laparoscopy

[queenlilly]

im new here and im going for my first operation soon to be diagnosed with endometriosis i was wondering what is the operation like and whats good tips for recovery

[Lilkay]

Hello queenlily!

I am currantly recovering from having another laparoscapy and excision of endometriosis. Due to individual physiology and case uniqueness the recovery can be quite diverse. Going from personal experience and information provided to me from medically qualified professionals, recovery time is 1-3 weeks. I will advise (I am not a medical profession) that during your recovery period that you do not push yourself and for the first week (at least) take it easy, even if you feel fine as your body needs to heal. There will be some pain and discomfort, some swelling, maybe some bruising where the incisions are but again from my experience nothing that painkillers and rest can not help with. I do apologise for any clichés but sleep, healthy diet, plenty of fluids and untill recovered light expercise (week 1 walking around the house a little). I wish you all the best with the laparoscapy and your recovery.

Oh! On a little more embarrassing note, I will advise that you get some wind settlers and start taking them as soon as your able.

[queenlilly in reply to Lilkay]

thank you

[Boodie]

Hi there, good tips for home, put a faux silk bed sheet on as it helps with ing in bed, have plenty of pillows to buff you up. Get a mobility grabber to pick things up. Have you got someone to help you? After you come home, take a shower and remove the dressings, pat dry and leave to get air at them. Don't use soap. I took a number of weeks of work but everyone heals at different speeds. Hope this helps. Any questions please ask x

[queenlilly in reply to Boodie]

will do

[Catness]

Hey I’ve had 4 laps now and have answered this question a few times so if you were to look through my ‘replies’ there will be a number of threads where myself and other people on here have given our ‘tips’ which you may find useful.

A couple off the top of my head however are to take a pillow to hospital so that for the car ride home you can put the pillow between your stomach and your seatbelt as it is quite uncomfortable.

One of the worst pains after the lap is, in my opinion, the trapped gas pain in your shoulder blades as they fill your tummy up with gas to see better. Peppermint tea really helps to disperse the gas as does little walks around the house whenever you feel able.

Also your tummy will be very swollen probably for 2-3 weeks. This is completely normal but it’s good to have clothes ready that aren’t constricting in any way (I like dresses because of this reason)

After the lap you will be quite constipated from the general anaesthetic and the pain killers so until your first bowel movement don’t eat anything too stodgy. I tend to stick to veggies and light meals. Also ask for some Lactulose or Laxido which are stool softeners. The ease the pressure on your tum and make everything a lot easier. And also drink lots of fluids. This helps your digestion but is also just a good idea.

Don’t be surprised if you have a bit of a hard time emotionally after the lap for a couple of weeks. Post-op blues are experienced by many people and it can be quite unexpected. Just try and stay in as-positive-a-mindset as possible. You will get better but you need to give yourself time to heal.

In regards to healing. Best not to put too many expectations on yourself such as you *should* be feeling better by this date. Everyone is different and bodies heal at different rates. I usually take 2 weeks to feel better in myself but 6 to feel totally back to normal. Others will bounce back a lot quicker. But don’t overdo it. Ive just had surgery last week and out of frustration have been doing too much... and now I’m paying the price 😂 it’s not worth it!

Take your painkillers regularly as opposed to chasing the pain when it comes on. This way you will be far more comfortable and your body won’t have to catch up.

Take some sanitary pads and big comfy Bridget-Jones style knickers to hospital. You WILL wake up with the megalodon of sanitary towels stuffed downstairs and being able to change into something more discreet just makes you feel better or at least does in my case 😂

If possible have someone at home to help you for a few days. It’s just a lot easier if you don’t have to worry about cooking or fixing yourself a meal as those first couple can be a little disorientating and tough. Also it’s just nice to be looked after for a bit!

Also try and remember to ask if you will need a check up with a nurse for wound care, and whether you arrange this or if the hospital does and also when your post-op check up will be and who arranges this.

I hope you find some of that helpful and very best of luck xxxxxx

[queenlilly]

Thank you