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Article: Infection and Complications After Hysterectomy?
How do I know what is normal recovery aches and what is surgerical complication or an infection? How will I know if I need to call the doctor?
When the time comes for you to be released from the hospital, you will have a meeting with a nurse who willl review your post-op care with you, and you will likely receive a form entitled, “Patient Discharge Orders and Instructions” or something similar. During your exit interview with the nurse, he or she will write notes on the form pertaining to the medications you will be taking during your recovery period, incision care guidelines, diet restrictions (if any) and other important “rules to follow” during your convalescence. It is imperative that you follow the “doctor’s orders” precisely in order to give yourself the best opportunity to recover from the surgery without complications.
Of course, your discharge instructions will be tailored to your unique needs. Typical instructions include:
Contact your doctor if you experience:- Temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Chills
- A major increase in pain
- Redness, swelling, or increased draining from incision
- Vaginal bleeding heavier than a period
- Unusual symptoms or concerns
You owe it to yourself to be vigilant and take your recovery period seriously. If something seems amiss, don’t hesitate to call and check with your medical provider. Post-surgical infections and complications are more easily treated if they are dealt with early on.
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