What to expect after a laparoscopy? - Endometriosis UK

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What to expect after a laparoscopy?

Deltaread profile image
8 Replies

What should I expect after laparoscopy? I have just had my first ever lap and been told it is endo. I didn’t recover from anything particularly well, anaesthetic, infection etc. But I would like to know if I should have no pain or less pain? Cramping etc?

I’m currently on prescription pain relief and a tens machine in bed since 8pm :(

I have an iud fitted if this influences anything

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Deltaread
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8 Replies

Hi there, hope you are doing OK. It's impossible to say as everyone is do different. My first one was a rough recovery. I also had an infection and then overdid it and set myself back. It can take up to 6 months to see a real difference long term. Just keep an eye on how you are going. Try to be gentle with yourself. Don't over do it. Gentle walks when you are ready. Eat as well as you can. Track your symptoms perhaps on an app or write them down. Keep up with pain meds. If you can, at least two weeks off work. Wait a while before sex. Until you are sure you are ready. Just be kind to yourself. It may heal quickly outside but it's a major op. Do you know what they did? Excision? Ablation? Where it was etc? When is your post op follow up?

Deltaread profile image
Deltaread in reply to

Thank you, I should really remember all of that as i went back to work after 5 days, probably not the best thing now thinking about it! I had excision and I think (I’m still waiting for my letter back) that it was between my uterus and back, considered mild-moderate.

I don’t see the consultant until May now but he said he was going to pass everything on regarding after care/prescriptions on to my gp.

Bubblepoppy profile image
Bubblepoppy

I don't think you can use a tens machine after a lap it might make the recovery really worse I'd say that's a bad thing to use at the moment 😬😬 could be making it worse for you

Deltaread profile image
Deltaread in reply to Bubblepoppy

I definitely didn’t know that 🤯😬 I won’t use it for a while. Do you know why that is?

Bubblepoppy profile image
Bubblepoppy in reply to Deltaread

They pull on your muscles inside your stomach it might irritate the stitches inside I was told by the Dr not to use it for at least 8 weeks because I still get pains and I had my lap in December it's 8 weeks for me now better than B4 tho so I can't grumble just yet xx

Strawberry117 profile image
Strawberry117

Hi. I don't have endo but had a lap hysterectomy last month to remove fibroids. You didn't mention how long ago you had it but I had pain and very limited movement for two weeks. I used a stick to pull myself up from chair and bed etc. If taking codeine this could be giving you constipation pain which can be severe, so try to reduce codeine if you can and take laxative sachets if bowels not yet working regularly. I also had pain from blood thinning injections early on. I think you can use heat pads which stick to your skin but wouldn't recommend tens. I used a hot water bottle but waited for it to cool first and used a cover. Also try some big comfy pants so its soft around your wounds. Hope this helps xx

Deltaread profile image
Deltaread in reply to Strawberry117

I had my lap 2 ish weeks ago. Before the op I was on 100mg tramadol for pain. Since the surgery I was hoping to reduce my doses back down, as I have been climbing the pain ladder whilst waiting for lap. I am feeling mostly better/recovered except for the pain which was of course there pre op too

Strawberry117 profile image
Strawberry117

Sorry I can't really help you there as I haven't had the same meds, but if you're feeling mostly better from the op but still in a lot of pain I would suggest you contact your gp to check your wounds and see if you need to change your dose. Until then I would stop using the tens and rest as much as you can. Hope it improves for you.

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