Delivering a baby through an incision in the abdomen (Cesarean Section) is a surgical procedure usually involving the use of regional/spinal or epidural anesthesia.  If you experience any problems after being discharged home, during office hours call Dr. Lackore’s office at  757-481-3366.  After 4:30 pm call the night time emergency number 757-455-3584. You will be connected to the Physician on Call. Go to your nearest emergency room if you feel you need immediate attention.  Dr. Lackore’s after-hour coverage is provided by Womancare Center at Sentara Leigh Hospital.
NORMAL ACTIVITY –   You may gradually increase your activities as your strength permits. The first week you are home taking care of just yourself.  No heavy work, lifting (over 25 pounds), straining, or long-standing for six weeks. Get rest, but remember fresh air and sunshine help speed recovery. So get outside and walk around. You may walk up and downstairs if necessary. However, go slowly, cautiously, and always hold the handrail.  Thereafter gradually return to what is normal for you. Get rest, but remember fresh air and sunshine help speed recovery. So get outside and walk around.
YOU MUST Have an adult with you when you first arrive at home for the first several days.
DO NOT – drive a car for AT LEAST 2 weeks (longer if needed).  Wait until you are off all pain medications, alert, comfortable, and back to your usual full abilities.
DO NOT – operate hazardous machinery, power tools, or kitchen appliances for 72 hours.
DO NOT – care for small children for at least 72 hours – it is NOT safe to have this responsibility
DO NOT – put anything in the vagina until you are very comfortable.  No Intercourse for at least 4 weeks
DO NOT – take a tub bath. You may shower (preferred)  and wash your hair.  Do not attempt to tub bathe until you are able to raise and lower yourself without strain
DO NOT – make any important personal or business decisions or sign any legal documents for 72 hours.

DANGER SIGNS:  (call urgent contact phone numbers above).
1. SIGNS OF INFECTION:  increase in pain, foul odor, severe chills, fever (temperature over 100.5 degrees).
2. EXCESSIVE BLEEDING:  Repeatedly soaking a pad every 15 minutes is not OK – call!
3. NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA:  Severe or more than 24 hours – Call.
4. URINARY SYMPTOMS:  If you feel persistent urinary burning or pain or if you have not urinated within 12 hours after surgery, call Dr. Lackore.
5. PAIN: – this procedure is normally associated with 2-4 days of moderate discomfort.  Call if the pain is steadily worsening.
6. VAGINAL SECRETIONS:  Some vaginal discharge or spotting may occur during the next two to four weeks, this is not unusual. If necessary, wear a feminine napkin or mini-pad, but nothing in the vagina until you see me for the final six-week checkup. No intercourse, douching, or tampons. You may notice small brown strings or knots (dissolving suture) come out of the vagina within 10 days to six weeks. Do not be alarmed, this is normal.
7. CARE OF THE INCISION: Skin glue may have been used, DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT THE SKIN GLUE! Incisions heal gradually. When you bathe, gently cleanse the incision with soap and water.  Let the shower wash down directly on the incision, pat it dry afterward with a clean towel.
Any other serious questions or concerns that things may not be going well.

DIET:
1. Two hours after surgery, begin with clear liquids for an hour (7-Up, ginger ale, Sprite, tea, apple juice – anything you can see through).  Next, you may progress to Jell-O, chicken noodle soup, and crackers.  By evening, you may have a light meal if you wish.
2. Avoid spicy, fried, or “heavy” foods and dairy products for 24 hours (no pizza or hamburgers).
3. No alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, for 24 hours and while taking pain medications or antibiotics.
4. Gradually resume your regular diet as tolerated.

NEW PRESCRIPTIONS:  You may take Tylenol or Aleve (at normal doses on the bottle) as your wish for discomfort.  Take medications as prescribed by Dr. Lackore or the covering physician.
1. Take pain medications (only as needed) with food or milk
2. Review pamphlet supplied by the pharmacy where your prescription was filled
3. Call Dr. Lackore or the covering physician or pharmacy if you do not understand your new medications.

POSTOPERATIVE VISIT: this visit is usually scheduled before surgery.  If not, please call the office at 481-3366 and make an appointment for your post-operative check-up  30 days following childbirth.
RETURNING TO WORK:  Most patients recover sufficiently to return to work and resume all activities after four to six weeks. However, complete recuperation may require eight to twelve weeks.