My 1st laparoscapy...

[Sophie28]

Hi everyone!

So today I had my gynocology appt and he has booked me in for a laparoscapy! I am so scared and nervous. What things do I need to pack and what should I do to prepare for before and after the op? I am also petrified of needles so I know that opperation day will be very intense and stressful for me!

Sophie x

[Bettyheslop]

Hi Sophie,

I can't actually answer your question but wanted to let you know I am in the same position as you. Had gynaecology appointment last week and have been booked in for laparoscopy in 3 weeks. From what they could see during appointment I have cysts on both ovaries, one seems to be a endometrial cyst, one ovary seems to be stuck to my uterus and have unusual thickening in my uterus.

I have suspected endometriosis for years, I have all of the symptoms others list on here. I am scared of the general anaesthetic, I asked if they could do a local but they said no chance. I have had a letter telling me to bring my own dressing gown and slippers. I am packing pyjamas, book and a toothbrush though as it does say if appointment runs late or you take longer than usual to recover from anaesthetic you could end up staying the night.

I will be keeping an eye on your post to see responses. I also have an underactive thyroid which causes me aches, pains and tiredness so it won't be fun adding endometriosis to my problems!

I do hope your laparoscopy goes smoothly,

Sarah

[Sophie28 in reply to Bettyheslop]

Thank you so much! Good luck with your lap! I plan on updating throughout my journey so that I can not only help myself but others too! Xxx

[Marigold91]

Hi Sophie,

Don't worry! I was in the same position as you, only had my lap last week. Was really afraid, especially since I'm petrified of needles too but the anaesthesiologists were lovely, chatted to me lots about my family and other things to keep my mind of it and before I knew it I was waking up in the recovery room: don't even remember falling asleep.

All I brought with me were comfy clothes to wear for after, a relaxing book (ended up not reading it as they took me in really quick) and just in case a toothbrush and dressing gown, but didn't need those as was let out the same day.

So I would suggest, get your room prepared beforehand, make sure you have someone with you that you trust, and who will make you laugh. And most of all: be kind to yourself. It is stressful, but hopefully in the long run it will help you.

Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions, or just need to chat

[Sophie28 in reply to Marigold91]

Thank you so much I will defintly have some questions to ask you xx

[Dawnus]

after your op due them pumping you up with air and they dont release it all i didnt sleep for 3 days and nights i was in alot of pain , i felt like i was being crushed, at one point i was going to call my self an ambulance ... im not trying to scare you hunny im just making u aware also make sure before you leave the hospital you go home with good pain killers .... best of luck hun x

[Sophie28 in reply to Dawnus]

I've read a lot about the gas! I'm quite worried about the recovery but hopefully the op gets to the root of my problems x

[Cla1re in reply to Sophie28]

I had my lap on Friday last week and managed to work a couple of hours on the Wednesday. I have only taken paracetamol twice since leaving hospital

The best thing for the gas is peppermint tea, sugar free chewing gum and regular small walks. I guess I was lucky in as much as I had no gas pain, just very loud burps!

Wishing you all the best xx

[unlucky2014]

Hi

I took arnica pillules 3 days before my laproscopy to reduce bruising.

On the day I would pack, comfortable clothing. I had leggings and trackies as your probs don't want to wear jeans after because you are sensitive. I also wore a baggy top so there wasn't much pressure around my stomach. Also pack some sanitary pads as you could bleed afterwards, not everyone does but its best to be prepared. Take a dressing gown and slippers too

I brought with me a book, fizzy drink and chocolates for after. Sometimes you can wait a while after coming round to be given food, I found that having some chomp or fudge nearby was something to give you a little bit of a perk.

With regards to needles, I completely understand where your coming from ! I always tell the nurses to not tell me when they are putting the needle or cannula in, otherwise I will jump and it wont end well. I also always look away when they are doing it. Also when I had my Lap they decided to put a (sick) bowl over my hand so I didn't get in a fluster if I looked.

For after, listen to your body ! drink plenty of orange juice and eat what you can manage, you will feel bloated after the first the lap so be sensible. I always try pasta or bread after an op to keep me going. Also get some peppermint capsules or tea or even oil as you will become bloated and it hurts when the gas stores up, this will help relieve that ! Remember that slow and steady wins the race !!

You will be fine, a lot of us have had more than one lap on here. All the best and keep us updated

[phoenixoncemore]

I'm glad it went well, it's nice to be taken seriously isn't it

It's really not so bad. Take a book to take your mind of things during all the mind - numbing waiting around. Sanitary towels for after or they'll give you maternity pads that are huge and don't stick so they move around. Take somebody with you to take you home and if your op is in the afternoon like mine was, get them to bring food and drink - recovery ward had run out of everything but corned beef sandwiches by the time I came round and I'd been nil by mouth for over 12 hours at that point. Stretchy, loose trousers with no or very low waistband as you won't want anything touching your stomach.

Tips, get them to give you a copy of your pictures and report as mine were supposed to be sent to my GP to go on my records but never materialised. Be prepared for the first time you go to the toilet as they usually catheterise you during the op so it stings and is a bit of a shock if they don't mention it. The gas pain is the worst and the only thing I found that helped was pacing around but some say peppermint helped them. For your recovery get B12 supplements as the anaesthetic messes with your stores, plenty of fibre rich foods to help things start, Erm, moving again. Lastly, as not helpful as this is; try to to worry too much.

[Sophie28 in reply to phoenixoncemore]

Thank you so much! X

[Fieldmouse249]

Hi Sophie

Thanks for posting, I'm in your situation too. I've never been near a hospital in my life so literally clueless! Some great responses here thanks everyone. I am worried about the op but also the aftermath. How long to recover etc. I found talking to my boyf helped. Just saying it out loud. It's fine to be scared! Hope l goes well for you. Treat yourself to new PJs (I'm going into hospital with the nicest pair I can afford and I'll be staying in them as long as needed!) take care xxx

[Sophie28 in reply to Fieldmouse249]

Good luck with your op! Xx