Hi ladies, can u take anything the night before your lap to help you sleep ?

[Cat35]

Or calm u down I'm getting nervous think it's because I've waiting over a year for this xx

[Brownlow]

Hi Cat35,

Sorry to hear you are nervous but that's understandable.

I should think that you will have to go through all that bowel preparation madness to clear out your system. If you take anything to help you sleep I'd say it would knock you out completely if you have an empty stomach and haven't eaten for a few days so that could be dangerous. Try to ring your doctor or the hospital for advice.

You could try other methods to help you relax like having a soak in the bath with some drops of lavender oil, drinking camomile tea, meditating. Look up some yoga breathing exercises online. I find that helps.

When you come around after the lap you might have pain in your shoulders. They use some harmless gas to access your innards and this rises up your body getting trapped in the shoulders. I brought some mint tea bags in with be to drink and that did the trick!

The lap only lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. The anaesthetist and surgeon should come and see you beforehand so ask the anaesthetist to give you anti-sickness meds to counter the effects of the anaesthetic and ask your surgeon what he/she intends to give you for pain management post-op. Some surgeons don't really deal with this adequately but if you ask for it you will get it. This will make everything more comfortable for you.

Your tummy won't look very nice straight after but it heals quickly.

Get a box set and some films on dvd for when you are recovering post-lap at home and be extra special kind to yourself! Honestly, it's really not too bad.

Take care and I hope it all goes well x

[FightingLikeAGirl]

Hi

I had my second laparoscopy yesterday. I always get nervous the night before, but once I get to the hospital I feel a little less anxious, it's the waiting that's the worst part.

I definitely agree with Brownlow's comment above. I drank chamomile tea and just practiced calm breathing methods.

I suffer from panic attacks but was absolutely fine yesterday.

Peppermint tea works a treat afterwards to get rid of the pains in your shoulder.

I suffer quite badly from nausea, so I always ask for an anti-sickness in my anaesthetic

Just make sure to rest up well afterwards. Always a good reason to be pampered for a little while

Hope all goes well for you. Good luck. x x

[Cat35]

Thank u ladies I will try what u suggested, it's my 2nd lap I'm a very anxious person anyway but I agree it's the waiting, my hubby has to work and I have a 4 yr old to look after so no pampering unfortunately thank u for your replys x

[synnova96 in reply to Cat35]

I would try to stay overnight in hospital if you can to at least have a bit if recovery time. If it's just a diagnostic lap the recovery time is quicker but if they are excising any endo you may need a bit if help with your 4 year old. Do you have anyone who could help out? I think the drs play down the recovery time. For my first lap I was back doing the school run and caring for a two year old after 2 days. I managed but it was tough and could really have done with more rest. Beforehand I found listening to relaxation/visualisation really helpful. There are lots of free audios if you google 'relaxation exercise'. I hope it all goes smoothly for you.

[Lilly83]

Hello

I did, my dr have me Diazepam, I had one in the morning too the hospital said it was fine as long as the anaesthetist knew

Lilly x

[Hidden]

I'm exactly the same. And like Lilly said you can take diazepam providing the consultant and anaesthetist are aware of it. This is because they need to adjust your medication throughout surgery accordingly.

If you haven't had your pre op check ask the nurse while you are there. Or go to your GP and ask them to prescribe you something (usually diazepam). My GP then contacted the hospital and informed them that I was a NERVOUS patient (a massive understatement!) and that she had prescribed me medication.

Best of luck

Xxx