Laproscopy/oophorectomy recovery

[Mollyof4]

Hi all, I am wondering what your experiences were 4 days post surgery for tubal/oophorectomy laparoscopy...my son has a field trip to the zoo 4 days after my surgery. I REALLY want to go and am already signed up to chaperone a group. Do you think I will be able to be walking around all day and ride the school bus with them? I have no idea what to expect, and yes I know everyone recovers differently. What were your experiences?

[Catness]

Hi Molly,

I’m sorry to say you won’t be able to walk around comfortably 4 days after a lap. Even the hardiest of endo warriors will still be experiencing pain and discomfort on day 4, including almost certain constipation from the pain meds and anaesthetic as well as the biggest bloaty tum from the trauma of the operation and the gas they pump you full of during the op. I think you would be hard pressed to be on your feet all day even 2 weeks after the procedure as the body takes a long time to heal. As for riding a bus during recovery - I seriously wouldn’t recommend it :/

I posted this reply to someone the other day in regards to having a first lap and what to expect from recovery - I hope some of it is useful to you. Very best of luck with your lap! Xxx

***

I’ve just had my 6th lap and These are some of the tips I’ve learnt along the way..

I have answered questions about laps a few times so if you were to look through my ‘replies’ there will be a number of threads where myself and other people on here have given our ‘tips’ which you may find useful.

A couple off the top of my head however are to take a pillow to hospital so that for the car ride home you can put the pillow between your stomach and your seatbelt as it is quite uncomfortable.

One of the worst pains after the lap is, in my opinion, the trapped gas pain in your shoulder blades as they fill your tummy up with gas to see better. Peppermint tea really helps to disperse the gas as does little walks around the house whenever you feel able. If you get severe pain in your shoulders rest assured in a few days it does pass! Try not to worry too much. Sleeping propped up on a pillow will help too.

Also your tummy will be very swollen probably for 2-3 weeks. This is completely normal but it’s good to have clothes ready that aren’t constricting in any way (I like dresses because of this reason) and leggings with a high waist band that isn’t too tight.

After the lap you will be quite constipated from the general anaesthetic and the pain killers so until your first bowel movement don’t eat anything too stodgy. I tend to stick to veggies and light meals. Also ask for some Lactulose or Laxido which are stool softeners. They ease the pressure on your tum and make everything a lot easier. And also drink lots of fluids. This helps your digestion but is also just a good idea.

Don’t be surprised if you have a bit of a hard time emotionally after the lap for a couple of weeks. Post-op blues are experienced by many people and it can be quite unexpected. Just try and stay in as-positive-a-mindset as possible. You will get better but you need to give yourself time to heal. This is completely normal!

In regards to healing. Best not to put too many expectations on yourself such as you *should* be feeling better by this date. Everyone is different and bodies heal at different rates. I usually take 2 weeks to feel better in myself but 6 to feel totally back to normal. By week 3 I can usually leave the house to do a few errands. Others will bounce back a lot quicker (maybe 2). But don’t overdo it. Round about 2 weeks off work/ uni/ life is about right, but 3 is more realistic.

Take your painkillers regularly as opposed to chasing the pain when it comes on. This way you will be far more comfortable and your body won’t have to catch up.

Take some sanitary pads and big comfy Bridget-Jones style knickers to hospital. You WILL wake up with the megalodon of sanitary towels stuffed downstairs and being able to change into something more discreet just makes you feel better or at least does in my case 😂

If possible have someone at home to help you for a few days. It’s just a lot easier if you don’t have to worry about cooking or fixing yourself a meal as those first couple of days can be a little disorientating and tough. Also it’s just nice to be looked after for a bit! Also maybe write down some things you can enjoy during recovery or put out some of your favourite DVDs so you don’t have to think about it too much in the initial few days after.

Also try and remember to ask if you will need a check up with a nurse for wound care, and whether you arrange this or if the hospital does and also when your post-op check up will be and who arranges this.

I hope you find some of that helpful and very best of luck xxxxxx

[Mollyof4 in reply to Catness]

Thank you so much! This helps a lot. I'll be going tomorrow if all goes as planned. I suppose I need to make a list and get my things together today!!

[Catness in reply to Mollyof4]

Will be thinking of you! Xxx