What to expect from a laparoscopy??

[Pinkyloz]

I'm new to here after recently being diagnosed with endo & cysts. I'm being sent for a lap & although I have the leaflets etc I want to know what to expect from people who have actually been through the procedure.

[Lilyloulou]

Hi Pinkyloz

I have had a lap. To be honest it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I took my pain meds as directed and rested as directed. I was sore for a few weeks and was really careful with my wounds. I cleaned them regularly and kept them covered as directed too. I had no infections and no real problems with recovery. I did have to go back to have my stitches removed as they didn't dissolve as they should but again no real problems. Remember you will be sore around the stomach area so laughing and coughing hurt. I was careful with clothing selection to avoid trousers rubbing on the belly button wound. I drank mint tea as this is supposed to help with the pain from the gas they use. I had shoulder pain for a few days after the lap but again it settled with the pin relief. I did have a week off work due to the active nature of my job. Good luck with you lap I hope you get the answers you are looking for. X

[help1986]

Hi I had my 1st lap in april and due to have another 1 in aug.i had 2 weeks off with the pain, recovery all depends how bad it is, where it is etc.my next op the surgeon has said minimum of 4weeks off work.i too have cysts on ovaries and i have adhesions sticking my ovaries down round my bowels! So got big op ahead of me.but like lilyloulou said drink peppermint or mint tea after for couple of days, it really helps or you can get pepermint liquid capsules from Holland and Barrett.it will also help if you have endo on ur digestive system as they normally become inflamed.expect lots of bruising.i found peeing is a bit awkward the 1st 24hrs after....was told to expect a period like bleed after, but i was lucky and was light and next period was about 4weeks after op, but every1s different.dont be surprised if u loose ur appetite for a couple of days.u may feel bit emotional and weepy. But mainly u need to drink plenty of water and take it easy, the less u do the quicker the recovery.good luck,try not to worry about it, I know I did especially as it was my 1st op eva xx

[Alma_Matters]

Hi Pinkyloz

Move about as much as you can afterwards, stock up on sugar free polos, invest in a microwaveable wheat bag for your shoulder (all help with the gas), get as much sleep as you can and take your pain meds. Your mouth may be really sore (from breathing tube)...my uvula was stretched and covered in ulcers which made eating really painful ... so ice cream, plenty of ice cold water and Difflam medicated throat spray were a godsend to me. As long as you take your pain meds the pain from the op isn't so bad... for me it was the gas and the throat pain which was the most painful (I've had two laps). Good luck, hope everything goes well! x

[AlexR]

Hi i just had my first ever op on the 1st of July, was for investigation as they could see what was wrong with scans and internals. Im still really sore from it and on pain meds. They found alot of Endo when they went in and removed as much as poss. Peeing is really strange first few days i found, i agree strongly laughing, coughing and crying really hurt after the lap op. I didnt have any problem with the gas though no more shoulder pain than i normally have. My doc has signed me off for 5 weeks unfit as i have been so sore. Do keep drinking plenty of water/diluting juice and i had the biggest ulcer just on the inside of my mouth after the op. Do move about as much as you can but do not over do it, just listen to your body. You'll get twinges/sharp pains when doing too much and you may find fatigue kicks up a notch after it as well. I wasnt worried about the op as its something they preform alot it was the outcome i was freaking out about more. I found all the staff to be lovely.

It all comes down to how quickly you heal really and how well your body copes with it. But rest, drink plenty of water/diluting juice and make sure youve got someone to help look after you xxx

[Pinkyloz]

Thank you for your responses, its good to get some tips. Will definitely look into the peppermint tea. Still waiting on a date so not sure when it will be. Thank you x