laparoscopy advice and recovery info...

[jcb12]

Hi everyone,

I’m after some advise regarding laparoscopy and recovery timeframes.

I’ve finally got my date - 10th December and wondered how soon after people were back to feeling ok? Also was there anything you found that helped after the surgery? I’ve seen a few people mention peppermint tea?

My biggest worry is that I run a business and in reality can only really have a couple of days off so close to Christmas but obviously don’t want to hurt myself by coming to work too soon. I will be closed for 10 days over Christmas but can not afford to close for almost all of December.

Any feedback would be great; even telling me I’m stupid (which I know but if I’m not here the business is shut, making no money which I really cannot afford to happen).

[luthien]

Hey,

It really depends on how much endo there is, how much investigation happens and what they do to remove the endo.

If it's a general laparoscopic investigation with no removal of endo it can be about two weeks recovery - docs usually sign off for about that. If it's a lot more invasive with excision it will be longer. My first one with laparoscopic excision of endo from the surface of my bladder and uterus and unsticking of bladder, uterus and bowel I was signed off for two weeks but needed another week off. My second lap I had endo removed from the surface of the back of my bowel, was signed off for two weeks but needed another 3; it's because it's more invasive to get round the back of the bowel. I definitely needed that time even though my job is office based. It just completely wipes you out, and even when you're not in pain you feel completely exhausted because you're still healing inside.

Docs usually say it can take up to 5 months to completely recover from the lap and have an idea of what your new normal is if you have endo removed.

I'd at least say give yourself a week, then as you run your own business just ease yourself in slowly, perhaps do half days? Expect your first period to be awful - you're still healing, so you may need to give yourself a bit of time around then too. Just see how you go but do listen to your body; it needs rest, and will tell you when you need to do that!

Peppermint tea works well for gas relief and stomach movement. Get something to help your digestive system move like senna, as the anaesthetic can make you a little bunged up. Drink lots of water after; it'll clear out the anaesthetic and toxins as you heal. Don't be afraid to ask for painkillers, even a prescription to take home; you'll need it for the first week, take them as prescribed some work better when taken continuously. Heat patches work brilliantly - I found the spiral back ones work well - amazon sells them. Hot water bottle is brilliant too. Get some baggy pants / leggings as you'll be a bit bloated and sore.

Happy to help with more info or if you have any questions, just ask! x