Hi all,
I am 3 days post op (laparoscopy).
I was given no after care instructions. I’ve never had an op and have dissolvable stitched which I have no clue how to take care of and was wondering if anyone could advice me please?
Is it normal for the hospital to send you off with no aftercare?
Thank you, M x
Yea unfortunately it is pretty normal for them to just send you on your way basically.
So with your stitches, just try to keep them clean and dry, they can take up to a few weeks to fully heal, but if you notice any redness, itching or oozing etc it’s possible they could be infected. Its probably going to take you a while to get back on your feet and to your daily routine but just be patient with yourself and give yourself time to heal as the surgery is a big shock to your body. You’ll get there eventually, just get plenty of rest x
Thank you so much, I guess I’m just panicking as I’ve never had an op before. But that was very helpful thank you x
Hi
Hope you're recovering well. How did the op go? Were you nervous beforhand? I'm also booked in to have a lap in a couple of weeks time and its my first surgery so feeling really scared about it all 
x
Hi 
Thank you, I’m actually recovering much better than I thought I would be when I got home the first day!!
I’m 1 week post op now and still cannot do a lot of things, but doing more than I was the previous days.
Yes I was nervous but this is normal! However they make you feel very comfortable and it’s a quick process. Just make sure you ask all of the questions you’d like to, even if they are silly. This will make you feel better and more comfortable.
Take it easy afterwards, makes sure you have someone that can take care of you, don’t do too much for the first few days and then gradually start going back to normal routine. Don’t lift, turn, twist, sit or stand too suddenly as this will hurt as I have found out!! I’m quiet an active person and I’ve been pushing myself and then getting quiet sore afterwards!!
The only worry I have now is that my belly keeps swelling like I’m 7 months pregnant and it’s very uncomfortable!
If you have anymore questions let me know I’ll be happy to answer them!
Good luck, you’ll be fine x
ah thanks for the reply. Just want it to be over with now Im tired of worrying! Glad you're on the mend. I think I've read a few comments about bloated belly afterwards so try not to worry
take care x
As Slm327 unfortunately it does seem pretty normal I was sent home with no aftercare instructions but only got given advise when I was admitted a week later with some sort of internal infection 🙄
Again as Slm327 has said keep your stitches as clean and dry as possible, try to let air get to them so don’t keep covering them with new dressings, it can take up to 6 weeks for the stitches to dissolve full/fall out (mine actually took 7 weeks, itching tends to mean they are healing mine itched like crazy from day 10 which is when they really start to heal according to the nurse until about week 3 but any redness/puss/oozing go get it checked out) so be careful for at least 3-6 weeks was the advice I was given in the end.
Other advice I was given include don’t lift anything to begin with then just nothing too heavy, don’t expect to be able to go on anything more than a 10min slow walk to start with then build your way back up to ‘normal’, don’t drive for at least 3/4 weeks or until you can do an emergancy stop with no pain (if you drive)
I was also given tips on how to sleep on your side/getting out of bed if you are struggling with that, I did for 2 weeks!
I hope this helps a bit x
Hi there. Would you mind sharing the tips on sleeping and eating out of bed? I’ve got my second lap next week and really struggled with both of those! Xx
Sure (sorry if a bit long I am just copying from a leaflet!)
Rolling over in bed (going from on back to side to laying on back again): if you are lying on your back, bend your knees, and hold onto your tummy with your hand (i found sort of wrapping my arm around and cupping the other side of my stomach a good way to do this bit). Roll onto your side making sure that you move your shoulders at the same time as your hips and knees to avoid twisting your tummy. Once you are laying on your side, you may find it more comfortable to place a pillow or towel under your tummy. To roll nack onto your back, roll in one movement as above, holding your tummy with your hand.
Getting out of bed: roll into your side as above. Gently lower your feet over the side of the bed and at the same time push your body up with your arms. Once you are sitting on the side of the bed, rest for a moment to catch your breath. If you feel dizzy, let this settle before you stand up. Try to stand straight and tall. It may help to hold your tummy at first.
Getting in to bed: stand with the back of your knees against the bed. Use your hands to help lower yourself onto the edge of the bed. Lie onto your side using your elbow to lean on and at the same time lift your legs up onto the bed.
There is also sitting, standing, getting into a car and some other bits but I don’t want to overload this 😅 x
Ah thank you! I’ll be practising that 😀
Thank you so much! This is really helpful. Just one more question, when can I was my wounds under water? As currently I’m too scared to wash x
I used just warm water for a week, and then mild soap after that but only very gently with my hand I was too scared to give them a proper scrub until the stitches came out! I did find my stomach felt quite bruised to have the water directly on it for a fair few weeks as well, so kind of let it hit above my stomach/on my chest and run down, not sure if you are having that issue.
Just make sure to pat them dry really well as damp wounds are more likely to get infected (i found the easiest way to dry inside my belly button was to veryyyy carefully use a cotton bud) x
For my lap, I was told no showering for a week. A week after surgery I could remove the bandages and clean around the incisions with warm water or baby whips. This isn’t necessary, but I purchased large bandages to cover my incisions after this as I found it painful for clothing to touch them. Otherwise just try and keep them as dry as possible. Change the bandages often and clean the area at this time as well.
hi, l am on waiting list for similar op, was told with dissolvable stitches to keep dry for at least 5 days until incission appears to be healing. My self l am being glued, unless they change their minds. Had dissolve stitches for my gall bladder op many years ago and was advised not to bathe for l week. Hope this helps, or perhaps ring your doctors surgery and speak to an ANP nurse, he/she should be able to guide you. lf you are a driver l have been told not to drive for at least 2 weeks , hope you recover well..
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