Emergency Contact Information#

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Contact Phone When to Call
Surgeon's Office _________________ Questions, concerns, medication refills
Surgeon's Emergency Line _________________ After-hours urgent concerns
Hospital/Facility _________________ Readmission, severe complications
Local Emergency 911 Life-threatening emergencies
Pharmacy _________________ Prescription refills, drug interactions

Call the Surgeon IMMEDIATELY If:#

  • Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
  • Heavy bleeding (soaking through dressings rapidly)
  • Sudden severe pain not controlled by medication
  • Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, red streaks
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Inability to urinate for 6+ hours (with urge)
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Wound opening or separation
  • Sudden swelling in legs (possible blood clot)
  • Confusion or altered consciousness

When in doubt, call. Surgeons would rather answer a question than miss a complication.

Daily Caregiver Checklist#

Morning#

  • Check temperature (record in log)
  • Assess surgical site(s) for changes
  • Administer morning medications
  • Assist with hygiene as needed
  • Prepare breakfast and ensure adequate fluids
  • Help with mobility/walking if cleared

Midday#

  • Administer afternoon medications
  • Prepare lunch
  • Assist with dilation if applicable (timing per schedule)
  • Monitor pain level (1-10 scale)
  • Encourage rest
  • Empty/measure surgical drains if applicable

Evening#

  • Check temperature (record in log)
  • Administer evening medications
  • Prepare dinner
  • Wound care per surgeon instructions
  • Assist with evening hygiene
  • Prepare comfortable sleeping position

As Needed#

  • Refill water bottle
  • Assist with bathroom trips
  • Ice pack rotation (20 min on, 20 min off)
  • Help retrieve items
  • Provide emotional support
  • Document concerns for next appointment

Medication Schedule Template#

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Medication Dose Time(s) With Food? Last Given

Pain medication notes:

  • Don't let pain get ahead of medication—take on schedule initially
  • Transition from opioids as soon as able (per surgeon guidance)
  • ALWAYS take stool softeners with opioids

Surgical Drain Log (if applicable)#

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Date Time Drain 1 Output (mL) Drain 2 Output (mL) Color/Notes

Report to surgeon: Output amount, color changes, sudden increases

Temperature Log#

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Date AM Temp PM Temp Notes

Dilation Schedule (Vaginoplasty)#

Week 1-2: _____ times daily for _____ minutes each Week 3-4: _____ times daily for _____ minutes each Month 2-3: _____ times daily for _____ minutes each

Dilation Log:

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Date Time Duration Dilator Size Notes/Concerns

Food and Hydration Reminders#

Encourage:

  • 64+ oz water daily
  • High-protein foods (healing requires protein)
  • Fiber-rich foods (prevents constipation)
  • Small, frequent meals if appetite is low

Avoid:

  • Alcohol (interacts with medications)
  • Excessive caffeine (dehydrating)
  • Very salty foods (increases swelling)

Caregiver Self-Care#

  • Take breaks—you cannot pour from an empty cup
  • Sleep when the patient sleeps
  • Accept help from others
  • Step outside for fresh air daily
  • It's okay to feel stressed—this is hard work
  • Your wellbeing matters too

Notes Section#

Keep this reference card, a pen, and your phone within reach at all times during the acute recovery period.

Continue exploring#