Recovery time...

[MissP33]

Hi there,

I'm going to have a laparoscopy to remove a painful cyst and to check to see if I have endometriosis (most likely I do as I have suffered from the symptoms for 11 years!!). My gynae said I will most likely be back to work after a couple of days. Just wondering is this realistic? I want to give my boss some warning for how long I could be off work.

Thanks in advance.

[JeanOsborne]

Hi, everyone is different and it depends on what is done. I had a diagnostic lap where only a endometrioma was drained and didn't go back to work for 2weeks weeks, which was possibly too soon as I was still in pain.

Listen to your body and don't push yourself. Realistically I would say aim for 2-3 weeks. Surgeons always say only a few days, I don't think they realise what I actually feels like. Good luck for you op.

[Brottonbabe]

Hi, my surgeon warned me I'd need 2 weeks off then actually gave me a note for 4 weeks off. 2 weeks was enough but I had some other complications which I think they just wanted to check. I also had a friend who was given 2 weeks off at a different hospital so it seems to be a good bet x

[Marian_C]

Same situation just happened to me.....my doctor left and said he would explain tomorrow

[Summer143]

It depends on what is done. My consultant told me to take 2 weeks off and that was before the lap. I needed 2 weeks as endo was removed and 3 incisions. My second lap was just diagnosis and removal of polyp which only required 1 incision at the belly button. I was offered a sick note but declined as it was for another 2 weeks, I was OK after 6 days and back in the gym. The worst part for me both times is the internal bruising which lasts for weeks, when I asked my consultant he said it should be fine after 3 months. They don't tell you about the internal bruising mainly below the belly button.

[miri-p]

hi MissP33, I would echo most of the comments above. I find surgeons often very optimistic - what is minor in their world, isn't so minor for you if you you've never had any surgery for example!! I went back to work after 10 days which was a mistake, 2 weeks would have been a lot better. But again, it depends on what they find, what they do and how you feel. I would warn work it should take around 2 weeks, but might be longer - then they'll be happy if you get back earlier, but you don't have the pressure to be expected back so soon. I would say the total recovery takes a few weeks anyway, you will be tired, and I couldn't fit into all my clothes for a few weeks, but it does eventually all go back and the scars aren't bad either :). Good luck! xx

[MissP33 in reply to miri-p]

Thanks for your reply. Should I maybe get some loose fitting clothes? I'm thinking trousers might irritate the stitches? X

[miri-p in reply to MissP33]

Hi, I would get some loose fitting trousers (or loose comfy dresses... Also think underwear ;)!! I bought some comfy loose trousers and wore them all the time (and I still like them now ;).

[Hidden]

Hi,

I am 12 weeks post op for lap excision.

I look back now at what i was told in the brochure max maybe a week and shake my head.

I can still feel tightness around the belly button and twinges and i wld suggest the following.

2 weeks for starting to drive and getting around the house and other short walks.

4 weeks driving a bit further than locally and rolling on your sides in bed.light activities around the house.

6 weeks slightly more bending and twisting,walking about 1k,light activities around the house,shopping with some sitting all in one day.

I would say 6 weeks back to work.

12 weeks for minimal pain feeling back to normal.

Always aim for 6 weeks and anything else is a bonus

Rose