Surgery nerves

[Bubble_by]

Hello everyone,

So I have a diagnostic laparoscopy on the 3rd of March.

And I'm terrified.

I have never had invasive surgery for anything before and I'm so worried in case something goes wrong or I don't wake up. Or I'll get some awful complication from the surgery that follows me around for the rest of my life. I know the chances of this are silm but it doesn't stop me from worrying.

I have issues with anxiety anyway so this is just feeding into it. It stops me from sleeping properly (I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep) and I have permenant nervous belly.

Does anyone have any positive laparoscopy stories for me please?

[luthien]

Hey, just wanted to let you know you're not alone, quite a few of us were nervous before our laps, including me. It's natural to feel that way; surgery isn't normal, and it's great that you've mentioned it

I wrote a while ago about my experience from diagnosis to post laparoscopy / recovery. Althought it doesn't just forcus on the surgery the general picture may help.

healthunlocked.com/endometr...

The surgeons, anaesthatists and nurses are all there during your surgery to make sure you're stable. They do so many measurements; weight / blood tests that they know the dosage of anesthetic to give you and it's monitored throughout by the team. It's not like it used to be where you just come round when ready, they give you something to reverse it, so you come round sooner after.

Complications - they're always there, but they should be discussed with you by your surgeon before your lap, including how they're going to minimise these. Make sure you're happy with what you sign for on the morning; if there's anything you're not sure about just ask. Ideally you want your operation notes to be as clear as possible - they're operating on you and you want to trust them so if there's any +/- types of things to minimise your anxiety ask about those and make it clear whether you want something. Like some women have a +/- coil insertion; now that would freak me out, am I having it or not? I want to know before! Obviously if there's reasons they cannot do something medically or hard to reach they should explain what would happen in those cases.

Oh and if you're worried at all during the day of your lap mention it when you're in hospital. I found the nurses amazing at helping and keeping me relaxed / check in to see I'm fine before and after.

I hope that all helps xx

[Ambersun1]

Hi Bubble_by, I had my first last year and like you was nervous but I told myself it's the only way to find information that I desperately wanted/needed. I focused on what I might need after and went shopping and made meals for freezer. My big v pillow helped a lot getting up and down from sofa or bed and lots of veg soup for after as was a, bit constipated. Peppermint tea for gas and ginger nuts if u feel a, bit nauseaus. You will be fine and if u want any advice just message. Everyone is so helpful. So... Wishing you luck for 3rd March x

[Moon_maiden]

Had first ever op, Laparoscopy, early this month, I was worried as well leading up to it, have sleep apnoea as well, so concerned about not breathing. They were really good at the hospital and nerves weren’t there so much, great team. I used emla cream where the cannula was put in so no pain for the injection (or bruising after), out like a light.

It wasn’t the experience my mind was imagining, so much easier.

I’d say try not to worry, even though people told me this, I know it’s not easy.