Laparoscopy endometriosis

[greenleaf1997]

Going to have my first lap on the 24th Dec (Christmas Eve, what bad timing). Any advice on recovery and how long it takes to be feeling not so bad afterwards? Also how long does the lap usually last for?

[Ellenlar]

Hi hun I'm having mine on the 15th December! I'm probably feeling the same tbh... Mines diagnostic xx

[kirstinxox]

Hi! I am having my lap this month as well, but I have had my appendix out about 7 years ago, and it is very similar surgery. Your lap will usually take between 30-60 minutes, this allows the surgeon to have a good look around and depending on your trust, if anything is found remove it.

Everyone will react differently towards anaesthetic, it is normal to feel sick afterwards and to feel a little groggy, you will feel a little sore (throbby kinda pain), but ensure you tell the nursing staff if you are in pain or feel sick, they can give you something to help! It is normal to feel tired for about 2 weeks after having a lap, this is just your body's way of recovering after an operation.

I suggest bringing baggy clothes so you don't have any tight pressure on your stomach, possibly bring a pillow for the car ride home so you put it under your seatbelt. After a couple of days the pain should not be bad, just make sure to go easy on yourself, take full advantage of having people run after you! Prioritize yourself! Good luck!

[Eloise_A]

Hey, good luck for your first laparoscopy. In terms of recovery I had two weeks off work and I rested completely in bed for the first few days. I think some people spring back quite quickly though. I would really recommend taking it very easy. It’s tempting to overdo it when you’re dosed up on pain relief. Stock up on comfy clothes, especially big knickers and comfy trousers so nothing is digging into your tummy! I would also really recommend heat, hot water bottles and those heated wheat bags. I struggled with something called ‘shoulder tip pain’ after surgery (from the gas used to inflate your abdomen). To be honest that pain was worse than anything else!! Please don’t be alarmed if you get that, it’s very common and passes quickly.

In terms of procedure timings, I was told my surgery could be anything from 30 minutes to 2.5hours depending on what endo they found and the removal (laser, cutting etc.) I think I was under for around 1.5 hours.

I’m happy to help with any other questions x

[Larajanejohnston]

Hey lovely!

I just had my lap 3 weeks ago so everything is still fresh!

My surgeon said most surgeries last between 45 minutes to an hour and a half. More complex ones can take longer, but sometimes they won't know until they are in. They thought mine would be quicker as nothing showed in the scans but I ended up being under for almost 3 hours!!

The recovery again depends on how complex it was, but most people feel better and can return to work after 2 weeks. I felt significantly better after a week and regained a lot of mobility but its been 3 weeks now and I'm still resting.

Be patient with yourself if you need longer.

I would Kirstin, to take baggy clothes, and a pillow for the car (the pillow is an absolute life saver!!). Take slippers too, and stock up on peppermint for the bloating and gas. Section your bag so the nurse can help your afterwards as you shouldn't get up alone the first time!

Be aware you will wake up with a catheter and potentially an oxygen mask too! If you want to chat more feel free to dm me on Instagram! Its @lifeoflarajane

Good luck my lovely! Xxx

[Ellenlar in reply to Larajanejohnston]

Hi sorry was reading this comments and you wake up with a catheter?? I have my first lap soon and is this to be expected? Thanks. Xx

[Larajanejohnston in reply to Ellenlar]

Yup! I am pretty sure it is standard practice as I have spoken to a few others who have had a lap. The nurse took mine out a few hours after I woke up! Good luck for your lap 🥰❤ and I hope this helps! If you have more questions you can ask here or dm me on ig at @lifeoflarajane xxx

[Ellenlar in reply to Larajanejohnston]

Oh woah I didn't know that!! Defo more prepared for that now I have alot of bladder issues I have incontinence and iv been worried about my bladder during surgery so I would make sense for me maybe thanks you so much ! Xxx

[Eloise_A in reply to Ellenlar]

I didn’t have a catheter - not that I was ever aware of anyway! I definitely didn’t have one in when I woke up and no one ever mentioned one ... when I came round all I had with my gown was a huge ‘puppy pad’ between my legs! If you’ve ever trained a puppy you’ll know what I mean 😂

[Ellenlar in reply to Eloise_A]

Aww okay thanks for sharing! Maybe it's the down to the surgeon or something! And oh really?? That must of been a surprise!! Ahha Il be prepared for either 😂😅😅 thanks for sharing xx

[Larajanejohnston in reply to Ellenlar]

It may be where they find the endometriosis but its something to ask your surgeon for sure! I also had a massive pad when i woke up but its because usually there is bleeding if they put in a mirena! X

[Ellenlar in reply to Larajanejohnston]

Aww okay thanks! I have the merina but was thinking of getting it removed, not sure tho 😬😬 thanks! X

[stephersb in reply to Larajanejohnston]

I didn't have a catheter either but they were very quick to get me up and go to the loo. I did have a 'puppy pads between my legs when l woke up and my sexy nhs knickers had disappeared - did have a coil fitted though.

[Ellenlar in reply to stephersb]

Aww I heard they let u go home once you wee? Haha I have heard many things about how comfortable the nhs knickers are 😂 I'm prepared for a susprise puppy pad too now ahha, thanks! Xx

[stephersb in reply to Ellenlar]

To be honest they were weirdly comfortable but they were almost knitted and had lots of little knitted holes. White and green not attractive. I only own plain black pants I wear leggings all the time so didn't like the horrible knickers.

[Ellenlar in reply to stephersb]

Ahhh okay ahah Green and white isn't my fav colour combo either tbh black is just a safe knickers colour aha I was wondering do like pads stick to them, if they are a odd material? Thanks

[stephersb in reply to Ellenlar]

No they didn't stick so had to improvise a little haha.

[098765i]

Hi I had my first lap 2 weeks ago which ended up being open surgery i was supposed to have a large cyst removed which I did but they also found stage 4 endometriosis which no one was expecting just be open with the doctor she kept asking me had my bowels moved i told her yes even though they hadn't now I have bowel problems too and ask lots of questions so you know exactly what they did and what they're giving you goodluck 😊

[stephersb]

I had my first lap on Friday and I feel the worry before the surgery is worse than the actually surgery and recovery.

After surgery rest up, but get up and move round every now and then. Have some peppermint capsules to help with the shoulder tip pain and gas. You'll get sent home with pain killers and don't do any heavy lifting. I find things like emptying the dishwasher etc quite hard. It'll take a few days to be able to lye on your side but it will be ok. After 2 days I had a shower and changed the plasters. The incisions were tiny! Felt very bruised from the inside. They have found either inflammation from an infection or endometriosis - still waiting on confirmation from a biopsy but they removed as much of whatever it was as possible. Probably why I feel very sore.

They also recommended the coil to be fitted as it can keep endromitriosis at bay and also help pelvic pain so I do recommend considering this if you haven't already.

The worst part is the 'what ifs'. Take each day as it comes and focus on recovery and the answers from the surgery - not the worrying and different scenarios.

[Eloise_A in reply to stephersb]

I completely agree - the anticipation is so much worse!! I had the coil fitted, it’s literally changed my life 🙌🏻

[stephersb in reply to Eloise_A]

Really glad to hear the coil is that good! The thought of it creeps me out but I'm trying to to think a out it! Bit weird how that bothers me! Haha

[veeeee]

Had my lap on the 16th Nov and what really helped me was a combination of morphine, paracetamol, peppermint tea, peppermint oil capsules, charcoal tablets (to get rid of the shoulder pain cus that was worse than the lap pain). Also just chilling and resting as much as possible in the first few days. I also slept pretty propped up because laying on my back would make the shoulder pain worse.

Good luck!

[Forest94]

I found I needed to fully rest (lots of bed and films!) for a whole week and then take it easy for the next 3-4 (walks, gentle Yoga, work that's not too strenuous).

If you can, have someone around that can bring you food in bed for the first few days.

My tip is if you are a "sicky" person ask for a non-nauseous anaesthetic, the standard one can make people feel sick upon awakening.

How long it is depends on what they find - I think mine was 45 minutes ish but have had friends who have had several hours.

All the best and hope your journey improves x

[Kris_23]

I am also waiting for the same OP. Could I ask how long did you wait pls x

[greenleaf1997 in reply to Kris_23]

I was put on the waiting list from around 7th September so a few months. I was pretty lucky with a date this year though, I think this was definitely a cancellation and they offered me the day instead. I am in the North West though so waiting times may vary x

[Kris_23 in reply to greenleaf1997]

That’s really good and wish you quick recovery. I am also in a waiting list due to Covid is a long waiting game. I am having the injections in the meantime. I found this site so helpful as it’s very depressing going through this process of pain and suffering. X

[stephersb in reply to Kris_23]

I had my lap a week ago. I was out on the list in November 2019. Was supposed to have it in May this year but Covid ruined that. :/ I live in the South.

[Kris_23 in reply to stephersb]

That’s great you had it at least you can get on with your life. I was only having the Ablation in March but due to Covid got cancelled and in August I became very poorly and had an urgent scan. Which showed I had large Fibroids and Endometriosis ? So depressed as I’ve got to have Injections and Lap Hysterectomy. I have been reading about this and came across this site. So many great ladies out there also suffering from this. Sharing their thoughts and feelings and stories.

Thank you ladies ❤️❤️❤️

Keep in touch let me know how you get on 😊 make sure you have no stress and plenty rest x