• Its a good idea NOT to have your surgery in the winter months, or during allergy season if you have allergies, as Coughing is very hard on the pelvic area.  People have thought that a failed procedure was due to having a bad cough after surgery, before the body had a chance to heal. Try to plan your surgery around this fact!
• Get Plenty of rest so your immune system is "top notch"
• Now is a good time to stop smoking
• Try and be at your ideal weight - there has been the suggestion that too much excess fat reduces the success of prolapse operations. (And we are not talking a couple of pounds over.)
• Do not go on a strict diet before your operation
• Eat well - ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs to come out of the operation and begin repairing itself.
• Try to do a little excercise (low impact of course) each day.
• Make sure you are hydrated - drink lots and lots of that lovely water !
• Consider increasing your vitamin C intake. 
• Have someone clean your house for you (either hire or a GREAT friend), so  your return home will be more relaxing on you!

BEFORE GOING TO THE  HOSPITAL

• Consider prior to the operation whether you want visitors or not. If you dont - let people know beforehand.
• Post op in hospital you may change your mind about visitors - make sure you have a person who can pass on your wishes. This could me a mother, partner, nurse etc.
• Consider having an epidural instead of general, or consider epidural post op instead of pain medications.
• On the evening before your surgery, you should not eat solid food after the time instructed by your physician.

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE ?

• Take your own pillow
• Your own sanitary napkins (if you dont like those hospital type)
• Comfortable Pyjamas
• Loose fitting clothes to wear home from the hospital
• Your bathroom supplies
• Books, magazines, puzzles, ect

POST OP

• Get up and walk around slowly each morning, afternoon, and evening. As walking promotes your body to heal.  Plus you feel better.  Just do a little bit at a time, each day.
• Stools should remain soft, try to make your food intake high in fiber, fruits, ect..Ask your doctor about a stool softener following your surgery.
• Drink lots of fluids
• Again, get plenty of rest.
• Dont overdue it! Many women start to feel better, do a little too much,  and then have a set back the next day .
• Consider hiring someone to come and do the house cleaning, meals, and laundry the first week home.  As many of us cant afford to hire someone, when people ask, "How can I help", TELL THEM! Call on freinds, family for childcare, and cleaning!

POST OP BEWARES! please let your doctor know if you..........

• Become constipated
• Are unable to urinate or urination becomes painful
• Ongoing and acute pain in the legs, chest or incision site
• Begin to bleed bright red blood at the incision site
• Flu like symptoms, fever or chills
• Vaginal bleeding that is bright red in colour and requires constant sanitary napkin changing