Heavier periods post Lap

[Theodora2016]

Has anyone experienced even heavier periods post laparoscopy to remove cysts? I'm struggling more than usual this month. Its 2 months post surgery which is really disappointing or mayve Im expecting too much 😕

[luthien]

It can take up to four to five months after lap to recover. There's so much that's been done including poking and moving stuff around. The uterus kind of goes into shock as it doesn't like being moved so it can make periods heavier for the first few cycles, and more painful than before the lap. It can also depend on where and how deep your op was - deeper means more organs moved and thus longer recovery time. If things have been removed then the body needs to heal, which varies from person to person.

Depending on where in your cycle your lap was can alter the way the cycles happen. If your lap was at the beginning of the cycle it can bypass ovulation and make the period earlier also heavier as there's longer for the lining to grow. If your lap was later in your cycle then it can cause a delay on ovulation and so the lining becomes thicker, when your period happens (could be later or at the normal time) it can then be heavier and painful. Sometimes the body starts to heal and that's what causes all the pain in the second cycle - it's the first complete one after lap so it's still repairing itself and dealing with the hormones.

I've had two laps, with the latest one it's only at about my fourth / fifth cycle do I feel better and actually keep thinking it's a dream! I'm not painfree but my symptoms are around the week of my period, which I can manage with painkillers, meditation, exercise, and yoga - keeping a calm state of mind helps lots. My periods are heavy but not as near as bad as before - I can now just have one duvet day where I don't need to worry about socialsing, an as my periods are more regular I can plan around that week. If you'd like an idea of how to manage and what to expect have a read of my story, through my profile or searching for "All this effort does pay off - my story - hope it helps !"

Don't expect to be better by 100%; your doc should have discussed with you expected reduction in symptoms and how long it may take you to feel ok considering what they did in the op. I know not all do that sort of chat. Basically all the symptoms won't ever go away, but you should expect at least 50% reduction in symptoms so it's more manageable with painkillers / alternative therapy. Usually docs say wait 6 months after lap, that's why follow ups are usually booked between four to 6 months; gives a good idea of how you'll be and what to do next if it's still awful. Laps to remove stuff doesn't work for everyone - but just focus on getting better and healing - then worry about that later - what happens happens, and you've done what's right.

Hopefully that helps somewhat

xx

[Theodora2016 in reply to luthien]

Thank you for your reply. I'm probably expecting too much! Its knocked me off my feet and Im not great at taking it easy. I'll have a read of your story, thank you for giving me a better understanding of what to expect too xx

[luthien in reply to Theodora2016]

no worries. I'm the same so I get what you mean

[Hessyh]

Hi, yes mine are now much heavier and more painful, was hoping it was just the recovery but been like this since and I’m 2 years on now x

[Zuzu7]

Hi Theodora2016,

Yep I've had the exact same issue. Have you considered taking contraceptives as a method to help to decrease your symptoms?

Ive had my second period after my lap and it was horrible. Im gonna start on a course of contraceptives soon for pain relief. Good luck and hopefully things will get better. Stay strong ☘ xx

[Theodora2016 in reply to Zuzu7]

I've not considered that as not took them for 20 years! Might be an option though. Thanks for your reply