Course of Treatment

[jenni_sofia]

Supposed to be having a laparoscopy at the end of the month, and honestly I don't know what to expect; can anyone explain how it will be after the procedure?

[gannb92]

I recently had a laparoscopic surgery to 1) remove a cyst and 2) check for endometriosis which I have now been properly diagnosed with. I'd never had any sort of surgery before so had no idea what to expect either! They ended up removing some of the endometriosis that they found, which meant my op took longer than they expected. I can't say what yours will necessarily be like, but if you're wondering about coming out of it and recovery etc. I'll say that from my experience it was nowhere near as difficult as I had first thought it might be! I was sore for a few days, but no pain whatsoever (I was in a lot of pain with the cyst before hand so honestly was a relief after it was gone) and I bounced back quicker than I expected. I was imagining all sorts of things, and in reality I had nothing to worry about at all. It's bound to be daunting, but just take it easy afterwards and lots of rest You'll be back on your feet in no time, and hopefully with answers and a treatment plan from a specialist! I'm currently waiting for an appt with my specialist to see what's next. Good luck with it though!!

[jenni_sofia in reply to gannb92]

I've had procedures be done before, but they were always minor. So I'm not entirely sure what to expect from this one; guess when you've been in pain for so many years, you don't know what its like not to be in pain. Do you know what kind of treatment plan the doctors have discussed? And thank you!

[gannb92 in reply to jenni_sofia]

Yeah I know what you mean, it's hard to imagine what it will be like after. I would say you'll be a bit tender afterwards, there's some great tips in a post below too (I'm sure you've seen it ha) I agree that a pillow for the car is a life saver. I was back on my feet after just over 2 weeks, and back at work after 3 😊 feeling good now! And no I don't have any specifics yet really, waiting to see what the specialist has to say. The mirena coil has been suggested but I'm undecided on that.

[MMary-Moderator]

Hi jenni_sofia,

There is lots of information on our website that you might find a useful read: endometriosis-uk.org/your-l...

In addition to the forum we also have our helpline and our support groups: endometriosis-uk.org/get-su...

Best wishes for your upcoming laparoscopy.

M Mary

Volunteer Moderator

[Catness]

Hey 😁

This is my reply to a similar question the other day so I hope it helps

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! Round about 2 weeks off work/ uni/ life is about right.

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.

As far as tonsillectomy goes I’ve had that before and the two don’t really compare. Because of where the key-hope insertions are and the nature of the surgery recovery is just generally more painful as it’s in the tummy so whenever you bend and move in the first week or so it’s quite uncomfortable.

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

[jenni_sofia in reply to Catness]

This was extremely helpful! Think I now have some what of an idea of what to expect once I wake up from the laparoscopy; although I'm still wondering how the endometriosis pain is like after the procedure is done. My doctors told me that obviously this isn't an actual fix; so I was wondering what the pain is like after its all done. Am I pain free for a few weeks, months?

Thank you for the help xxxx

[Catness in reply to jenni_sofia]

I can only speak for myself on this one (and please bare in mind I’m stage 4 so worst stage of the disease) but after my first lap I was pain free for around 11 months. I’m about to have my fifth lap in a few months time to treat and remove endo on the bowel and from my bladder in the hopes it brings me some relief. However I do have quite a complex case so I don’t want to scare you off! I had the mirena fitted during my second lap and it’s been amazing, I was one of the lucky ones where it’s worked really well ☺️

Some people are far more lucky and can expect to be pain-free for a number of years so it really depends on what stage the disease is at xxx

[Kay_K]

Hi, I have had my 2nd lap this month. After the procedure, I felt sore, tired, emotional. I recovered quite quickly after my 1st lap 5 years ago, however this time I feel as though it’s taking slightly longer.

Is there anything in particular you would like to no?

[jenni_sofia in reply to Kay_K]

How long did it take to get back on to your feet, and working properly after the procedure?

[Kay_K in reply to jenni_sofia]

To be honest I am still recovering. I went back to work but because of the busy ward I am back off work again as my body was not 100% ready.