Anxiety about laparoscopy

[lou_laur96]

Hi Everyone,

I'm 22 and tomorrow will be going into hospital to have a laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis. I know I will be okay and it is a relatively common procedure but I am so nervous, I have never been under anaesthetic before and I have this irrational fear I just won't come round. I also have had Epilepsy since I was 14, although I haven't had a seizure in 5 years and it's well controlled, I'm terrified about going into a seizure coming out of anaesthetic. My surgeon knows this and so did the pre op nurse and they aren't worried because my Epilepsy is controlled but I can't shake this feeling of worry and panic. I have spoken to my family and they have reassured me, my sister had the same procedure so she has helped. My fiance is coming with me on the day so I'm glad for that, couldn't do it without him. My anxiety is going through the roof at the minute, does anyone have any words of wisdom? Or advice? Anything would be so helpful.

Thanks so much

X

[Ambs2018]

Hi,

I’m sorry if its not much help but I work in the hospital and I help take patients to theatre. Its so common to be nervous and that probably doesn’t help. But all I can I say is you are under constant monitoring and if anything was to concern them whilst the op was happening they would be to resolve it straight away and the chances of anything happening is very slim! I would say when you arrive at the hospital explain your fears and your nervousness to the nursing team and anaesthetist they can try help reassure some of your concerns. If you need anymore help let me know x

[lou_laur96 in reply to Ambs2018]

Don't be sorry at all I'm grateful for any advice, thank you for that it's reassuring. I am going to, can't promise I won't have a little cry due to panic but I'll do my best. I'm a terrible overthinker and that's what gets me, thank you for your reassurance I really appreciate it xx

[introuble in reply to lou_laur96]

you will be ok!

Hugsx

Please share your experience later!

I love to read it!

[lou_laur96 in reply to introuble]

Thanks so much, I will be sure to provide an update! I'm also worried I'll just be told there's nothing there and will just be back to square 1 stuck with this pain. Hugs to you x

[Ambs2018 in reply to lou_laur96]

Surgeons and anaesthetists won’t just put anyone to sleep they will make sure that it is safe to do so unless obviously in an emergency🙈 Its ok to cry, I work in the hospital and always told myself I wouldn’t cry and the last time I was put to sleep I think I scared the nursing team with how bad I was crying haha! You don’t have to thank me, just know its normal to be scared and panicky, hope everything goes well and keep us updated xx

[lou_laur96 in reply to Ambs2018]

Comforting to hear I'm not just being silly! I'll be sure to thanks a lot xx

[Flipsyfloof]

Don't worry, you will be among professionals who are well informed about your condition. Even in the unlikely event that something happens they have the means to take immediate action. My only advice is to be sure that they know exactly what medication you are on. Best of luck!!

[lou_laur96 in reply to Flipsyfloof]

Thank you for that, I will do, I'm going to take my medication with me as instructed and just remind them of it whilst I'm there. Thank you for your advice x

[Be-Fi]

Hi there lovely!

I too and 22 and will be having the same procedure. I don't suffer with epilepsy but I do have anxiety and am also very nervous about the whole thing.

My best advice would be to do your research!! The more you know the less questions you have and you're not kept in the dark worrying.. what if this and what if that? Maybe knowing more about it will help your nerves?

Also have someone take you there that you can talk to and count on emotionally just incase you need some final words of support.

Good luck with it and I hope that the laparoscopy gives you the answers that you want to your condition.

😘 xx

[lou_laur96 in reply to Be-Fi]

Good luck with yours! I'm sure everything will go just fine, I've downloaded an app called headspace to help with my panic and worries, it may help you too. I did plenty of research and I know I'm in good hands, you just always have that worry in the back of your mind don't you. My fiance is coming with me and he's took the next day off work, and I know he supports me which is comforting.

I hope yours goes well and I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine, deep breaths and positive thoughts! Let me know how everything goes🤗 xx

[Be-Fi in reply to lou_laur96]

Aawr thank you hun.

Ooh yes I have used that in the past and found it quite useful, I hope it helps you. You always do yeah, but I think that anybody would.

Aawr that's great to hear that he's supporting you through this!! Best of luck with the op.

Thank you very much, I'll be sure to try haha!!.. and you ofcourse!

Not that I'm glad you may have this condition.. but it's nice to see someone in their 20's like me on here to talk to, as it's apparent more common in women in their 30's.

Be sure to do the same xx

[lou_laur96 in reply to Be-Fi]

I'll try! I'll just be glad when it's over, and I know everything and can start to relax. I feel the same, I know it's more common in older women so when I initially worried I had it I felt like doctors overlooked it because I was so young, until I finally got referred after months and the surgeon was so mad I got dismissed so long! Be strong😘 xx

[Be-Fi in reply to lou_laur96]

Good!

Exactly just think about that before you go in and you get a day of doing nothing afterwards and being taken care of.

Oh I feel you there completely!! How long had you had the symptoms for lovely?.. I've had mine for about 6 years with the last 4 being particularly bad.

GOOD LUCK TODAY!XX

[lou_laur96 in reply to Be-Fi]

I've had them for about 3 years finally got referred in November last year, it's just gradually got worse, the painful bowel movements, the nausea, the feeling someone is standing on my stomach, very heavy and painful periods, they're so irregular and I'm just tired all the time. I've been pushed from doctor to doctor telling me it's probably nothing, it's hormonal and it's just normal for me, until I literally stood my ground and said I need to be referred, even then she was reluctant! Thank you lovely, I'll keep you updated xx

[Be-Fi in reply to lou_laur96]

I'm glad you've finely gotten referred and hopefully get a diagnosis. Xx

[Aaliyah16]

Hi,

I can totally understand your worries! I have suspected Endo too and the Drs will eventually have to diagnose with a lap. I am so fearful of this procedure especially since I have also never been under anaesthetic. Hope your surgery goes smoothly and you make a speedy recovery!

[lou_laur96 in reply to Aaliyah16]

Best of luck to you! I'm just trying to tell myself it will be fine over and over and just to keep calm, I think it'll hit me just before I go in. I have a week off so I'm just going to rest and binge watch films! Be sure to keep me updated xx

[Aaliyah16 in reply to lou_laur96]

Thank you!! Yes I’m sure you’ll be fine, let me know how you do. At least you will find out what’s going on and if endo is found they can remove it and start you on treatment to suppress further growth. Take care

[Beanybeanz in reply to Aaliyah16]

Oh you guys ! This was me 4 weeks ago! I had a laparoscopy and was so nervous beforehand as I'd never been under anaesthetic - I walked into the anaesthetic room crying and shuffling my feet and the guy was like "what's wrong you weren't like this earlier??" And just said "I'm just a bit scared" while blubbering, I held the assistants hand and they kept chatting then the student assistant put a mask on me from behind and I was gone.

Just before I was put to sleep in the last minute the surgeon came through and said "so what will you dream of? A beach? your garden? Holidays?" Which was nice of him.

All I remember was when the student guy put the mask on me was it smelt of vanilla and I just kept saying in a babbling way "the nurse from earlier said it would smell like vanilla, its vanilla isn't it, it is vanilla isn't it" and he said "yes it's vanilla" in a nice voice as if he was reassuring a child lol. Then I was out and the next thing I knew I was in recovery (which again was fine) a nice nurse fed me a cup of tea though a straw then I chatted to him for a bit then went to the ward - all fine and I wouldnt be scared of having a general anaesthetic again.

Any questions just ask

Xx

[introuble in reply to Beanybeanz]

Hi

Nice story

How about your recovery?

[Aaliyah16 in reply to Beanybeanz]

That’s so reassuring! Thank you

[IndigoMoon1234]

Just wanted to say Good Luck for today. x

[lou_laur96 in reply to IndigoMoon1234]

Thank you muchly xx

[LisaJL]

Good luck! I had a diagnostic lap last Friday and had nerves but it went so smoothly! The staff do this all the time and will help - let us know how you get on

My advice post laparoscopy is:

Get your hospital notes - if you’re confused post op then book a follow up once healed to chat through results.

Drink peppermint tea and suck on mints (polos or extra strong etc) - this really helps to reduce any shoulder pain from the gas.

Take it really easy and when you think you feel better still go slow - you can get out of breath quickly.

Everyone heals at different rates - don’t compare yourself to others and just do what feels right.

Walk around a bit if you can - disperses the gas and also can help with healing

Drink lots of water and eat fruit and veg! (Not to give too much info, but I ate a handful of prunes everyday and it was a great decision)

Finally, use this forum - ask questions and read what others have said - I found it so helpful.

I hope it all goes well xx