Hi I’ve received a date for my first lap for next month. I’ve never had a hospital procedure before so am a bit apprehensive and would be grateful for your advice.
1) Would it be reasonable to expect to be able to drive after a week? I have to drive to get to work but should be fine once there.
2) has anyone been able to keep their belly button piercing open after a lap? Any advice on what to use / how to do this without it getting in way of stitches? I know it’s not the most important think but I’d rather it didn’t close up if possible.
3) any advice on what trousers / clothes you bought to wear at hospital after?
4) any essential items to take to hospital with me?
5) I have a short trip booked a while ago to visit a friend in Berlin and I would need to leave 9 days after my op. Do you think this should be cancelled or might I be well enough to travel?
Thank you so much in advance x
Written by
Indi87
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I was in the same position back in Feb, never had an op before. On the day it wasn't that bad, even in the run up. I took my phone and listened to a book on Amazon. Afterwards wasn't too bad and it just felt weird that I'd even had the proceedure. Felt a bit wobbly but not sick. I didn't feel like eating, but had to before the nurse would let me have the painikillers :-).
I bought a dress as fairly sure I wouldn't want anything tight round my waist. I hadn't worn a dress in many years.
It took me 2-3 weeks before driving, but it will depend on you as to how you feel. Same with the trip. Personally I wouldn't have been able to go, but everyone is different.
Take an overnight bag just in case, especially as there aren't visitors at the moment. A small cushion to put under seatbelt for going home.
I hate needles so took emla cream to use beforehand, I had to get the ok to use it.
I am 9 days post lap with endo excised and I am still only pottering about and small walks in the garden. Def couldn’t drive yet or travel. It will depend on what they do. As for clothes, bought some nice baggy joggers and big pants that cover the belly button from Asda. Slip on slippers as can’t bend very well. Pack some toiletries in case overnight stay. Mints for gas pain and sore throat after. Phone charger. Cushion for journey home. Peppermint tea for gas when home and dry crackers in case of sickness. I could only eat dry crackers for first few days. Hope all goes well x
I had my op 4th Sept... Was my first big procedure and felt very nervous too but the staff at the hospital were all amazing and calming...
1...i felt okay ish to drive 10 days post ops but only short distances to the shop, my partner cannot drive and we were short on food, still haven't risked a long drive but do feel much better than I did.... I have not been back to work yet and its 3 weeks today since my op, I am hoping to go back next week, I was due back this week but last weekend I noticed some puss and had to take another week due to infection.
2... I haven't tried putting my belly bar back in due to having the infection, I have had the piercing for over 10 years so hoping it will be okay, going to try this tomorrow, I am planning to soak a bar in salt water over night to make sure it is clean and going to use a bar I know is of good material (from a piercing shop rather than ebay if that makes sense)
3...i took my partners trackies with me as they are baggy and comfy and a baggy hoody, I didn't bother with a bra and made sur ei had the comfy pants on...anything that is lose that you feel comfortable in should be fine, no one will judge what your wearing so comfort is key.
4...sanitary towels... I had a coil fitted when in surgery and didn't thing to bring any, my friend picked me up and brought me her maternity pads which was helpful but after a few days was uncomfortable, I tried to send my partner to get some from our local shop but he is not great at buying things like that haha also bring a book or something just in case there is a wait pre op, it's nice to stay distracted
5...I went away in England 2 weeks post op with my friend, it was a lovely weekend but may have contributed to the infection and needing another week off....i would definitely think about what is best for you, if you will be okay, everyone comes out of surgery differently so maybe talk to your friends and make them aware that it's a possibility you can't go but see how you feel post op and what they end up doing.
Thank you all so much for replying! It feels so much better knowing there are people out there going through it too and also who care enough to give their time even when you don’t know me... I really appreciate your advice. Good luck with your recoveries too! xx
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