Laparoscopy aftercare and recovery timescale

[whisperenergy]

Hi this is my 1st post. I had a diagnostic laparoscopy on Friday last week that turned into a more major op as they discovered endometriosis and lots of adhesions attached to ovaries, bladder, bowel, abdominal wall etc. which they were able to remove which will hopefully give me relieve from the awful pain I've been having for so long now. I was kept in overnight as I had a bad reaction to the morphine and also had a drain in. I was pretty out of it when the doc spoke to me and didn't ask questions about what to expect as to how quickly I wld recover. I asked the nurses but they were a bit vague saying everyone is different and see how I go. I'm also still in a lot of pain and my tummy feels so heavy and sensitive, have other people experienced this? Not really been able to eat much since fri either as just feel so uncomfortable. Was given paracetamol,and diclofenac but that doesn't seem to be helping much. I was going to call my doctors today but it's a bank holiday, thought abt calling nhs24 but I don't like to make a fuss, I assume this is how everyone feels after they have had this kind of surgery done and I just have to get through it but if anyone could reassure me I wld be grateful!!! xx

[SJ1992]

Hi, I was the same after my laparoscopy 3 months ago. i also had it in similar places. I expected to recover quite quick and expected to be back to normal . My stomach was very swollen and seemed to be getting more swollen each day and it was very tender I also didn't want to make a fuss but couldn't take anymore and week later I went to the doctors who told me I had an infection and to go to hospital ( up until then I assumed the pain was normal) I was in hospital for 3 days it turns out the infection had developed into an abscess and it had to be drained . I was on antibiotics and 2 weeks after being discharged I was back in as the infection hadn't cleared and had to take antibiotics for a month . I was told by my consultant and the surgeon that operated on me that this was very rare.

Im really sorry If this has worried you but any pain that you don't feel is right I would phone nhs or see your doctor ASAP. It could just be normal as everyone is different but to put your mind at rest I would see your doctor as soon as you can .

Good luck and hope you feel better soon xxxx

[whisperenergy]

Thanks very much for the reply, I was beginning to wonder if there was a bit of an infection or fluid build up as I had a drain in after op and might still be some there. Think I will call the docs tomrw to get an appointment. Thanks xx

[Impatient]

you have had a lot of work done and yes the feeling like your tummy is falling down is normal. 10 weeks before you return to the gym after such a surgery.

That should give you some idea, but we do all heal different rates and depending on how much was done. I'd say 3 weeks off work at least and see how you feel then, it can take as long as a couple of months or more to be free of any op pains, but that shouldn't stop you doing lots of things, just take it easy, if it hurts you have done too much.

Keep active with frequent short walks, and get plenty of rest too, and drink water and eat well , all will help you heal.

going back to work or heavy activity too soon will cause a painful setback and you'll be regretting it for a day or two afterwards. be kind to yourself and don't expect miracles, you will recover but it s rarely a fast thing to get over. most of us take a month or two or more.

[Lilly83]

I was lucky with my recovery I was back at work 3 days after diagnostic lap and 9 days after my second longer lap, that was 6 hours, I had stage 4 excision from bladder, bowel, pod, ureters, sacrial ligaments, everything stuck together, tubes out and several cysts one being 18cm! I had total peritoneal excision too, I was kept in with 3 days as had a catheter but was fine just render when I left hospital, had 5-6 days at home pottering about the house then went back to work. I know I was lucky. Hope you start to feel better x

[Gio73]

Once your pain recedes I would email the surgeon too. Like you, I was far too groggy to really clarify what had been done to me and needed more answers. Get their name and contact details and communicate with them! Hope you feel better.

[whisperenergy]

Thanks very much for all the replies, really helpful and it is reassuring to know others have gone through the same and to hear their experiences. Going off to the the gp this morning to get checked. That's a good idea abt emailing the surgeon thanks, I will see if I can do that xx