Hi all, hope everyone is well I’m just looking for a bit of advice around laparoscopy recovery, I finally have my date and with it only being one month away I need to book time off work. I’ve not been informed of the regular recovery time but I’ve researched and most websites say 1 week.
I’m just wondering how long other people have taken off work? I work in hospitality and I’m a dancer so it requires a lot of standing, walking and lifting heavy stock/ equipment. I just don’t feel like one week is a lot of time.
Thank you in advance for any replies
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JJS09
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Hello!! I had the exact same thing done in June. I have 2 jobs, one is a desk job that I went back to after 2 weeks. The other is a fitness instructor, I took 6 weeks off this job and really did need it to be honest!! Hope yours goes well xx
I had a laparoscopy for Fallopian tube removal for sterilization. I asked for a note at the hospital and they signed me off for 2 weeks. I work 2 jobs, one in an office and in a shop at the weekend. To be honest I could have gone back to my desk job after a week as I am sat down most of the day but I didn't feel ready to go back to my retail job after a week. I've only just returned to my retail work after 2 weeks off. I am still a little sore around my incisions and tired. My first shift in the shop yesterday was hard being on my feet all day and I felt I couldn't lift anything heavy and I've been advised not to lift anything heavy for 4-6 weeks. My stomach was quite sore last night once i returned home. I would say you maybe able to go back to work in hospitality after 2 weeks if you make your employer aware you may need more breaks or not to lift heavy items
Thank you I hope your feeling okay, that’s what I was thinking, also I’m not sure if you will know as I forgot to add it to the post but are you allowed to take anyone with you to the hospital when you go for a laparoscopy xx
My hospital said no one to stay with you as I was on a day ward and I didn't take anyone with me. To be fair other people did have someone with them and the nurses didn't bother so I was a bit annoyed. I did have to have someone pick me up and take me home though due to the general anesthetic and have someone at home with me for 24 hours
I would ask the hospital what their policy as I know some are different and it does help pass the time as you do wait around a lot! I took a book to read but to be honest I was that nervous I couldn't concentrate. I found listening to music better as I didn't need to concentrate as much!
Hello. I’ve had 2 laps over the past 7 years to have ovarian cysts removed and I went back to work after 2 weeks for both of them. I was actually signed off for 6 weeks last year after the second one, but needed to go back so I got signed back on but that was only because I have a desk job. I was actually ok pain wise, I was just very tired after work. I imagine you will need longer than 2 weeks given the nature of your job. You can get the initial sick note after the operation from the hospital and then visit your GP and ask them to extend the sick note if you are not ready to go back. It might be a quick recovery if the lap is just for diagnostic purposes and nothing is found. I’m having endometriosis removed this week and hoping the recovery will be the same as the last two but worried that it won’t. It’s so hard not knowing exactly what is going to happen and what the recovery will be like. I hope your operation goes well xx
Thank you, hopefully I have an easy recovery, and I hope the same for yourself, do you just ask for the sick note when you get discharged? I’ve never had to do anything like this before 🙈 xx
I went for my pre-op last week and they asked if I would need one. If they don’t ask you, then mention it before you are discharged. I forgot last time as I wasn’t feeling great. I phoned the ward the next day and they sent one through the post. X
Hiya iv just had endo removed stage 4 I'm a week into recovery now can't wait to go back to work normal activities like exercise, driving, bathing , be prepared as it's hard I havnt been out anywhere since I got home, I discharged myself the day after surgery due to the nurse not giving me any pain relief for 7 hours and she had been very rude to me, when I asked for help ...
Anyway I'm still extremely tired , can't do a lot, still sore , constipated and had sickness, nausea and fever and hot flushes from my deceptyl injection still happening daily . This is my experience so far. Just get prepared for at least a week indoors , they say 6-8 weeks recovery, I hope not.
It all depends on the extent of your surgery I guess, do you know how much is being removed from which areas, if you don't mind sharing info?
I was told, investigation itself is around 1 weeks and a week or so for any work done (depending on what’s done). Everyone is so different and I kinda never think you know how you feel until you go back to work. Hope all goes well x
I had a diagnostic lap at the start of June. They signed me off for two weeks - I was already signed off sick but when I’d researched it etc, it is very common for you to be signed off for 2 weeks as you need that time to heal - even if the procedure is only diagnostic. Mine was like that and even though I went back to work after 2 weeks (I had no choice unless I wanted to be dismissed) you are healing for a while as everything is moved around during the op.
I have stage 4 and I took 6 weeks off! Sounds a lot compared to everyone else but I'm a therapist and would bleed doing any heavy lifting of patients etc!
I had small amount removed and they signed me off for 4 weeks. Even though i only do a desk job. I wouldn't of been able to go back any sooner either. 3 months on and im still on phased return x
Currently in my 5th day post laparoscopic procedure.
Every surgery is specific to the individual.
I planned to take 5. As I am an optimist and need to practice what I preach in regards to looking after ones self. If you need to book sick leave in advance please give yourself at least a week. Extend if you need.
Also listen to your body. Strenuous activity is not recommended. For approx 2 to 3 weeks can be light... then 3 to 6 moderate. 6 onwards you may start to feel like yourself. Be mindful of pain relief masking your healing journey. Please heal yourself well as you can have ongoing complications if you do not look after yourself. The C02 gas is a pain for 3days at least and can be quite uncomfortable. I found peppermint tea useful and stay away from carbonated beverages if possible.
Let me know if you have any questions. Take care and all the best
Thank you for your reply I know this may be stupid but I’m meant to be going to Disneyland Paris three weeks after my operation, is it unrealistic to be going at that point? I will double check at my pre op but by that point it would be too late to cancel and I don’t want to disappoint my friends who I’m meant to be visiting ☺️
You may need to take some compression stockings with you as well due to the operation you may be at more risk while flying. That's if you are flying because I do not know here you live ha! Also do some exercises to help with circulation on your flight. I agree you may need a wheel chair if there is a lot of walking to be honest you will probably get really exhausted and might faint x
Hi, I agree about the two week estimate. It takes you one week just to deal with all the side effects of the general anaesthetic (never mind the healing of endometriosis if it was treated!). Just read this quickly, but please please make sure you have someone with you on the day and if your hospital is being difficult about it, push for it. It will be so worth it. I had my laparoscopy a week ago and honestly could not have done it without my partner! For most people, it’s a very nerve racking and emotional experience and having my partner there to ask questions to the doctors and take notes has been invaluable as I now have a record of everything that was discussed with each optician / surgeon etc - it’s proven to be so helpful as the day after the surgery I barely remembered any of it! I was surprised when my consultant came in to see me about 15 mins after the op, I was still pretty drowsy so having somebody there with a prepared list of questions is really important (both pre-op and post-op). Also, do as much research as you possibly can before your op, the more I knew about the op and endo, the better and more relaxed I felt on the day. Hope it all goes well for you. Xx
A week is about right I’ve had 15 of them so I should know! Do take it easy don’t rush back, it depends how active you job is.
I too am waiting for my surgery date, I have adhesions from previous surgery attached to my caecum and I am in a lot of pain, I have been in hospital twice for a week in the last 3 months due to compacted stool as my digestive system is not working properly. I am on a low residue diet, low dose anti depressants for pain relief, nerve blockers and 20 mg butec pain patches, so hopefully will get a date soon.
I had a hysterectomy in December 18 and stupidly thought my days in hospital and surgery were over !!
Oh my what is a compacted stool did the lapro or endo bring this on do you know ? As I've just had stage 4 removed last week am recovering and am so constipated kind of went today and it was scary like a couple black rocks coming out after 30 mins of painfull pushing, is this similar to You?
What is this I havnt took pain relief for 2 days now and only had oramorph for 4 days prior.
It was due to pain meds used post op for my hysterectomy.plus severe adhesions on my colon.
It’s when stool gets stuck in colon and it becomes over active and you get severe pain and inflammation in your abdomen
I’m on laxatives twice a, day mild antidepressant for pain relief, nerve blockers and pain relief patches called Butec. All until a further laparoscopy can remove the adhesions that are stopping my colon from working!
Sorry to hear that hang in there, it will get better. I find mindful meditation helps for pain control and time out from the condition xxx I started with the headspace app many years ago after time in hospital following the loss of my precious Mo to suicide 😥xx
hello, you shouldn't be making any hard abdominal effort for at least a month. sometimes people feel great soon but in the inside the scars take longer to heal a everything is moist in there.
Recovery time depends on the individual. I had laparoscopic surgery 2 weeks ago & I'm still tender. If you have a desk job I’d say 2 weeks, if you’ve got a more manual job I’d say minimum 3-4 weeks. However this is just my experience, some people recover quicker than others. I hope this helps.
Hi glad you have a date. I was signed off by my doctor for 5 weeks and my stitches were still visable after 7 weeks. Lots of peppermint tea and chilling. As you will feel exhausted after the op. Good luck xxxx
Congratulations on getting your date! I had mine in March and initially took off a week self-cert, then got signed off for 2 weeks, then signed off for another 2, and then went on a phased return over 2 weeks. I pushed to go back on a phased return at that point but my gp wanted me off a little longer. I think it's a how long is a piece of string kind of situation. There's no way I could've gone back any sooner and I work a desk job.
Hi thanks for asking this question. I have a diagnosis laparoscopy early September and was wondering the same. I have my pre op next week and I’m starting to get scared!
Same but I guess I’m kinda looking forward to it as well mainly for answers but I’m still nervous because I’ve had so many doctors tell me different things and diagnosis that I’m scared incase the don’t find anything.
Then I have to remind myself that debilitating pain to the point I can’t walk twice a month isn’t normal 😂
Hope all goes well for you keep me updated on how you get on x
Yeh that’s true - I don’t know how I would feel if they don’t find it! I feel completely normal most of the time (I have mild pcos and on mini pill) so I think my symptoms are pretty mild compared to you. sometimes I think I don’t need the op and then I have days like today where I have an upset tummy and pain in my lower back and I think I can’t live like this! Hope your op goes well. I will keep you updated xx
Hi! I am 25 days post lap. They found Endo on both ovaries, uterus, appendix (was removed), pelvic walls, pelvic floor, rectum. They also went into my bladder and uterus and performed a D&C and removed a polyp. After week 1 I was in a very painful place. I could do nothing on my own and could not sit. Week 2 I was more independent, still in a lot of pain, I could sit for 15 minutes. Week 3 I am still a little inflamed and the pain is like very mild cramps. I am still exhausted all the time. This has been my experience. When I read about women who are ready to work after a week, I am in awe. Clearly every body is not the same. Probably it also depends on what got done. I had a Stage 2 which is not deep infiltration Endo, so you would think it would take less time to recover. I would advise to take all the time that you can. You have an entire life time to work, what is the rush? I was also told in my post opp appointment that I should have taken the pain killers as directed and not attempt to work through the pain. Apparently working through the pain can lead you to heal at a slower pace because you are less inclined to move around.
I hope you surgery goes really well! With kindness!
Hey! I’m in a similar position to you, I have my first laparoscopy for diagnostic and possible removal of Endo booked for the 31st of August and have no idea what to expect. I also work in hospitality, so work requires a lot of lifting and standing... my doctor originally said I should be fine in a few days, but from what I’ve read online I’ve told work I initially may need two weeks off. That way both work and myself are prepared for a two week absence and if I recover quicker then I can go back to work.
I have my pre op assessment this Friday, and these are so of the big questions I have to ask! I also start my masters degree a week and a half later, so hopefully recovery won’t take too long! I can keep you updated on how long doc says for work after my pre op, as that may give you a clearer idea! I know it’s hard to try to predict a recovery time when so much of your job is physically demanding.
Hey... so the nurse during my pre op said that I will be initially be signed off of work for two weeks following my op, but I could discuss this more with the doctor post op depending on how much work is actually done and then a gp can extend if needed. Sorry this hasn’t clarified anything too much but hope it helps a bit! X
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