Questions for pre op?

[Topshopdreams123]

Hi everyone. Finally got my date for laparoscopy for 17th Nov. I’m so nervous as this is my first surgery of this kind. I was told I would have the lap to diagnose (she said she’s 99% sure it is endo) and then remove what she can. Im so anxious as I don’t know what to expect, so any advise for after surgery would be greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone have any suggestions for questions I should ask at pre op? Just so I don’t forget anything and leave myself questioning myself. Thanks in advance lovely ladies 😘 xxx

[LaurenG98]

Hi!

I’m glad you’re finally getting the surgery to put a name to what you’re feeling! I had a diagnostic laparoscopy 2 weeks ago on the 2nd October. I wasn’t told what to expect really and I therefore found it really hard to comprehend. The surgery itself was fine and easy (though due to covid mine was done at a private clinic with an NHS surgeon) so not sure how different this part may be. I got taken in to my room and info taken and then the gynae came to see me to talk about the risks and sign to say I was happy to proceed. You can use this time to ask any questions (I didn’t have any) but you may want to ask what they suggest you do about working for the recovery period (see if you can get a doctors note etc).

They took me through and put me to sleep and then bam two hours later I’d had surgery and was taken back to my room. I was very dehydrated and offered food but it was bread so that didn’t go very well! There may be some bleeding but they should hopefully give you a pad like they did me (you may want to take your own for peace of mind). I’d say it took me about 2 days to get over the effects of the anaesthetic and they spoke a lot at me right after the surgery which is a lot to take in when you’re that sleepy!

I think recovery periods really depend on if they find it and remove it as this is then causing inflammation to your organs. They found some endo for me and removed it which meant that my recovery is taking a bit longer. I’m back to my usual self with some bloating still now 17 days later but the first week I couldn’t walk very far or move comfortably at all! I was having to sleep with lots of pillows almost upright and using my abs for anything was a no go. They will tell you how to keep your stitches clean. I got an infection on my belly button and had to take antibiotics for that which I finished yesterday (GP told me this is very common).

I found this all very overwhelming as I was expecting to be back at work the following Monday (surgery was on the Friday). No one said I could expect 2-3 weeks to be back to normal! Just remember to take it easy and make sure you have someone who can help you (bring you food etc, help you up in the first few days). I found I was feeling really depressed for a few days in that first week because it feels like you’ll never get better. The important thing is to remember you’re not alone and you will get better!

This is just my experience so please don’t take it as gospel but I just wanted to say it because it was very different to what I expected. Hopefully it all goes well for you and you’ll have an answer and less symptoms at least for a short while! Wishing you all the best xx

[Topshopdreams123 in reply to LaurenG98]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and give me your experience. That’s really helpful! I’m glad you’re starting to feel better and on the mend. I just hope that another lock down doesn’t mean it getting cancelled again cause I’ve got it into my head I’m having it done then. I’ve got my pre op on the 5th so hopefully they will give me abit more about what to expect (can’t believe they didn’t tell you what to expect!) thanks so much again and so glad you’re doing well xxx

[LaurenG98 in reply to Topshopdreams123]

Aw that’s so sweet of you no worries at all! For my pre-op I had a Covid test so you can expect that I guess! (It’s a swab up the nose and isn’t much fun but takes two seconds). Hopefully you’ll get in as it’s not that far away! It is tough times though and mine was very last minute so didn’t really get much time to process! I was told 3-4 month wait in December last year and then when Covid hit I never heard anything so rang them up to check in June and I was never put on the list! They added me and I assumed I wouldn’t hear a thing for at least year after Covid etc. I got a call two weeks before! I guess I got a cancelled slot or something.

Hopefully you get more info than I did! Best of luck to you Xx

[stephkp]

I’m assuming your pre op appointment is before the date of your surgery. If it is your pre op appointment is usually done by a nurse that will probably not know very much about the procedure your having. You could take a list of questions but be prepared they may not be able to give you any answers. Most pre op appointments as just there to take blood samples, do MRSA swabs, check weight, blood pressure and to go through a form to check if you have any previous health issues that may cause problems on the day of surgery. The day of surgery you will have a chat with an anaesthetist and your surgeon so you may get more answers then. Sorry if that’s not the answer you were hoping for, but I’ve had a lot of these and that is usually how it’s gone. For after surgery I would take some comfy trousers that won’t rub your wounds and also a pillow for the drive home so the seatbelt doesn’t press. I would also take an overnight bag just in case. Better to have it and not need it, than need things and not have them. Good luck for surgery x