I'm due to have a lap op soon, they think I've quite a lot of endo, testing falop tubes to. Any tips for recovery? Bits to take/expect?

Endo on bowl, poss bladder and poss ovaries also. Is a week reasonable recovery time? Feeling really fed up, upset and in pain

[MrsPanda]

Aw hi MBlackham - don't worry, you'll be fine!

I had a lap a couple of weeks ago and had endo and a cyst removed from one of my ovaries and a dye test on my fallopian tubes. I felt pretty much back to normal 'in myself' after a week, but had a few extra days off work as I was still getting twinges when I tried to drive or lift anything heavy.

Do you have someone to take you and pick you up from hospital? You won't be able to drive afterwards, and you really do need someone to look after you for at least 48 hours after the op as you'll likely be woozy and not able to get around very well. I found peppermint tea v helpful for getting rid of the pain from the gas they use to pump up your stomach (it goes up in your shoulders and can be quite uncomfortable). I'd also recommend getting some sanitary towels as you're likely to bleed for a couple of days.

Apart from that, make sure you've got lots of ibuprofen and paracetamol stocked up, and a hot water bottle on standby. It's not the nicest procedure to go through as you'll feel quite tender and sore, but the surgeons do so many of them it's pretty much routine for them!

Let me know if you have any more questions

xxxxxx