Recovery time following excision surgery

[LWat]

Hi all,

I’m due to have excision surgery in a couple of weeks. If nothing has changed since my lap 18months ago then it’s just located on the rear wall of my womb.

My symptoms have gotten worse since then though so I’m not sure if it’s spread (not sure how quickly this happens?)

I was wondering how long the recovery period usually is?

Lisa

[luthien]

Hey it really depends on how much they do / remove and location.

With my first lap; removal of endo from bladder and uterus, and unsticking of bladder, uterus and bowel, recovery was about 3 weeks. With my second lap; removal of endo from the back of the bowel, recovery was about 5 weeks. The difference being that the back of the bowel is more invasive surgery.

I'd listen to your body; you are usually signed off for two weeks, but make sure you have an appointment booked with your specialist / GP for just before that finishes so you can "extend" it if needed.

Usually it takes about 4 to 5 months to completely recover and see what your new "normal" is like. This is the one most specialists / GPs book in to discuss recovery and next steps.

Your endo can spread / get worse, hopefully it's not too much so they can still remove it all.

xx

[LWat in reply to luthien]

Thanks so much for your reply. Can I ask what symptoms you had before your bladder etc unstuck? For a while now when I stand up it feels like something is tight and pulling inside and didn’t know whether things had started to stick together as I know that can happen 😔 xx

[luthien in reply to LWat]

Hey, no probs.

I can't pinpoint what symptoms related to what areas but I suspected a few are specific.

Bladder: kind of a tugging pain when full, feeling like I need to wee often even if I've been, frequent UTIs, pink urine when on periods (definately just urine as I use a cup)

Uterus: pain during sex, cramps after sex, dragging sensation, really painful in that area during periods, tightness, stabbing upwards pain

Bowel: pain on emptying, change in consistency without changing food, heavy feeling, pain when sitting.

I don't know if that helps.

[LWat in reply to luthien]

That does help thank you. I can definitely relate to some of those symptoms, particularly the bowel and uterus ones which is a little worrying. I suppose I’ll just have to wait and see what they find but thank you so much for replying and being so open xx

[luthien in reply to LWat]

Are you having any endo they find excised at the same time? If you're not sure it may be worth asking as that'll put you on the path to less symptoms quicker, without waiting for another lap, which can take ages.

Definitely mention your symptoms for your bowel; they can sometimes overlook that as it's not a common endo area so check your pre-op notes / secretary that it's mentioned to look at your bowel. It should all be in your notes you sign on the day before your lap.

Oh and don't worry if immediately after your lap you don't feel right; it takes a good 4 weeks to recover from the actual lap and about 4 to 5 months to see what your new "normal" is like (if you've had endo removed) so go easy!

Hope all goes okay and keep us updated x

[LWat in reply to luthien]

Oh I’m not too sure to be honest - I hadn’t even thought to ask but I definitely will now! Thanks for the heads up! I had told them about my bowel symptoms but I’ll make sure to ask if they’ll be looking for any signs of it spreading since my diagnostic lap and if they’ll be excising them too. Fingers crossed they will!

Thanks so much for your advice, it really is appreciated. I’m just hoping they get it all out and I see an improvement 🤞🏻 xx

[StefaniaJW]

2 weeks to be able to do a few things, around 6-8 weeks before going back to work and/or exercising