3 days post laparoscopy, aftercare advice?

[Jessiecat1396]

Had my first laparoscopy on wednesday, was diagnosed with stage 1 and 2 endo with my left tube having adhered to the pelvic wall. All this was removed and fixed

I struggled with properly waking up from the anaesthetic, and all i can remember with aftercare is done get the wounds wet, and that i can take off the bandages after 48 hours.

So far ive took off 2/4 bandages, the belly button and my right side. The left and bottom wounds still feel too painful, should I take them off and let them breathe? There was no mention (that i remember) about re-dressing them or the best way to clean my belly button? I've just used a sterile cleansing wipe from my first aid kit and put a bandage on (hope i did it right!)

The belly button wound seems a bit fresh compared to the right wound which is now visible, should I by worried? I noticed a bit of 'pink' in the belly button when cleaning, although I can't actually see the stitches!

(Also, on a more embarrassing note, while im passing lots of gas, ive not been able to pass stool since the operation, and have been nervous of taking any laxatives, even senecot! Do you think i should take some, or speak to the gynecological department at the hospital first?)

Thank you! ❤

[EMB12]

Hi there - Had my lap on 6th October and was told to change my dressings after 2 days then take them off completely after a week, trying not to get them wet for a bit. Had showers but didn’t have a bath until about a month after, when I felt like they looked like they were properly healing! Hope that helps!

As for the other issue - I had the same! Didn’t go for a week then went everyday but it was a struggle! I started taking Fybogel drinks as they’re all natural and they really helped - they’re very gentle on your stomach. Mint tea helped too! Always best to check with the hospital on anything you’re not sure about though! Best of luck with your recovery ☺️

[Jessiecat1396 in reply to EMB12]

Ahh thank you so much! Im gonna take the other bandages off today, make sure that they're okay I've never heard of fybogel! I'll take a look at it thank you! xxx

[Honey_bun]

Hi

I'm now 5 days post lap (not doing as well as hoped but nevermind)

I was told to change dressing after 24 hours then "when they look like they needed doing" or if they bled but to disturb them as little as possible.

No baths for 4 weeks and when washing hair in the shower to do it to the side so the shampoo / conditioner does not run over the wounds.

Surgical Stockings on for 24 hours a day for 7 days then day time only if you are still relatively immobile after the 7 days.

Any heavy bleeding or clots then go to hospital right away. (Sorry if TMI but if you were struggling not sure if you would recall this)

I would speak to you doctor or gyne about bowels. I have lactulose to help me due to the medication I am on and the pain meds they have given causing constipation also.

[Noodle1984]

It sounds like they are healing nicely. I would redress in 2 days and remove completely after 4 or 5. I can’t remember exactly but I just left them alone. My specialist recommend restoralax (I’m from Canada) which is a gentle powder laxative. But I also had stage 4 recto vaginal Endo where my rectum was pulled up and over the top of my vagina. I took it for a good three weeks after. But I also have 16 other chronic conditions, so when one flairs they all do.

Also make sure to keep an eye on the belly button. The thing to watch for is puss, deep pain or foul smell. I ended up with a granuloma (cyst) on the end of my incision which had to be removed. It took over 5 months for it to heal 🤦🏻‍♀️.

Just keep resting as much as you can. And remember you just had a serious surgery so it will take time to heal. Even when your outside incisions are healed it will take months for all the inflammation from the cutting and prodding to come down completely. Make sure to not overdo it for the next two weeks at least. 💕

[Jessiecat1396]

Thank you everyone! So far they I've been healing nicely, I've let my side stitches be exposed during the day, and keep covering the top and middle stitches just because that's where most of the pain is they're healing nicely I think, last night I was able to sleep on my side so definetly looking up!

Bowel issues are slowly getting better (thanks for the mint tea tip! One of favourite drinks so I've been guzzling it down 😁)

I can't see the belly button stitches at all, my button is a deep innie, but so far no issues!

In terms of care I've just left them alone tbh! I cleansed the belly button stitch when I first changed the dressing to be safe, and other than that I've left it! Currently sponge bathing to keep the stitches completely dry

Thanks for all you advice guys! 💕