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.
  • We advise you to wear your stockings for at least 2 weeks.
  • Move around as much as possible. This will encourage your blood to flow and your wounds to heal, and build up strength in your muscles.
  • Rest when you need to and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Do not stand for too long or lift anything heavy.
  • You can have a shower if you feel able to. Avoid having a bath for 6 weeks.
  • There are no stitches (sutures) to remove. 

Returning to everyday activities

  • Do not restart any exercise programme for 4 to 6 weeks. When you restart, stick to low impact exercise and gradually build to your normal levels.You can return to work in 6 weeks.
  • Do not drive until you are confident you can control your vehicle (usually 6 weeks). Check with your insurer if you have questions.
  • Most patients feel back to normal after about 3 months.

Important

  • Do not have sexual intercourse for 6 weeks, or until your bleeding and discharge has stopped.
  • Do not use tampons until the bleeding caused by this procedure has stopped. Use a pad for vaginal bleeding.

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
  • offensive discharge
  • fever
  • pain in your lower legs.

Contact information

Kingston Hospital Alex Ward

 

NHS emergency and urgent care service, call 111

You can also contact your GP or come to the Kingston Hospital Emergency Department (A&E)

Telephone:

Alex Ward: 020 8934 2301