Hi
I have my laparoscopy tomorrow, and as anyone would be im feeling very anxious.
I've been told I will probably have a catheter in me for the operation - is this a common thing?
Also will this be inserted and removed before I wake up?
I'm 23 and very scared.
Hi i can say don't be scared but we are only human.it will be over before you know it just have to put faith in your gyni.yes u will b sore after but pain killers work a treat,lil tip for the gas pains (shoulder blades etc) move around much as poss. catheta is nothing trust me. Good luck you'll be fine 
It was too fab having a catheter. Not feeling the urgent need to go for a pee as it is just constantly emptying the bladder and you don't feel that happening.
My catheter didn't hurt at all while it was installed.
It was a bit annoying having the tube coming out of paper knickers and wearing pyjamas
if not really practical.... wear a knee length night shirt or use the hospitals own night gown.
There was a mild tug when the balloon holding it in me was deflated and the catheter was removed... suddenly you realise just how nice it was not being reminded all the time that the bladder needs to go pee which means getting up however painful that is , just so you don't have an accident.
I actually thought WOW - could happily live with a catheter for ever....but a couple of days was all I got. at the time of my op.
Ad yes it is inserted during the op and you wake up with it if they think you will be needing it for the first 24hrs or so... it might even be removed sooner than that.
There are some risks - it can leave you more prone to getting a UTI afterwards because it will have stretched the urethra (the tube from your bladder that you pee through) and that can let bacteria in more easily...so do make sure you are more attentive to hygiene when wiping after a loo trip. wiping from front to back, and keeping clean down below.
Aside from that it really is a good thing to have at the time you need it.
It does restrict your ability to get up and moving on day one, so confines you bit in terms of wandering too far. Just getting up and off the bed and walking round the bed at first till you get more used to it. It does have a long tube so you can turn over in bed while it is hooked on to the bed frame (for all to see your wee!!).
Dignity aside which cannot be helped unless you drape a bedsheet over the collecting pouch, it's not too unpleasant at all.
Don't worry about it. Getting rid of the gas pains is the no.1 concern when you wake up. Do everything you can to frt and burp that extra trapped gas out at every available opportunity. Holding it in for politeness sakes will HURT you, so get the gas out asap.
I had my first lap two weeks ago and no catheter. I was busting for a wee as soon as I came round and with the help of a nurse drunkenly staggered to the loo. Might have been easier if they had put one in.
I don't remember them saying they put one in me. And I needed the loo when I woke up so they obviously didn't. I was very nervous too but after going down to the theatre and jumping on the bed I was out of it before I knew anything about it.
As for the gas pain I ate lots of mint imperials first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Along with mint tea. That was what I found best for it! Good luck
I had mine inserted and removed while I was asleep, thankfully. Also, they may put a tube down your throat just in case. (I had that done as well)
My first lap tomorrow 
First lap tomorrow eek.
Diagnostic lap tomorrow 
Lap tomorrow!
