Staying overnight for laparoscopy

[gkbear]

Hi everyone, tomorrow I have my pre-operative assessment for my laparoscopy to treat endometriosis. I'll be admitted next week for an overnight stay before my surgery. Feeling anxious and hoping for some words of advice!

I was diagnosed by laparoscopy in April, but it was too complex for my surgeon to remove at the time. I've not really had much information about what it's all going to be like next week (except that I'll need to have an enema the night before).

Has anyone had a similar experience? What would you recommend taking in for my overnight stay? Feeling scared and unsure how to prepare in these next few days!

[AllthatGlitters]

Hi I went into a private hospital overnight and I was so glad I was there instead of going home. I was vomiting due to the anaesthetic and couldn’t pee either.

I took in pjs to change into as didn’t want to keep the hospital gown on, also slippers, anything that will make you feel comfortable.

I also had some magazines but didn’t read a thing as after it you are quite out of it and the nurses are in and out so you don’t get much peace anyway. Plus you want to sleep.

Only thing I used was my mobile and remember your charger. Some sanitary towels in case you bleed & pants (I had a hysteroscopy) on the same day as the lap.

I craved something nice to chew after being sick so maybe some nice sweets.

You will be fine & you are in the best hands, it’s not as bad as you think. I got myself so worked up and really the thought was far worse than the actual op and being in hospital.

Make sure you have a pillow for your drive home to place in front of your stomach as it gives you some protection.

Good luck x

[gkbear in reply to AllthatGlitters]

Thank you for all of this, it's really good to know that you were glad to stay overnight, I've been feeling most worried about this. Were you able to have someone be with you? Bringing some nice sweets sounds like a good plan, I'm going to go shopping after my pre-op today.

Thank you again xx

[AllthatGlitters in reply to gkbear]

Yes as I was in a private hospital I could have family there with me for as long as I wanted. Although someone is there you are really still out of it and won’t remember much about them being there. Glad you are feeling a bit better about it all

[Lyns88]

Bring music - it helped me chill, I was a lovely ward but it had a lot going on, I was able to put my earphones in and play relaxing music (you have no concentration for read or anything else) also LIPBALM when you wake up from surgery your lips will be sore, dry and cracked.

I'm two weeks post op today! Still feeling the effects- but slowly getting there. You will have both good days and bad days. I had bowel prep the day before 🥺 but from my home- it's okay, it's what it is.... My surgery was pretty complexed cysts on both overies and around my bowel too. I hope yours goes as expected, with a speedy recovery. Good luck X

[gkbear in reply to Lyns88]

I had completely missed off music from my list and didn't bring any last time, I'll make sure to pack my earphones! I hope you're ok and feel better soon. How long are you taking to rest before getting back to your work/study? I've been given two months leave of absence from my PhD just in case the recovery is difficult (I really struggled last time and it was just diagnostic, so expecting it will be harder this time when it's more complex), but hoping it won't take me that long...

That's interesting to know you had your bowel prep at home, I'm not completely sure why I need to be in the night before for mine, but hoping to find out today at the pre-op.

Thanks so much again for your kind words and luck xx

[Lyns88 in reply to gkbear]

I'm not really sure as of yet how long I'm going to take off, I just know I'm not ready to go back as of yet. I have had very bad lower back pain from surgery as well as crampy overies. I'm wreaked from just walking round to the corner shop (which is totally unlike me- I never stop) also I'm abit emotional, have been crying over the stupidest thing 🙄😢

I also ended up buying a v-pillow if you know anyone could lend you one for a few weeks ? I couldn't get comfortable without it !! And Big lose knickers 😂 they are a god send, I went a size up so they fitted up over my incisions.

X

[gkbear in reply to Lyns88]

Aw I'm so sorry to hear, sending hugs and hope you take as long as you need to feel better! I bought a v shaped pillow last time, they're amazing aren't they!! xx

[Endopink14]

Hi gkbear

I had my laparoscopy to remove stage 4 Endo on 19th August with an overnight stay. I would recommend taking slippers, clothes for the next day, magazines/music. I would also recommend taking in some peppermint tea to help with gas you will get in your shoulders (from the Carbon dioxide used during surgery). I was really scared for my surgery but it was all fine and I was so relived after the surgery I was on a high! You will be fine. Good luck x x x

[gkbear in reply to Endopink14]

Thank you, these are great tips really nice to know you felt so relieved afterwards after feeling scared too, fingers crossed that will be me next week... xxx

[Pinkprincess22]

Make sure you take with you some comfortable lose clothes for then you come out especially around your tummy.

I had mine 13 days ago and I agree with what the other ladies said.

I’d also recommend taking face wipes they were a god send for me as I felt so hot after the operation and I found they were a great way to feel fresh and cool down. Lip balm too!

I got very dry in the mouth after surgery and struggled to eat the sandwich they gave me so take something that you can eat to make you feel less dry.

Slippers were great, I didn’t bother with pjs as I was wired up with oxygen and a drip overnight and didn’t really feel like getting up.

A small cushion to cover your tummy for the journey home is a great help too as you will feel every bump in the road but it’s great not to have the added pressure from the seat belt.

Peppermint tea and charcoal tablets from Holland and Barrett to help with the gas when you come home as the sooner you get rid of it the better as it puts added pressure on the wounds.

Good luck for your operation and I really hope it solves your issues. Xx