Your recent bladder surgery requires some special care after leaving the hospital. Because of the raw surface inside your bladder and the irritating effects of urine, you may experience frequency of urination both day and night. You may also experience urgency of urination (a stronger desire to urinate). This will usually resolve or improve slowly over the healing period. You may see some blood in your urine intermittently over the first six weeks. Do not be alarmed, even if the urine has been clear for a while. While blood is visibly present, you should stay at rest and drink a lot of fluids until clearing occurs.

DIET
When you are discharged from the hospital you may return to your normal diet immediately. Because of the raw bladder surface, alcohol, acid or spicy foods, and drinks with caffeine or cranberries may cause irritation and should be used in moderation. To keep your urine flowing freely and to avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids during the day (eight to 10 glasses).

WOUND
Your incision will be sealed from surface bacteria within two days of surgery. Nonetheless, you should protect it from dirt and soiling for the first 10 days or so. The incision will be tender for the first week and the edges should NOT be pulled apart. The steri-strips should be left on for at least 10-14 days, if possible. If a NEW area of redness or swelling occurs, please let us know.

ACTIVITY
Your physical activity is to be restricted, especially during the first two weeks. During this time use the following guidelines:

• No lifting heavy objects (anything greater than 10 pounds).
• No strenuous exercise. Limit stair climbing to a minimum.
• No sexual intercourse until OKed by one of your doctors.
• No severe straining during bowel movements. Take a laxative if necessary.

BOWELS
It is important to keep your bowels regular during the postoperative period. The rectum and the bladder are next to each other and any very large and hard stools that require straining to pass can cause bleeding. You may be given stool softeners but these are not laxatives. A bowel movement every other day is reasonable. Use a mild laxative if needed and call if you are having problems.

MEDICATION
You should resume your pre-surgery medication unless told not to. You will given pain medications upon discharge from the hospital. Use them as needed according to the directions on the bottle. These medications will usually contain a narcotic. Narcotics may cause drowsiness, so you shouldn't drive while using them. Tylox or Percocet are used most often. In addition, you will often be given stool softeners and an antibiotic to prevent infection. These should be taken as prescribed until the medication is finished, unless you are having an unusual reaction to one of the drugs.

PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD REPORT TO US

• Heavy bleeding or clots
• Inability to urinate
• Drug reactions (hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Severe burning or pain with urination that is not improving