Anterior or posterior vaginal repair: after-care

After your procedure

Follow this guidance after your procedure.

• Follow the instructions we give you with your blood thinner injections. This will reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Move around as much as possible. This will encourage blood to flow, your wounds to heal and and help you to build up strength in your muscles.
• Take a rest whenever you need to.
• Do not stand for too long and do not lift anything heavy.
• Drink fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
• You may take a shower when you feel able to.
• We used dissolvable stitches (sutures), so they do not need removing.

Returning to everyday activities

• Most patients can return to work after about 4 weeks.
• Most patients feel back to normal after 2 to 3 months.
• Do not drive until you are confident you can control your vehicle (usually 6 weeks). Check with your insurer if you have questions. 

• Do not restart any exercise programme for 6 weeks. When you restart, stick to low impact exercise. You can gradually build to your normal levels at about 3 months. 

Avoid constipation

To avoid constipation, do the following.

• Drink plenty of fluids (1.5 to 2 litres per day).
• Try to follow a diet that is high in fibre (see More information below).
• Use stool softeners if necessary.

When you open your bowels, do the following.

• Use some perineal support, for example a sanitary pad.
• Use a good sitting position (see image below).

When to seek medical help

Call Alex Ward (see Contacts below) if you experience any of the following:

• increasing pain which does not go away with painkillers
• increasing or heavy bleeding
• foul-smelling discharge
• fever
• pain in your lower legs.