Side effects from Laproscopy?

[Bluebell1019]

Hi,

I am new here and have been suffering with horrible pain in my lower left abdomen for several weeks(months) now. I have had 2 trips to A&E, 1 urologist and 3 gynaecologists. All dismissed me, the Gynae's said it was a kidney stone so to see the urologist. He gave me a CT scan, found nothing and discharged me saying, I urge you to go back to a gynaecologist. So, I found a third gynae and he has said he will do a laparoscopic surgery for me as he is reasonably confident it is endometriosis and he will be able to 'cure' it. I was just wondering what people's experiences with side effects after laparoscopic surgery to investigate/help endometriosis?

Thanks!

[luthien]

Hey, sounds like you're being passed around a lot, glad you're getting somewhere though.

I've posted up my experiences of the process, surgery and post surgery so feel free to have a read:

"All this effort does pay off - my story - hope it helps !"

I think you can just search for it on this site.

First thing is to make sure your surgeon is an endo specialist so they know what to look for and how to treat it; the removal of endo needs to be excision of endo as this removes the endo and a bit of healthy tissue therefore regrowth rates are lower and symptoms are more improved. Most general gynae will only look for larger patches of endo and their main method of removal is through laser (diathermy or heat), ablation (sanding) where just the top layer of endo is removed leaving the bottom bit to regrow, regrows faster and symptoms come back quicker. You can easily find out your local endo specialist or center by going to the BSGE website, they list all the accredited and experienced specialists.

Hope that helps a bit xx

[Bluebell1019 in reply to luthien]

Thanks,

I read your post, it was really helpful! I can't find a list of specialists on the BSGE but I didnt even know that they existed until just now...I will have a proper look later!

[luthien in reply to Bluebell1019]

Glad it helps

Ah perhaps its through the centers part....I've not used it as my specialist is part of the "Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic in Cheltenham" so I guess I took a shortcut!

[RJS626]

I had a slight horror story with my laparoscopy - very unusual reaction to it so not worth hearing! However, I would have a few suggestions for recovery.

First, I was discharged and sent home with no painkillers or anti-sickness which, for me personally, was absolutely crucial. I'd pop to the chemist and get some anti-sickness tablets and perhaps some stronger painkillers like cocodamol in case you find yourself needing them. In my laparoscopy leaflet my hospital mentioned 'sea bands' for alternative nausea relief to medicine - I am yet to try them but they are only a couple of quid online so not much to lose by trying. And, of course, keep ibuprofen around as well as paracetamol-based products so that you can alternate for maximum pain relief.

Second, my laparoscopy was only diagnostic to identify the endometriosis but not treat it, which to me sounds like less incisions and less post-op pain. Nevertheless, my stomach muscles were nonexistent. Given that I wasn't eating and I was on strong painkillers (again, not necessarily a "normal" reaction) I got *extremely* backed up with constipation. With no stomach muscles to "go" and the risk of constipation from certain painkillers, I'd say it is definitely worth having some supplies at home. The chemist was really helpful in suggesting products that weren't your typical laxatives that might cause stomach cramps, so I was sent home with lactulose for a very gradual effect and suppositories as all the action happens downstairs so shouldn't affect your stomach. I personally had a horrendous experience with suppositories (but if I were able to handle it, doing one a day might have cleared me up quickly without straining my abdomen), so I switched to taking stool softeners. Look out for the gentle ones specifically that you take numerous a day for and you won't feel like you're taking a laxative, but could notice in the mornings maybe that you are returning to a routine and getting back to normal. Peppermint tea has properties that are supposed to help, so maybe get some teabags in too if you'd like, but it doesn't spring to mind as something that I noticed helping me particularly. Obviously, you also need to be drinking lots and lots of water with these products, and stack up on fruits and avoid carbs where possible to allow the medicines to do their work and as a preventative measure in the first instance.

Third, pillows and hot water bottles/heat mats are your friends! For me, I couldn't be comfortable sitting or laying without a pillow between my thighs so that my incisions were kept flat (I had never been more aware of my fat folds!). And the heat part is a given, really. You can also buy stick-on heating pads for under a fiver on Amazon for easing pain over the day if you are on the go, as returning to full mobility is encouraged ASAP (but of course, listen to your body!) - I suspect that the leaflet will tell you not to use over broken skin, and definitely not directly on bare skin, so be aware of that, but might be worth trying out.

Fourth, nightdresses, nightshirts, nighties, or anything that might pass as such, really are far superior to what you'd ordinarily consider your comfy clothes - not many elasticated items, high-waisted items and baggy clothes will compare, even down to being a harsher fabric that would never have irritated you before. Given that at least one incision is made by your pant line, you should definitely try to find some stretchy, soft, high-waisted underwear - I was surprised at just how few pairs of knickers I could tolerate.

Fifth, dryness of the throat and mouth might not bother you too much or it might do a great deal, so I'd have any of your non-medicated throat remedies to hand (I wouldn't want a lemsip for sore throat relief, for example, to stop me taking cocodamol as soon as I could have otherwise).

Sixth, sanitary towels - I assume you will have already been told to expect some bleeding, but I would stick to towels rather than tampons while it is uncertain how much or if at all you might bleed.

Now, I would hate to have given the impression that you should expect a million and one different side effects that require management, but if anything they will just make things more comfortable for you. I don't think I have forgotten anything that was particularly useful to have known beforehand, but I'm sure you will find anything important and lots of great advice by reading through posts in the 'Laparoscopic surgery' topic section anyway. It is also worth having a look there to find out what to bring with you while you wait as well as what you'll need for your aftercare - my one piece of advice would be to expect a wait! I was waiting 8 hours before I went down to theatre, and I was there for a total of 14 hours from admission to discharge.

Best luck with your laparoscopy, and if you do find post-op recovery troublesome then keep in mind that knowing the answer - whether that is that they have found something or found nothing at that time - is worth it in the long run as this is where the treatment journey really begins.