaginal discharge. The bleeding may be quite heavy right after surgery. However, it should begin to decrease in severity, and quantity, after the first week or two. If you notice an increase in bleeding, or you develop a foul-smelling discharge, it's important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you're scheduled for pelvic reconstructive surgery, use the tips provided here to help ease your recovery period. Be sure to follow the instructions that your doctor provides you with, as well.
For more information, you will want to contact a company such as Western Branch Center for Women.