Honest and realistic laparoscopy recovery time

Hi all. I have suspected endo and my consultant wants to do a laparoscopy. I’ve read all sorts of things about recovery time. Obviously I asked my gynae but I’ve had surgery for other issues before and sometimes, I find drs a bit blasé and unrealistic. Please can you share your recovery times? I have limited sick pay and I’m due to start a part time university course in September, so I need to plan. This is private surgery, so I have more control over timing. Thanks so much for reading and (hopefully!) answering.

[Squizzle17]

I've just had a diagnostic lap today and was told 1-2 weeks as I have a physical job with lots of lifting. I was aiming to be back in a week but will see how it goes!

[Hidden]

Hiya I had a diagnostic laparoscopy last month (I didn’t get anything removed), I thought I’d only need one or two days off work after it, but I ended on being off nearly a fortnight. The surgery literally shocked my body, it took me days to get the energy to get up and walk around the house, probably from not eating much either, but slowly and surely you find yourself able to do more. Everybody recovers differently but the most important thing is to give yourself time to recover, especially if you get anything removed, just listen to your body and don’t overdo it. Good luck x

[tinkerbell971]

The first few days I couldn’t really move but on about day 5 I was able to walk the dog but I was exhausted after it. I think I felt back to normal about day 7-10 x

[CJessicaD]

Hi I had my lap 2 weeks ago (which involved treating endo and removing a cyst) and am due back at work today 😫😭 I would say my body is ready to return to work but I definitely need to take it easy as my work involves being on my feet all day and occasionally lifting heavy boxes. I’m sure my colleagues will help me out!

After 1 week I was able to leave the house, see friends, go shopping etc. But I always needed a nap after it! 😂

After 2 weeks I’m almost back to normal but my stomach muscles are still a bit tender when I use them!

I think it all depends on what your work involves. I’m sure after 1 week you could go into uni, if you feel ready, for a few hours but a full day might be a bit tiring!

Good luck! Xxx

[judda]

Hi,

I had my lap three weeks ago today to remove Endo and I would say give yourself two weeks recovery time for sure. I am still exhausted if I ‘overdo it’ and my body is still tender and sore in places. I think listen to your body, everyone recovers at a different pace. Hope it all goes well x

[Peren]

I had my second lap 4 weeks ago. Removal of endo and cysts. Two weeks off work definitely required and upon return to work I’ve done a mix of work from home (as I have long commute) and the odd go in late.

I felt better after 2 weeks but still got tired and after 4 weeks I’m ok but still get pains and a bit tired.

After my first lap I did to much to soon so recovery ended up being hell so I’ve been kinder to myself this time.

[Swats]

Hi,

I had my lap 2 wk ago today. My endo was severe and had spread to my bowel. I had 2 surgeons and they did amazing. I have to wear hospital socks and can’t drive for 6 wks. I think your recovery depends on what u have done and how u feel. Definitely take it easy and don’t rush back if u can. I nipped our yesterday but did abit too much and felt shattered after.

My friend had Endo removed and a cyst and she went back to work after 3 wks. Everyone is different.

Good luck, and I’m sure everything will be fine. Xxx

[Hidden]

Thank you all so much for the kind and helpful replies. I am very appreciative. I wish you all healing.

[Belle17]

I had my Laparoscopy 24 days ago. I went back to work after 19 days. Stomach muscles hurt the most and even now are tender because you use them for everything you do. Everyone heals differently but I found the first two weeks i was constantly shattered. I started housework around day 5 but overdid it a bit.

My advice post lap would be take it slow and build up, if there is someone there to help you ask them to x

[Xroisinellenx]

Hi, I’m waiting for mine and I was told I would need to take at least 4weeks off work and maybe 6 if they remove anything xx

[D-LD]

Hi lovely.

In my experience it’ll depend on how much work you have done at the time of your lap.

I had my 5th lap last summer and I was in surgery for over 2 hours because the endo has spread so far and deep.

I took about 6-8 weeks for me to feel fully back to be pre-lap self. I hope that doesn’t worry you but I just wanted to honest so you know what could happen/to expect.

I hope everything goes well for you and that you have good recovery.

Take care of yourself and listen to your body.

Dx