Keeping Clean
SITZ Baths - fits on the toilet-to soak in, can be purchased at any pharmacy. SEE A PICTURE
Lavendar Oil - for Sitz bath water. (few drops). Can be purchased at health food stores.
Peri Bottle (squirt bottle) - for cleaning after voiding. Some gals used a dishwashing bottle to spray themselves clean.
Blow-Dryer - to dry your vulva after bathing and urinating. (on low)
Removable Shower Head - hose with spray nozzle.
Sanitary Napkins - there will be some bleeding and oozing for a number of days.
Stable Box or Step Stool - to help get in and out of the bath. (if you do not have a shower)
A Large Bath Towel - folded and placed in the bottom of the bath, makes it more comfortable than sitting on a hard tub. Also can be used on the bed to lay on while air drying.
NO SOAP!!!!!!!! Soap can be very irritating and drying.
Once you heal up you can try a very mild non-scented cleanser, such as Dove or Summer's Eve Feminine Wash for Sensitive Skin.
Pain
Painkillers - needed in first few days after surgery. Dr should give you a prescription, but make sure they provide enough for a few weeks.
Silverdine Cream- for laser burns, your docotr should give you this if you have laser surgery of the vulva.
Aloe Vera Gel - for burns.
Dermoplast spray - helps pain some. Can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Gel Ice Pack - for swelling. MAKE YOUR OWN
Corn/Rice Bag- can be used from the freezer or microwave.
MAKE YOUR OWN
Vaseline or A&D Ointment - lessens stinging after urinating by acting as a barrier, aids in healing of skin.
Aqueous Cream - in case you get chapped, put on after every time you urinate. (an alternative to Vaseline)
Tea Bags - warm tea bags are very soothing to the vulva and also help with healing. Place between yourself and a sanitary napkin.
Comfort
Comfy Long Night Shirts, Night Gowns, Dresses, or Loose Sweats - as you probably will not feel like putting on pants for awhile.
Laxitives and Stool softener
Icepads (found a brand called Tender Cool Pads) - they are like a huge pad but they have an ice pack inside; that should help ease the pain.
Comfort Food- CHOCOLATE seems to be a favorite :)
Donut Pillow/Boppy Pillow/Swim-Ring - makes it much more comfy to sit. Donut Pillows can be found at pharmacies. Boppy pillows can be bought in teh baby section of department store. You can buy the small plastic children's swim-rings (12 inch across) just about anywhere in the summer really cheap. Put it in a pillowcase for added comfort.
Mens Boxer Shorts - very loose and comfortable if you must wear underwear
**Be sure you have a phone by the bed along with tissues and lotion.
You don't want to have to get up for anything for a while.
Other
Large Magnifying Mirror and Flashlight - to aid regular checks on operation site for signs of infection or your monthly vulvar exams.
Bed Pads - so you can lay in bed and air dry, they are disposable in case they get messy.
Something To Occupy Your Time
Books - may help you while your down and resting. Certainly better than TV to get your mind off of things.
Nail File and Polish
Hand Held Games
Crocheting
Computer
Call your Physician if you have any of the following:
*fever
*excessive or abnormal bleeding
*extreme redness or swelling
*streaks that run down the legs
*a foul, discolored, or excessive discharge at surgery site
*extreme pain that does not let up
Any of these symptoms could signal infection.
Also, if your stitches rip open or come out at anytime, give your doctor a quick call to make sure everything is okay. He may want to prescribe an antibiotic or have some other cleaning suggestions for you. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
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