Common recovery questions
Where can my family or friends pick me up the day I’m discharged?
Family and friends may pick you up in front of Prentice Pavilion, 333 E. Superior St. There is a drive-through area where patients can be picked up and assisted into their car. For customized driving directions to Prentice Pavilion, see Driving Directions to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Should someone be at home to assist me with my recovery?
It is usually not necessary for someone to stay with you during your recovery at home. You will still be functional at home, but may not be motivated to do much. If you are taking a narcotic medication for pain, you will not be able to drive and will require assistance for transportation.
May I use tampons?
No. Please use sanitary napkins. You may use tampons two weeks after your procedure.
When is it safe to douche?
You may resume douching two weeks after your procedure.
When may I resume intimate sexual relations?
You may resume sexual relations two weeks after your procedure or as directed.
When may I take a tub bath?
You may take a tub bath 48 hours (two days) after your procedure.
When may I shower?
You may shower at any time after your discharge from the hospital.
When may I remove the bandage or bandaid?
You may remove the bandage 48 hours (two days) after your procedure.
When may I resume exercise?
You may resume your routine activities immediately after discharge, but avoid heavy lifting (greater than 10 pounds). You can begin light exercise when you feel up to it, but use common sense and start slowly. You may feel extremely tired after activities. Try not to over-exert yourself.
May I go swimming?
Yes. See the answers to questions above about taking a tub bath and when you may resume exercise.
May I take Ibuprofen or Tylenol?
No. Take only the medications prescribed for you at the prescribed dosages and times of administration. Do not supplement with ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) because your prescribed medications may already contain these medications and additional doses may cause damage to some organs.
I am experiencing severe abdominal pain and nausea.
Your prescribed medications are safe to take at the frequency and dose as directed. If you are in severe pain, keep up and take them diligently at the specified times. You are not abusing the medications if you are taking them for the specific symptoms that you are experiencing. If the relief of your symptoms is still difficult to control, please call the Clinical Coordinator. You may be asked to return to the clinic for control of your symptoms or there might just be a medication change.
I am experiencing severe bloating.
Bloating and abdominal fullness are normal following a UAE procedure. The uterus is experiencing swelling from inflammation. Your anti-inflammation medication helps with the swelling (and cramping). Most patients report that their abdomens begin to feel much softer and their clothes begin to fit much better after two to four weeks (longer if very large fibroids).
I am experiencing pain or burning while urinating.
This may be attributed to the bladder catheter. Drink lots of fluids (water, cranberry juice). Please call the Clinical Coordinator if pain or discomfort persists or if fever develops.
I am experiencing severe constipation.
Constipation is a frequent, troublesome, and frustrating side effect of the UAE procedure. Please drink plenty of fluids (one glass of water an hour) and take your medications as directed. You may also try adding prune juice or prunes to your diet. You may stop your constipation medications once you become regular.
I am experiencing severe headaches.
Headaches may result from the placement of epidural catheter. Add caffeine to your diet (coffee, tea, Mountain Dew, colas and other caffeinated drinks). Continue taking your pain medication as directed. If the headache persists, please contact the Clinical Coordinator or the Hospital Pain Service Nurse 312-926-2000.
I am experiencing facial swelling or body rash.
You may be having a reaction to the x-ray dye, one of the medications, or to the tape used on your body. Contact the Clinical Coordinator or the emergency/important phone numbers given to you, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath or swelling of your tongue or throat. You may be asked to take Benadryl or call 911.
I am experiencing passage of large clots, tissue fragments or strands of tissue.
Passage of tissue or clots is normal and a usually attributed to fibroid tissue near the uterine lining which may be breaking down or degrading. (Most of the fibroid tissue is usually resorbed by the body over time). Vigilantly observe for symptoms of fever, chills, foul odor, malaise (“feeling sick”). Call the Clinical Coordinator immediately if any of these symptoms occur or if you have questions or concerns.
When will the bleeding or vaginal discharge stop?
Bleeding can be very variable and unique among all patients. Some patients do not experience any bleeding. Most patient’s bleeding stops after a few days to one week but may be prolonged, two to 3+ weeks. Again, watch for signs of infection (fever, chills, foul vaginal discharge, abdominal pain and tenderness, malaise). Call the Clinical Coordinator if you have questions or concerns
When should I make a follow-up appointment with my Interventional Radiologist?
- Follow-up is done at the one-month, three-month, and six-month intervals.
- Patients return to the clinic for a one-month visit.
- The three-month follow-up can be done over the phone if things are going well.
- The six-month follow-up usually includes an MRI to determine if all the fibroids have been treated, to evaluate the degree of shrinkage, and to evaluate any lingering symptoms.
- MRI follow-up can occur sooner or even later in the recovery period depending on resolution of symptoms or unexpected complications.
When should I make an appointment to see my Gynecologist?
Ideally, you should follow up with your gynecologist after your final MRI evaluation or when your IR doctor advises you. Patient recovery issues are addressed by the Interventional Radiology clinic team, as we have more experience and expertise with the challenges of caring for patients undergoing the UAE procedure.