Positive laparoscopy experience

[Beech33]

Just thought I’d share my experience for others who are waiting and worried. Of course everyone is different so it’s to be taken with a pinch of salt.

I was very nervous before thinking of all the bad things but like a lot of people have said, it was fine. Dare I say I even enjoyed parts of it. Wouldn’t fear doing it again. Not to set anyone’s expectations high, I might just be a weirdo.

Got there at 7am and waited around with the odd check not realising my operation wasn’t until 10:45. Bear that in mind as I wasn’t given any updates or info of what was going on. Had a few tests (BMI, blood pressure, questionnaires) inbetween and assumed the ball was rolling only to then wait for another hour until another test was done and wait again. Not really a problem but I was only making myself more worried with time alone.

Spoke to surgeon and anaesthetist and asked any questions, put me at ease a little.

Was wheeled into surgery with sweaty palms from nerves but actually loved drifting off to unconsciousness. It was very pleasant. The next thing you know you’re awake from what seems a deep sleep. Can’t remember much but I know I felt peaceful somehow.. Woke up groggy and a bit dreamy asking for my partner and “Ben the vicar” (no idea who that is!) and they gave me some more fentanyl which helped with the pain. I would say the pain was 5 out of 10 when I first noticed it which went down to 2 very soon after painkillers.

The nurse said they took some endo out but didn’t have anymore details so at least I knew it was endo but no news of what stage until I spoke to surgeon a couple of hours later.

They said I needed to pee and eat before being allowed to leave which I did quite quickly but still had to wait about 3 more hours before going home. Met with surgeon who showed me pics of my organs which I was really interested in and said she would diagnose at between stage 1 and 2 which was a relief because I have bad bowel pain and problems (they said they think it was nerve related from the endo touching nerves but wasn’t actually growing on the bowel). She suggested going to the gp about my bowels to check for anything else going on like a tear.

Pain hasn’t been bad really. I’m in bed and can’t bend down etc and shuffle a bit, can’t feel any gas in my shoulder but I’m a bit gassy with burps and farts (sorry to say).

I feel pretty positive now to finally have a diagnoses and just maybe some pain free or reduced pain periods but time will tell on that. I actually enjoyed a lot of the care and medicine side of it. The nurses were warm and friendly which gave that “looked after” feel.

Anyway, thought it worth sharing that the worry before hand just makes things way worse, not that it’s easily stopped but it is unnecessary for the most part. Better to cross bridges when they come or you just cause yourself harm. Very hard to stop it though! It helps to trust the hospital and in life.

Good luck to anyone else waiting x

[luli26]

It's great to hear some positivity, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm still waiting for my lap so I really appreciate you posting this. My one burning question is ....did Ben the vicar ever show up? 😆

[Beech33 in reply to luli26]

😂😂😂 I don’t even go to church or know any vicars either! But if you see him please let me know as I’m subconsciously looking for him

[luli26 in reply to Beech33]

he may turn up at mine - if he's not dead by the time I get it done!

[Beech33 in reply to luli26]

😂

[Ellenlar]

Thank you for sharing a positive experience! I have mine on Tuesday And panic is hitting haha! So this is reassuring! Glad it went well for you and wish you a good recovery, Thanks x

[Beech33 in reply to Ellenlar]

Happy to share. It’s the day after surgery and I‘ve had a slow, shuffled and short walk around my cul de sac and I’m gas free. I also haven’t had any pain killers as it’s a little sore but nothing bad. Wishing you all the best of luck for your lap. I’m sure it will be so much better than your mind says. The worst part for me was waiting because of all the worst case scenario worries but honestly, the actual experience was almost enjoyable because of the peaceful anaesthetic and fuss from nurses x

[Beech33]

I would say that it was a little hard to sleep as I don’t sleep on my back usually but what really helped was having lots of pillows so you’re not flat on your back in bed. Almost like an electric bed would be.

I know how scary it is and I really feel for anyone going through those nerves but it was the worries that were the worst and most painful part really. Surgeons are incredible people and you’re in great hands. The nurses will put you at ease and you’ll be fussed over after your op. I was cold post op and they blew hot air under the duvet to get me cosy!

The elation of getting a diagnoses and then the chance that the period pain will be reduced or even gone is so so worth all the worry and soreness. It really could be a new lease of life and the end of so much mental and hopefully physical suffering. Time will tell how things heal but it’s been so worth it just to have some clarity of what the hell was going on inside.

Good luck to everyone going in for a lap. I’m sure it will be so much better than the worrying. Take good after care and pamper yourselves x