Laparoscopy

[GemCat17]

What's it like to have a laparoscopy? Does it cause more problems? Does it a while to recover from it? I'm asking because my consultant made it sound extremely risky and talked as it if it was a last resort. She put me off the idea but I'm also quite keen for them to have a proper look inside to see what's going on.

[Down]

Iv pit it off for 7 yrs because my pain is intermitent but im finally taking the plunge and havi g it done next wk. im terrified bt i nd answers xxx

[Beth1986]

Hi there,

I can appreciate this as I have had several medical people try to put me off. I had my lap 3 years ago but had to practically beg for it as was so sick of all the guess work they were doing to find out what was wrong with me.

Obviously as with any surgery there are risks involved but my understanding is they are very unlikely. I was in and out in the day. Recovery took some time and it can be uncomfortable for days after (the trapped wind being one of the worst for me) but it wasn't bad enough for me to not want to ask for it again now it has returned. As for the damage on the inside, well it can cause problems with the scar tissue from the lasers they use to get rid of any endo which may cause problems down the line with fertility etc. Personally though I would say that it has to be worth a try, as living with this day in day out is unbearable and if the surgery will make life easier for a while then it is worth the risk.

I hope this is helpful,

Good luck with the surgery

Beth

[Kirstyjane]

I assume it is an nhs consultant you are referring to then. The only reason they consider it a last resort is due to the cost. Its the only way to properly diagnose endo but all they care about is money. If you were going private its the first thing they would offer you!

[GemCat17]

Thank you so much for responding Natalie, Beth and Kirsty. Yes this is on the NHS. I have been on the receiving end of some first class care from the NHS when I was diagnosed with breast cancer so am conscious not to have them spend money on me if its not really necessary. I think I will just need to monitor my symptoms further, but I refuse to spend years wondering and worrying. Natailie good luck with the lap next week, can you post to let us know how it went? I really hope you get a good outcome. For myself I am worried about the wind and bloating after as I already suffer severe pain with this, and also have questions re scar tissue. Fertility isn't a concern for me, as I'm 41 and my family is complete. However menopause could be rearing its ugly head! And this could be a factor in why I'm suffering now.

[mstirling]

Hi. I've had symptoms of endo since I was 12 and I was diagnosed last year via laparoscopy aged 19. Honestly, the surgery and recovery was fine. The NHS is there for us so don't worry about the cost, it's what we pay taxes for. Laparoscopy is the only way to diagnose endo so it would be great to get it seen to and treated to ASAP. The gas they pump you with does cause a bit of pain in the chest for a couple of days after the op but peppermint tea and peppermint oil capsules really help this. After 2 days I was up and about again! Also, because your family is complete and you may be going through menopause they might suggest a hysterectomy if endo is found.

Good luck and don't worry!

[GemCat17]

ThankS, yes a hysterectomy could be an option, which brings a whole load of other issues with it. I think I'm gonna need a blood test to check on the menopause situation. Thanks for your advice re the peppermint tea and oil. X

[anncar]

Hi gemcat17

I'm having a lap tomorrow. I last had one 10 years ago which was clear. Consultant said it's usual to have a clear one back then and feels it may not have been as evident and is expecting to find endo now.

I remember the wind griping pain last time and expect that again. Lap is the only way to diagnose, they do try and avoid surgery at all costs at times which is frustrating. I've been told to have a week off afterwards. I've got the peppermint tea ready

Good luck in sorting your lap and stay firm with her about what you would like as it's your body and only you know what pain you have.

[GemCat17 in reply to anncar]

Thanks Anncar for commenting. Good luck with your Lap, really hope you have a speedy recovery and they are able to reduce your symptoms. Thanks for th advice, I'm just not sure really sure what I want now!