Question:
period in the hospital ?

I am due for my period in a few days, and I am having surgery in 5 days, anyone want to share how this was handled in surgery and while you were in the hospital,don't want to be to graphic, but can I wear a tampon during surgery?    — momtoall (posted on March 24, 2006)

March 24, 2006
A woman having a period is a very normal thing even if you are having surgery. It happens all the time, trust me. It is something that you will need to share with your surgeon that you may be having it at that time. Let your nurses know in pre-op also. They have pads that a woman can wear during surgery. I do not think that you will be able to wear a tampon during your surgery. If you want to talk to a female before your surgery try calling your surgeon's nurse and see what she says or for suggestions. This question has been presented to her in the past. Also, take your own female supplies to the hospital, they will charge you an arm and leg to give you them.
   — ChristineB

March 24, 2006
Hi, I just had my surgery and I got my period the day before ..It is very common. I am a surgical nurse and you should not wear a tampon to surgery. The reason being if there was any kind of complication or for whatever reason you forgot or the caregivers did no know you had a tampon in..It could accidently be left in and you could become septic. We get women on their period all the time. i think the stress of surgery ust brings it on. They will give you a pad after and you can put on underwear. They will just need to run the tubing from the catheter throught the leg.Have them put a chux on your bed. Don't worry..it is all in a day's work for the hospital staff. Best of the luck to you. lynn
   — nurse442

March 24, 2006
I had an unrelated abdominal surgery the morning after I gave birth (vaginal), and needless to say was even much worse that a regular period. No, they won't allow tampons, but with me they placed a pad between my legs and a chucks underneath me in the O.R.. Not sure what happened to everything during the surgery, but in recovery I already had nice little stretchy net hospital issue underwear with a fresh pad. As many have said, it's all in a days work for the staff and I wouldn't even give it a second thought...just let them know, and they will take care of it however they need to. Best wishes with your surgery.
   — angelav

March 25, 2006
Having a your menstral cycle during surgery or just after is a normal occurance. I started my cycle the day of my surgery so the best thing to do is be prepared and take sanitary napkins to the hospital with you. Since in most cases you will be required to get up and walk around no more than 4 hours post-op, it will not be an issue to change your pads as needed. I hope this helps.
   — Tiff's On a Mission

March 25, 2006
I just had GB and my period started while I was in surgery! Not an issue, the nurses were professional and treated it as a non issue. Don't worry.
   — lisa40299

March 25, 2006
I don't think it would be a problem wearing a tampon during surgery. I have had several surgeries (not WLS) where I was having a cycle and they just put a HUGE diaper-type pad on me. I really wouldn't worry about it if I were you. What I would do is ask your nurse when you get there for your surgery about it. Good luck!!
   — Agrippina05

March 25, 2006
I had my period during surgery which I let the nurses know beforehand. The surgeons forgot to change my pad during the procedure. My partner said that I woke up right after and just said "blood". She said it reminded her that I was on my period and she told the nurse who got me to the post-op room. She was awesome and gave me a sponge bath, changed my pad, and changed my clothes - she did it all in 10 minutes while I was in/out of it. She was spectacular!!
   — Nicki F.

March 26, 2006
I was on my period during surgery. I advised my doctor and all the nurses - they put a pad on me during surgery and made sure I was comfortable. You will be in good hands - and congratulations!!!
   — andijo

April 14, 2006
I'm so glad you asked this because I expect to have the same issue when I go for open RNY on 4/26. I asked the nurse at pre-admission testing and she said having your period is absolutely no big deal. But she did say to wear a sanitary pad, no tampons.
   — jessayn

Click Here to Return