Diagnostic laparoscopy date 😱

[Paulamar02]

I got my date through today for the 17th of June. My nerves for it are really really kicking in already. I am absolutely terrified of being put to sleep, to the point that I want to cancel. It really terrifies me. Can anyone suggest how I can get past this? I know I need to do the lap but I’m so scared.

[Catness]

Great news on getting your date through and if you weren’t a little anxious that would be quite strange.

I personally love being put to sleep but it is nerve wracking the first time you do it. Have you ever been put to sleep before? In case you haven’t I will explain what happens in the hopes it settles your nerves. When you are in hospital it is usual that the anaesthetist will come round to see you pre-op to go through the procedure and medical history. In my experience they are always lovely 😊 when it’s your time for your surgery you will walk down to theatre and meet the anaesthetist and his team in a small room just off the theatre. They will ask you to lay down on a bed and prepare to put you to sleep, all the while chatting to you and making you feel at ease. Every time I’ve been put to sleep they have put some drugs through the canula in my hand which feels cold as it goes in and up your arm but I never found it painful. Next they will put a face mask on you and ask to count back from ten / I don’t think I’ve ever got farther than 8! Next thing you know you will be getting woken up in recovery by a lovely nurse (recovery nurses are THE best) who will look after you as you come round from surgery. It literally feels like you are out for a second.

I know it’s *really* hard but going into surgery as calm as possible will be so important to your recovery. You really will be in the best hands and it’s worth thinking about what it took to get to this place and how soon you may be getting answers 😊

I’ve had my 6th lap this year so I’ve copied and pasted some ‘tips’ for newbies for the laparoscopy and what to expect and I hope you find some of it helpful. If you have any questions please please let me know!

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

[Paulamar02 in reply to Catness]

Thank you so much for this lovely reply! It really has helped. I haven’t been put to sleep before so I think it’s maybe a little ‘a fear of the unknown’. I am glad I’m here now but will be so happy when it’s over. Thank you again xxx

[Catness in reply to Paulamar02]

I find a good plan always helps so make a good list of what you will take to hospital to keep you entertained while you wait for surgery and also maybe gather some supplies of things you like doing that’s all accessible for when you get back home. Xxx

[Mparstoy in reply to Catness]

So generous of you. Thank you! 6 Laps in a year? Why? If you don't mind me asking?

With kindness!

[Catness in reply to Mparstoy]

Haha sorry not 6 laps this year! I’ve not written it very clearly. I meant I’ve had 6 laps total, and my 6th lap this year xxx

[Mparstoy in reply to Catness]

That is better but still sorry to hear you've had to have so many.

[Scottoe in reply to Catness]

I get nervous for surgery too but I’m also strange in that I quite like getting put under anaesthetic haha - weirdo eh

[Paulamar02 in reply to Scottoe]

I think that is quite common lol a lot of people have said that to me.

[Paigelouisex]

Good news on the date! Mine is on Friday I had the same fears too I had my pre assessment today and really put my mind at ease, hopefully yours will too!! xx

[Paulamar02 in reply to Paigelouisex]

I had my pre op a couple weeks ago. Didn’t really help with what to expect. I hope your op goes well!! Xx

[Paigelouisex in reply to Paulamar02]

Aw sorry to hear that thank you! & you! xx

[Bellabellaboo]

Hello! Mine is on the 20th...also my first time being put to sleep and I feel exact same as you! I just want to cancel...I wake up in the night in a panic over it, finding it hard to commit too, keep putting up signing paper work and going out and getting supplies for post op...my anxiety is awful over it! I just want it over with but I don’t want to do it hahaha! Keep in touch and we can help each other xxx

[Paulamar02 in reply to Bellabellaboo]

So glad I’m not the only one! I’m trying my hardest not to think about it but it’s not possible. Yeah we will keep in touch and I can even let you know how mines ent and hopefully that will put you a bit more at ease. Xxx

[Bellabellaboo in reply to Paulamar02]

I tried to message you but it didn’t work for some reason? 🤷‍♀️ I just had a massive break down over it like an hour ago and I have just cried and cried and cried...so hard! See if you can message me

[Paulamar02 in reply to Bellabellaboo]

I have messaged you xxx

[Hidden]

Hi, i have mine on the 17th too. I'm very anxious like you, however I've had 2 back ops in the past so I know what to expect in terms of the anaesthetic. It is frightening at first but it really isn't that bad. For me, what I'm anxious about is the recovery and the gas pain I've been hearing about. The message from 'Catness' above is great. She has made me think about taking dresses with me, foods to eat to loosen the bowel and peppermint tea. Great advice! Plus it's nice to get some positive experiences from people. My view is, I have to do it and that's that, or it gets worse and more complicated. You will feel proud of yourself when you have it done. X

[Paulamar02 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah her reply was great! The gas pain does sound worrying too but it’s a relief to know it doesn’t last long. Plus I love peppermint tea lol! I’ll just be so glad when it’s over with. X

[princessk09]

Hey, being put to sleep is honestly not that scary or bad as I was petrified leading up to the surgery. My anaesthetist was so nice and put all my nerves at ease and answered my questions. By the time I went down to theatre I was so tired and hungry that I just wanted to sleep anyways.

You’re put to sleep in like 5 secs once the drugs get in your system. The nurses and anaesthetist were talking to me throughout the process about random things, the nurse was stroking my hand and then the room goes blurry and then I woke up in recovery 3 hours later, I apparently had a really long nap haha.

You’ll be in great hands whilst you’re under GA and they monitor you constantly during the surgery and I know they have to tell you the complications but that’s just procedure and it’s honestly so so rare.

Everyone will wake up different after GA, I got told I’d feel groggy but it was the opposite haha, I was so high and alert for two days until it wore off. xx

[Paulamar02 in reply to princessk09]

Everyone keeps saying it’s not as bad as you think which is helpful. I think it’s a lack of control for me and I don’t like that 🙈. I’m glad I got the date for so soon as I wouldn’t like to have a date for so far in the future and have it on my mind. Thank you for your reply. Xx

[princessk09 in reply to Paulamar02]

I was the same, I love being in control and the thought that my life was in someone else’s hands freaked me out but honestly it takes like 10 secs max to fall asleep and then you just wake up in recovery with a nurse stood over you haha xx

[Paulamar02 in reply to princessk09]

Yeah that’s whats really getting me! I know I will be fine 🙈. Hope my recovery is quick too! Xxx

[SarahK73]

Had15 Of these it’s not terrible just a bit cramps afterwards

Worse was the open bowel surgery and hysterectomy!

[Paulamar02 in reply to SarahK73]

Oh god, 15!!

[Bellabellaboo in reply to SarahK73]

Did you vomit or feel sick after laps? That is what is worrying me the most

[SarahK73 in reply to Bellabellaboo]

No I have a vegan diet no gluten or alcohol helps

Drink lots of water

You get a nasty cramping in the shoulder for few hours

I always have some peppermint tea xx

[SarahK73]

Yes from aged25-45!!

[Paulamar02 in reply to SarahK73]

Oh no! Have you any more coming up?

[SarahK73 in reply to Paulamar02]

No hopefully xx

[SarahK73]

You will be ok look at my blog for tips endometriosis.live/

[Paulamar02 in reply to SarahK73]

Thank you! I’ll have a look at that.

[Jue23]

Great news on you date. you’ll be find the nurses and doctors will

reassure you. The anaesthetists are really good at distracting you.

[Paulamar02 in reply to Jue23]

Ohh I hope so 🙈 I’ll be glad when I’m waking up again and it’s all over.

[Jess96]

Hey, if you want to have a look at a positive post of mine, click on my name. It's called 'My Lap Experience'

healthunlocked.com/endometr...

It's all positive about my surgery experience. I hope it helps x

[Paulamar02 in reply to Jess96]

Thank you!! X

[Cynthiaortg]

Hi I was like that too, but I took some natural stress relief pills it really helped a lot. Maybe you can try that, best of luck got you🙏

[Paulamar02]

I will give anything a try at this point.