Laproscopy incision and advice

[Kelsa]

Hi there, I have a diagnoses of endo had a lap in 2008 and 2010. I got a phone call yesterday and I've been ask to come for pre assessment this Thurs in London (I live in Kent) then surgery next Tues. So I'm having a laproscopy and coil fitted plus excision if needed and reduce adhesions if needed and they spoke about putting a dye in too see if tube was blocked.

So I wondering for how long after a lap do you get advised not to drive and how long of work. I was thinking two off work?

Then any tips or advice of what to pack.

Also there doing my port holes over my spleen, due to having stoma surgery on where ports would usually go x

[hm89]

I had my lap and dye test on a Monday and went to work the following Wednesday so 7 days off work plus the weekend. I commute in to London from Surrey so my concern was getting on a packed train and getting knocked, rather than actually working. I started working from home on the Thursday (3 days) as that’s when I felt clear headed enough to do so. Hope all goes well x

[Peren]

They don’t usually say you can’t drive accept for the first 24 hours after surgery due to the anaesthetic. Depending on what they need to do you maybe signed off for around 2 weeks, some people take less time and some people take more, that bit is really individual and depends on how much work is done.

Things to take:-

Pj’s just in case you need to stay in

Wash stuff

Lip balm - the air is always so dry.

Book or iPad to keep you occupied whilst waiting about.

For going home take loooooose fitting clothes such as T-shirt and yoga trousers r comfy day dress, you don’t want anything that presses on your tummy.

For going home in the car it’s good to have a pillow to put between you and the seatbelt.

For at home after I would have to hand peppermint tea for bloating, hot water bottle to elevate as pains and I would keep walking around to get the gas to expel quicker.

They’ll likely suggest you take a stool softener for a few days after surgery, movicol is a good one.

Have a speedy recovery!

[Peebles2sarah]

For me, I wasn’t allowed to drive for 48 hours after the anesthetic and then I couldn’t drive so long as I was taking the morphine. I was off work for 3-4 weeks. Off school for 2 though. It depends on your job. My job is extremely physically so I was unable to go back fully until almost a month.

[Faybee87]

The hospital told me I wouldn't be insured to drive for 2 weeks after mine. If yours don't give you any guidelines it would be wise to contact your insurer; it's amazing how many core muscles you use when driving that you hadn't noticed before!

[Kelsa]

OK thank you tomorrow is the day anyway x