I had lap yesterday to diagnose and treat endo and put in Mirena coil. I was admitted 7am and was very fortunate to be first on the list so was in surgery by 8.30am.
They put me in a gown and compression stockings and my consultant popped by on his way in to say hello and confirm what would be done. I gave consent separately for his med student to do a vaginal exam while I was under. Anaesthetist visited too, also with a junior who I gave permission to help. I had never had surgery before so being anaesthetised was a little terrifying. A team member met me at my bed and walked me down many long corridors to the anaesthetic room off the theatre. By the time we got in there and I lay on the trolley I was very shaky and crying, feeling scared about giving up control of my body and knowing what would happen to it. It was all at sub basement level, v cold and dark which didn't help with that. The anaesthetist and team were v patient and sweet. (Every single person I dealt with throughout was absolutely lovely btw.) The cannula went in, mask went on and the next thing I knew I was drowsily waking lying on my side with some mild pain on the surface of my stomach and a sore throat from being intubated. I was faintly nauseous but had been given lots of anti emetic and the feeling passed quickly.
I spent a few hours being very woozy and dozing in between people coming by to give me water, check blood pressure etc. Had some tea and toast. Surgeon visited again to tell me the result and showed me pictures from the lap camera. Very mild endo which he had removed, and he thought maybe some signs of IBS. It was so reassuring to see how neat and healthy looking everything was inside me because from the pain I'd imagined it was a scarred mess in there. He told me to book in with GP in 6 weeks to check coil strings and he would arrange a follow up in 4 months with himself.
I was allowed home once they were happy I had peed adequately (!) They do an ultrasound after you pee to check if you have been able to empty your bladder fully, and that took about 3 tries and 3 more hours.
Today I have soreness and pain around the incisions and am weak and shaky but have needed minimal painkillers (cocodamol,provided by nurse). No shoulder tip pain amazingly and not especially bloated. I did wake in the night feeling upset and worrying about my stitches not being secure which I think is just an emotional reaction to the experience, but all in all it has been so much less painful and traumatic than I expected.
I was at Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital Jessop Wing and my dr was Mr. Keriakos - i'd 100% recommend him based on his compassionate approach and long experience.