Wound care

[Endo71]

Hello. I had a laparoscopy Thursday afternoon. I have changed the dressings today after showering. I was just wondering when I remove the dressings completely as the area is right where your pants/jeans rub? Is not clear on my wound care instructions. Also I have not been able to empty my bowels since the operation, is this normal? Thank you

[Hidden]

I know a lot of women here remove the dressing the day after surgery. But where I am (Singapore) they leave the dressings on (all waterproof) for one week. Mine were on for one week and once they were removed the wounds were healed over completely. I would recommend leaving the dressing on for up to a week, especially since they are right where your jeans rub. Keep the dressings clean and dry and you should be fine.

[Endo71 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the advice much appreciated 😊

[Cath77]

Hi hope you're recovery Is going well. I'm three weeks into recovery and have four different wound sites. When I was discharged from hospital (the day after surgery) I was advised to remove my dressings the following day. (I also had temporary ovarian suspension sutures, which I was advised to keep covered as they could be pulled more easily.) I changed my dressing but recovered them, as I was like you, and worried the wounds would get snagged by my clothes. A couple of days later I removed the dressings completely as I felt much more confident. This is my third procedure and my wounds have always healed fine. Try not to worry too much about bowel movements also. It takes a while - particularly if you've had codeine. Try and eat plenty of fibre. I had prune juice (which was pretty disgusting) but seemed to get things moving.

Good luck, Catherine 😊

[Endo71 in reply to Cath77]

Thank you for the advice 😁

[Georgia03]

Hi, can I ask how you found the experience of your Lap and how you are recovering? Any tips or info would be great as I am having mine 6th October and very nervous xx

[Endo71 in reply to Georgia03]

Hi. No problem. I know it is hard but try not to worry or be anxious it is a good thing towards a diagnosis, so it is a positive thing. This is my second Lap. Procedure is nothing to worry about. Doesn’t take too long to recover, a few days. First few days after, recovery from the gas is the sore bit, in the shoulders and my pain more gastric as I have a hiatus hernia. I had a good tip of this board to drink peppermint tea, which was great and worked well. I managed on paracetamol and Ibuprofen for the pain. Can be a bit sore around wound areas but nothing severe. Can be a bit constipated for a while but this is normal. I was walking next day taking dog for a small walk and driving within 48 hours. Small bit of walking is good to assist releasing the gas. I am 5 days after Lap now still a bit bloated and constipated but working and getting on with things. The waiting for my results and seeing the consultant again is the hard part! I wish you all the very best for 6 Oct xx

[Georgia03 in reply to Endo71]

Thank you so much, that's made me feel much better! I have already stocked up on peppermint tea, did you have this at the hospital afterwards? I'm hoping my recovery goes as well as yours, good luck with your results! xx