Post-Laparoscopy Confusion

[Cmmo519]

Hi all,

I had my first lap 8 days ago to look for Endo and thankfully after years of feeling it was all in my head I was diagnosed. While I was in hospital I was there I was told by the hospital staff to visit my nurse 7-10 days post-op to check my stitches. I was also told I was fine to keep my wounds covered with bandages, (which was a relief to me as I’m pretty squeamish about them!), until they healed.

At my appointment today the nurse took off bandages I’d put on and told me I wouldn’t be needing them anymore as well as telling me to come back in 2-3 weeks if the knots of my stitches are still there and then she’ll snip them - isn’t this a long time?

I’m worried that my stitches won’t dissolve and that leaving them for so long isn’t such a great idea. Also, I’ve been really uncomfortable and sore today without bandages on and keep getting the stitches caught on everything - could I put more on or will it badly affect the healing process?

Any advice or personal experiences would be amazing and help calm my anxiety!

Thanks in advance x

[lizzyxx]

That sounds like the right amount of time to wait, try to wear loose clothing to avoid irritating your stitches x

[Cmmo519 in reply to lizzyxx]

Thank you, I feel a bit better now hearing it from someone else! It’s totally overwhelming constantly being told different information from different people x

[wanwood]

I only had bandages on for the first 48 hours, and my stitches healed really well.

I would try to wear loose clothing, or something that will stay in place and cover them without catching (eg a smooth vest rather than a ribbed one).

[Cmmo519 in reply to wanwood]

I’ve been wearing dresses the past week and it seems that they’ll be my best bet for a while.

Thank you!

[Dee11]

I only had dressings on for the day following my op then was told to remove them. I think leaving them uncovered is supposed to help them heal quicker, don’t know how true that is though.

With regards to your stitches, I panicked after my first lap when they weren’t gone after two weeks. They took about 3.5 weeks to dissolve the first time and just over a month after my second lap there. All normal. Try to wear loose clothing or don’t have waistbands sitting right on them. I actually found it comfier to wear leggings and have them pulled right up to under my bra xx

[Cmmo519 in reply to Dee11]

I tried wearing some loose trousers up high around my waist but they kept slipping down so I’ll definitely try leggings. You’ve really reassured me, thank you so much xx