Post lap

[Cyprus92]

Hi all,

So i had my first laparoscopy on the 5th may, its nearly 7 weeks on and i think all the pain and discomfort is coming back.

I returned to work on a phased return after 4 weeks and everyone is expecting it to all go back to 'normal'.

My partner is struggling to understand that i am still in pain and its building again, im trying to tell everyone im ok but its a huge struggle.

So in short, could it be coming back already or could there be things they missed such as ovaries while doing the lap?

Just want to be back to being happy again!!!

[luthien]

Hi, sorry you're feeling this way.

Recovery from a lap with removal of endo can take up to four months to recover from. usually the first two are actual recovery from the op and then the remainder is your body settling down and finding itself again, so sometimes it can feel like it's all getting worse. In summary your body produces pain relief hormone while you heal and it recovers from the trauma of the op, after that it then needs to focus on healing up where endo was removed this can sometimes take a lot longer. Usually having normal cycles during this time can throw things a little so it's expected that the first four to five months are just recovery. That's why quite often a follow up appointment is at about four months to discuss next steps and what the symptoms are.

I wouldn't want to say that your endo is returning for definite as I'm not a doctor obvs, but 7 weeks is still to early to worry. I felt the same as you and asked my specialist to write a letter to work saying that the op can take a few months to recover and to expect the odd time off work etc until things settle at about 6 months.

It wont go back to "normal" and you won't be perfectly recovered; usually it's expected to be a reduction in symptoms of about 50% and then it's getting to know and manage life around them. Endo will always grow back and as there's scar tissue from endo and lap some symptoms are expected to remain.

Find a good book on endo to share with others and your partner. I've had my go to book "Living Well with Endometriosis: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know" by Kerry-Ann Morris, on Amazon. It's been amazing for finding out all the different components of endo and how it affects all our body functions. The new book I've just bought by the charity and supporter of this page Endometriosis UK "Endometriosis: The Experts’ Guide to Treat, Manage and Live Well with Your Symptoms" by Professor Andrew Horne and Carol Pearson, my hubby likes this one as it really helps him get to grips with what it all is.

I know it's not exactly what you want to hear, but we've all been through it and can understand how you feel. Keep a diary of your symptoms including medication and how you're feeling, and see how they differ as you recover. Definitely book in a follow up with your specialist (or your GP if stuck) at 4 to 5 months to discuss what to do next and take that diary in.

xx

[Cyprus92 in reply to luthien]

Thank you for your reply, although knowing it can take that long is a but deflating its nice to know im not the only ome who has felt like this.

I have brought a book called - the endometriosis health and diet program which i am part way through but doesnt seem to help with knowing its not curable and my state of mind at the minute i have chosen to have a bit of a break and just sleep instead of reading it.

I think because the surgeon signed me off for 4 weeks myself and others assumed this is all it would take. So when im still in lots of pain people are finding it really hard.

I feel less motivated and lazy since having my lap! I have no get up and go at the minute and have such a foggy head its insane! My whole mind and body feels out of order, but i still try and get by telling people im ok.

Its so hard! But thank you for your reply and for this group, it seems to be my escape although everyone is different its nice to know im not the only one!! X