So after 6 years of fighting I got diagnosed last year. I’m having my first laraposcopy/open surgery on Friday. Feelin nervous, I’ve had loads of tests in hospital but never had an opp and scared what I’m Gona wake up to. There is a chance I may have a colostomy bag. My endo has spread to my bowel and also the not knowing of if the opp could effect me having children.
Has anyone else felt like this and got through it ok? Xxx
Try to stay relaxed and trust that you will be looked after.
After the op just rest rest and rest.
Hot water bottle
Peppermint tea
Box sets on tv
Rotate arms/shoulders to help with gas pain in shoulders and take little walks around if you can.
Good luck! X
It’s completely normal to feel frightened before surgery. I was terrified.
I was actually in very safe hands as I’m sure you will be.
I have a few recommendations.
PRE-OP
• Take a loved one with you, if possible. I went on my own which was a huge mistake. It would have helped to have someone with me to stop me feeling scared.
• Have Books, mags or newspapers to distract you.
POST-OP
• You’ll need a pillow for the car to sit between your abdomen and the seat belt.
• You’ll probably be very bloated and constipated. Avoid bananas. Try psyllium husk or milk of magnesium.
• Have someone to cook for and look after you for at least a few days. If that isn’t possible, prepare or order easy meals for when you get home.
• Set up a bed downstairs as you may not feel like climbing stairs. You might feel very tender after surgery. Have everything you need to hand: DVDs, books, etc.
The moment from getting the anaesthetic to waking up in the recovery room passes in what feels like a second. The worst part for me was my own fears beforehand. The nurses were so kind and lovely to me and I was really well looked after. I hope you are, too. Good luck. x
Thank you. I think like you say it’s the fear b4 Hand. I’m booked for morning surgery so hope I’m not around long as will make me more nervous. I’m staying at my mums after the opp so that should help.
Thanks for your advise, hope your ok x
Anti nausea pills, gas x, activated charcoal pills, stool softener, a water bottle with a spout you can drink from even if you are lying down, heating pad,
I found lying flat was better but others liked to be propped up.
The first day was bad....don’t be a hero take the pain killers.
I am third day post op, feeling much better, but will be on the couch most of today.
I had cotton mouth. Nothing tasted good. Likely from the pain killers the first day.
Have some easy options to eat. Broth, jello, pudding.
Ask for ice chips when you wake up in recovery and suck on them slowly.
Peeing after was a bit uncomfortable, slow flow, kinda like a uti.
Thank you. I need to make a list of everything. I’m there I’m the morning too so they can mark my stomach incase I have a colonoscopy bag 🙈
Hope your doin ok too, sounds like your still early days recovering yourself x
Hi Swats, I would agree with everything the other replies have said in terms of recovery from your operation. I would like to add that you need to be prepared for how you might feel after the operation. Immediately after, I felt really quite good which I now understand was the drugs I’d been given! What I wasn’t prepared for was being in such a low mood for the weeks following. It really took me a good couple of weeks to not feel emotional! This might not be the case for you but just remember you won’t feel like that forever 
also one other thing, make sure you get up and move no matter how tired you feel! Nothing too strenuous just a little stand and walk around the room every hour or so will really help you not stiffen up! Good luck for Friday!
Hi swats, I think it's completely natural to feel this way, I'm feeling exactly the same. My surgery is end of June, and getting more and more anxious by the day. Tbh I was a lot more emotionally prepared and psyched up for it months ago but I've had such a long wait for it and this has given me far too much time to sit and worry about it 😕. I'm also even more nervous due to a strong possibility of a temporary stoma being needed (having a bowel resection). Are you having a resection too? Wishing you all the best, let us know how you get on... xxx
Hi,
Yes your opp sounds similar to mine. I’ve been to the hospital this morning to mark on my stomach where they may put the stoma 🙈. I now look like dot to dot. Have 2 circles below my belly button. That’s whats worrying me the most. The nurse I saw was lovely though so I hope they are all like that. Yes they only know about my endo from Mri scan and camera. But they know it’s spread to my bowel. So I’ve got two surgeons tomorrow. Just hope they see me first so I’m not sat there waiting as I’ll be in a right state. I hope you go on ok too x
Oh yes that does sound similar to me. I havent had a lap before either, but was diagnosed with bowel endo by biopsies at flexi sig, so as it stands don't know the extent of any endo elsewhere, so I'm intrigued to see what else they do find. I think we might have messaged before... are you under Sheffield? Or maybe I'm getting you mixed up with someone else. Anyway really hope tomorrow goes well for you, do let us know how you get on once you're feeling up to it! Xx
Ps. I think we did message before x
Hi,
Yes I’m at Sheffield. It’s surprising on here how many people have similar problems but still it takes ages to get a diagnosis. I’m guessing u may have 2 surgeons like me then? I hope your ok and not been in too much pain yourself x
Yes, will be having both gynae and bowel surgeons. I met with the bowel surgeon last week, obviously he is more knowledable/familiar with endo as it is a bsge centre, but he was pretty dismayed by the number of procedures/tests I have had to endure under a general colorectal team at two different hospitals before they even got to a diagnosis! Hope you manage to get a decent nights sleep tonight, I will be thinking of you tomorrow! Xx
Thank you -sounds so similar to me. I’ve gota drink my shakes up till 11pm 2nite. Gota be there for 7am 2moro. Keep in touch. X
Hi, just letting you know my opp went well and back home now x
Oh that's great you're home! Thank-you for letting me know - I had wondered how you had got on. Did you get away without a stoma then? What did they find? No rush to reply...take it easy xx
Just seen your other post 😊. Pleased it went well. You were very brave going into not knowing what you were gonna wake up to. Here's to a swift and smooth recovery xx
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