Post lap question...

[gemp54]

Ladies, for those of you that have had a lap what were you told about showering and bathing and also removing the bandage? I thought I was told I could shower after 48 hours but give it another day or so for a bath and that the bandage could come off after 48 hours. My husband said he thought they said don't shower or remove the bandage for at least 72 hours though so now i'm second guessing myself! I was still a bit woozy from the anaesthetic so might have got it wrong but I cant seem to get hold of the doctor to ask. Xx

[Ashleighkillick]

I had my laparoscopy two weeks ago, you can bath shower as normal 24 hours after. & remove bandages the next day. Xx

[Jentco]

Hi i had my lap last week and was told could shower only, dressings were waterproof so kept the butterfly stitches underneath dry. Told me to leave butterfly stitches till they fall off by themselves and not to try removing myself. Hope that helps!

[gemp54 in reply to Jentco]

Thanks for your replies, only one of my dressings is waterproof so I'm pretty sure it wouldn't keep the stitches dry. It will be 48 hours tomorrow so I might have a careful shower and leave the bandage on another 24 hours just in case. It would be a lot easier if the doctors at the ward would answer the phone! Xx

[Jentco in reply to gemp54]

Do you have discharge note from hospital? Should say on that. Mine said keep on for minimum 72 hours

[gemp54 in reply to Jentco]

I do but mine only said about when I can next take painkillers and didn't really seem to cover showers and dressings. Stupidly I should have paid more attention but I was still so drowsy when they spoke to me that I didn't really realise I hadn't taken it all in until after. Xx

[Hidden]

I almost always remove my outer dressing rather quickly, i leave the steri strips on usually. I have always been told no baths, but only showers (which is rough, we don't have a working shower). It's so that you don't sit in the bath water and cause possible infections.

[FallenAngel1984]

Last time I had the lap done I walked out with a non waterproof and a waterproof... I hate not being able to shower so I left it until the next morning. I peeled off the non waterproof and replaced it with a waterproof one I had at home already, jumped in the shower and was careful to avoid the coverings. After a few more days I removed both coverings and let it air dry, I cleaned the area with watered down TCP... Did I mention I'm a clean freak! I booked myself to see the GP two weeks post op to check the stitches were OK and not infected. They are all healed but one hadn't dropped out so they removed it... I can barely see the scar on my bikini line but the one on my belly button scarred quite badly... Although I was butchered!!! I'm not that bothered though.. Scars are proof of our battles in life!.. I hope you heal and a well very soon!

[AlexandraB]

I was told showers fine, pat dry bandages. No baths for 10 days.

[Belibell]

Do you take all three pills at one time or throughout the day?