Ahhh worried about my op!

[luthien]

ahh getting worried now!

I have my second lap booked for the 24th July, with my pre op today. It's to remove the remaining endo from the surface of my rectum with a rectal shave.

My specialist says there's no special diet before and they'll do an enema / get me to do it when admitted - what is it? what happens?

How long will recovery be? They're (specialist and a colorectal surgeon) not expecting to need to go into the bowel, but I'm guess bowel movements will be a bit stuck after due to them operating directly on it. My last recovery for removal of endo around my bladder, and uterus and unsticking of bladder from uterus and uterus from bowel was 2 weeks - so that's what I've told work.

My stay in hospital is booked in for two nights, I've only been a day case, what do I need to take with me / consider?

Any advice / help appreciated

[Gardengirl18]

I don't know the answers to your questions (as you know I'm just starting this journey myself). I did, however, want to wish you good luck and a lot of positivity xxx

[Flynn_Maverick]

Hiya! Poor you - I’ve just had my third lap a couple of weeks ago and even though I’ve been through it before and know it’s okay I was a bag of nerves. I also had the rectal shave thing which was new to me - sounded awful but I’ve had no pain in the area afterwards! I’m still not sure exactly what it is but I think it’s where they remove it in thin layers so as to do minimal damage? Someone may correct me on that point!

The enema is a bit gross - it basically floods the lower end of the colon with a solution that makes you need the toilet a few times. I personally wouldn’t want to do it in the hospital. You can order them at a chemist for a couple of quid so you can do it in the privacy of your own home on the morning. Just explain this to the hospital and ask if they can send it out to you? It doesn’t hurt it’s just unpleasant and you may prefer a bit of privacy when going to the loo is all I would say....

Are you having excision? I’ve had both ablation and excision and my recovery for excision is four weeks, I was only given 2 and 3 weeks for ablation ops first and second time respectively but that was also because I had lost a lot of weight and recovery was slower! I don’t think they know exactly until they get in there! Maybe tell work it may be three weeks just in case

All you need to take is all your normal medication and painkillers, dressing gown and PJs, slippers as you walk down to theatre usually, basic toiletries such as toothbrush and paste, face wipes and something like simple shower gel. Antibacterial and antiviral gel for before eating food! Lots of stuff to read/ iPad. Loose baggy clothes to come home in. Sanitary pads as usually you bleed a little afterwards. Money for small items. I think that’s everything at your pre op they will give you a list of what to bring so don’t worry - there’s nothing that couldn’t be worked around. I.e. if you forgot your toothbrush someone would go and buy you one I’m sure

I hope that helps slightly!! Lots of luck, you’ll be absolutely fine xxxx