Lap questions

[lydipage16]

I am having my first laparoscopy procedure for endometriosis, I was wondering what i should prepare for, what is it like and does it really help with the pain? Im really nervous but excited to feel better.

[YellowMad]

bless..i remember that feeling...its not as bad as i thought it'd be..cos ur under anaesthetic its only when you wakeup you realise..oh wow...its done...

prepare yourself with peppermint tea and resting...the peppermint tea helps release the gas that you've been pumped up with....and for someone like me resting was hard as I'm always up and about cos of my 2 toddlers..but resting was worth it...walk about though it helps with healing.

I hear as long as u get it done under a BSGE accredited centre it most probably will bring you ease for the pain..i had my first lap under a general gynae who undid my adhesions and left the endo so i was still in pain after...waiting for my consultation post MRI at a BSGE accredited centre and hoping to get the endo excised so that I can atleast be in alot less pain for the sake of my kids..its not nice for them having to see me in soo much pain..i really feel for them and try so hard to mask the pain...but some days its just too hard..

good luck with ur lap..i hope it helps with your pain!😙

[lydipage16 in reply to YellowMad]

Thank you so much for the reply! <3

send you hugs and hope you feel better!

[Hidden]

Hi,

I had my first ever lap with excision of endo and a large cyst on Saturday afternoon (so quite extensive surgery compared to some laps).

My endo pain has been GONE GONE GONE since then! My scars are neat and I'm so relieved it's over. The surgery was fine - to be honest, all that you remember is the cannula going in and then you wake up in the recovery room. The whole experience was very efficient - I didn't really have time to even get nervous between arriving at hospital and going in to theatre.

I'm only 36 hours or so postop and finding that recovery is of course a bit rough so far. I think I had been over optimistic in my plans for a relaxing week pottering around postop! I was lucky to get out of hospital about 6 hours after the procedure and have been mostly between the couch and bed since then.

The anaesthetic makes you groggy but mine is well worn off now (and TBH I got an excellent first night's sleep while it was still in my system!).

Make sure you get some painkillers to go home with - my tummy isn't particularly painful (especially compared to endo pain) - but the gas pains (especially in my shoulders) are pretty bad despite gentle movement, hot water bottles, peppermint tea, etc.

Make sure you have plenty of help at home - I'm still not really confident getting around the house without someone there so have hubby and parents around (and very thankful to have them).

Preop:

I hit the gym pretty hard to be as fit as possible before the procedure, which I think helped. I'm especially glad to have been doing lots of yoga and swimming, as having stronger arms and legs has helped me get around when my tummy/abs are sore postop.

Prepare all the stuff you'll need for nesting postop - medications, peppermint tea, books/magazines, lots of clean PJs, wipes, nice snacks and drinks, etc.

I also did some work on meditation / mindfulness. Recovery is going to be a slow process (especially as I'm the kind of person who never stops) - but these techniques are helping me to accept that I need to take it slow and listen to my body.

Hope this helps!

xx

[lydipage16 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I will keep this all in mind! I hope you stay feeling better! <3