Chandra A. Adams, MD, MBA | Naicie A. R. Marrow, MD, FACOG | Jeannine V. Mauney, MD, FACOG
Major GYN Surgery Discharge Instructions
Days 1–2
Activity & Rest
Your level of activity should match what you did at the hospital. Gradually increase your activities.
Rest like you did in the hospital
Get up for meals and bathroom
You may ride in a car, but it is important not to sit in one place for longer than 1–2 hours
You may shower and wash your hair
Weeks 1–2
Building Strength
Try to be up a total of at least four hours each day and try to do more activity each day
This will enable you to get your strength back more quickly than if you remain on bed rest
When you become fatigued, rest or nap
You are allowed to climb stairs, but try not to become too tired. If possible, remain on one level for extended periods of time.
Use your incentive spirometer from the hospital 10 times an hour
Wear the abdominal binder as needed for comfort — it should cover the incision by a few inches, usually resting around your hips; no "shape garments" for the first six weeks
End of Week 2
Returning to Activity
You will be able to drive a car assuming you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication.
Do not drive if it causes discomfort
Activity that involves strain on the abdominal wall, such as lifting, pushing lawn mowers, vacuuming, jumping and running should be avoided for at least six weeks following surgery.
Nutrition
Eating & Diet
There are no specific dietary requirements — you may eat and drink as tolerated
We recommend that you get plenty of protein but avoid foods that cause gas or constipation
Increase fiber and fluids if you get constipated
If you need a stool softener, Surfak, Colace, or a generic equivalent may be purchased and taken by mouth as directed
It is common for the pain medicine to cause constipation
If no bowel movement for 2–3 days, you may use Miralax, Milk of Magnesia, or Senokot
Do not use Correctol or Ex-Lax
Alcohol should not be taken with pain medication
Medications
Pain Management
For mild pain, the recommended medicine and dosages are:
Ibuprofen 400 mg (Two tablets OTC Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, etc.) every 4 hours with food
— OR —
Ibuprofen 600 mg (Three tablets OTC Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, etc.) every 6 hours with food
— OR —
Naproxen 220 mg (One tablet OTC Aleve) every 8 hours with food
For more severe pain, use Percocet/Hydrocodone 1–2 tablets every 3–4 hours
You will not become addicted to pain medicine with the usual length of usage (3–5 days)
It is far more effective to take the pain medicine as soon as you feel pain returning rather than waiting until it is unbearable
One Percocet/Hydrocodone can be taken with one ibuprofen or one naproxen
If you were prescribed gabapentin, please take it every eight hours, alternating Tylenol 500 mg and ibuprofen 800 mg midway between each dose while awake
Pain medication may cause nausea and constipation
For nausea, try to reduce the amount of Percocet/Hydrocodone and avoid taking on an empty stomach
For constipation, try a fiber laxative such as Citrucel, Benefiber, or Miralax — available without a prescription
If there is no relief, call the office
Recovery
Vaginal Discharge
You should expect a vaginal discharge for several weeks after surgery
It will likely be pink or light brown in color and may have a slight odor
The amount will vary depending on your activity but is often more noticeable two weeks after surgery when you begin passing some of the absorbable stitches
If you are flowing like a period or you begin passing clots the size of your thumb or larger, notify your physician
Do not use tampons, douches, or feminine deodorant sprays
Avoid swimming or using a hot tub until seen at your six-week visit
Follow Up
Appointments & Next Steps
If an appointment has not been scheduled, call the office with your surgery date and procedure — they will schedule your follow-up visits
Two-week visit includes an incision check
Six-week visit includes a pelvic examination
If you have a procedure where photos can be taken and you wish to have copies, please provide a valid email address at the time you sign your consent form
We will send you a link where you may view or download your pictures
⚠ When to Contact the Office
Fever of 101° or higher, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain unrelieved by two (2) pain pills every 3–4 hours
Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period, or foul-smelling discharge
Urinary frequency, urgency, or burning which doesn't respond to increasing fluids, cranberry juice, or non-prescription bladder medicine such as AZO
Chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the calves or legs
Redness, drainage, or separation of the incisions
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid lifting anything greater than 20 pounds
Avoid strenuous exercise or sports for four weeks
No intercourse, douching, tampons, or tub baths for six weeks
It can be normal to have a slight vaginal discharge, which may be bloody
Use sanitary pads, not tampons
There may be a small amount of bloody fluid coming from the incision sites — this is normal
There may also be some black and blue discoloration surrounding the incisions
This will resolve on its own
Under each incision you may feel hardness
This is the normal process of healing and represents scar tissue which will soften over time
At about 2–4 weeks post-op, you may notice increased clear brown foul-smelling vaginal discharge as the sutures on the vaginal cuff dissolve
This is NOT an infection
Use your peri-bottle to wash away the discharge — it will stop on its own
Notify us only if it is fishy in odor
Do not worry about straining to go to the bathroom or performing routine activity
These activities should not cause any harm
Remember, use common sense and let your pain limit your activity
You may experience shoulder or rib cage pain, especially on the right side
This is due to diaphragm irritation caused by CO₂ gas used for laparoscopic procedures
It will resolve within 2–3 days
It is common to feel pain in a variety of locations
Due to the risks associated with narcotic use, we want you to try and be off narcotic pain relievers in one to two weeks
Please keep an eye on your pill quantity and alert us at least two business days in advance if you are going to need a refill
A sore throat is common after general anesthesia and will resolve on its own
Over-the-counter pain remedies may help
Smoking will increase coughing, cause more discomfort, and interfere with healing
Questions? Please contact our office — Full Circle Women's Care is here for you every step of your recovery.
Updated June 22, 2026
Gynecology
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are patient appointments booked so far in advance?
As the premier OB/GYN practice in the county, our providers are in high demand. Unlike other practices, we never double-book appointments, ensuring you receive the personalized attention you deserve. Unless an unexpected emergency arises on our end, 95% of our patients are seen on time, every time. We deeply respect your time, just as we do our own.
When should I schedule my first gynecological visit, and how often after that?
Most guidance points to an initial visit between ages 13 and 15, often just a conversation rather than an exam, with annual visits afterward. ACOG recommends that every woman aged 21 and older have an annual well-woman visit with her obstetrician-gynecologist, regardless of whether cervical cancer screening is performed.
These visits are essential for assessing overall health, providing preventive care, and discussing lifestyle factors.
What's the difference between a Pap smear and a pelvic exam, and how often do I need one?
These are often confused, but they are not the same thing. A Pap smear screens for changes in the cells of the cervix and is typically recommended at intervals based on your age and health history. A pelvic exam is a broader physical exam of the reproductive organs and may be performed more frequently, depending on your individual needs.
Contact our office to discuss the screening schedule that's right for you.
Is what I'm experiencing with my period normal?
Contact our office to schedule a problem visit where we will discuss irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, severe cramping, or symptoms that are causing you discomfort or concern.
Why is my pelvic pain happening, and when should I be concerned?
Pelvic pain is discomfort in the area below your belly button and between your hips. It may feel sharp, stabbing, or burning. If your pain is severe or affecting your daily life, contact our office to schedule a problem visit.
.svg)
