Pain after laparoscopy

[Mintypop]

Hi everyone

I was hoping to hear experiences after undergoing a laparoscopy for endometriosis.

I had my first lap about 10 days ago where they found and excised stage 4 endometriosis on bladder, bowel, tubes from kidneys to bladder etc. I also got diagnosed with adenomyosis. I am 34 and got diagnosed as have been trying to conceive for 18 months with no success.

My question is, is it normal to have pelvic pain and cramping 10 days after? During the first week I didn’t have any of this, just pain on abs and random niggling pains and felt almost back to normal about one week after. The last few days I’ve had to take pain killers and have bad pelvic cramping which doesn’t seem to be getting better.

I have been on my feet a lot more the past few days (worried Ive overdone it) plus tried to have intercourse which doctor said was totally fine after one week if very careful but caused my stomach to swell up like a balloon and felt very inflamed (I now regret not waiting until next month). Worried I have done some serious damage or even could it cause an infection? And whether to go to the doctor or just wait and see if it gets better.

Meant to be back at work tomorrow but don’t want to stop my recovery. Would like to hear experiences!

Thanks all

[stacylee78]

I’m 7 weeks post op & only just starting to feel better with no pelvic pain. I realised that week 2 & 3 I was completely over doing it. Being on your feet will most probably cause pain, listen to your body and rest more. It takes a while to recover & everyone is different xx

[Mintypop in reply to stacylee78]

Thanks stacy. I think because I felt better I tried to go back to normal activity but walking round and being on my feet for a couple of hours is definitely too much at this stage! I think I was most concerned as I had no pain until the last few days. Hope your recovery continues to go well!

[stacylee78 in reply to Mintypop]

Yes I did the same felt ok so completely over done it. I think good days are so sparse we get carried away. Just be kind to yourself xx

[Noodle1984]

Remember that on the inside you’re still healing. Just because the outside is closed doesn’t mean the inside is healed. Think about everything they they did during your surgery. Your body has been through a lot! My surgeon specifically said 2-4 weeks. It took me about 6 months (I have 18 chronic conditions so it was a hard recovery for me 🥴). I think you most definitely over did it. The inflammation in your body after surgery can take up to 6 months, even if you are a fairly healthy person. Be kind and gentle to yourself. 💕

[Mintypop in reply to Noodle1984]

Thanks Noodle 🙂

[Stephday5051]

Hi 😃 had my laparoscopy done 16 days ago. First 3 days felt horrendous with sickness and soreness from the scars on my stomach. Then I felt brilliant. Hardly any pain and felt much more myself. For the last week or so now I have been having pelvic and lower back cramps which I need to take paracetamol or codeine to take pain away to allow me to sleep or be comfortable. I wasn’t expecting this pain after feeling so well but I suppose after having 6 hours of surgery very similar to yourself (lots of excisions ) it’s normal to feel some sort of pain. I was told no sex for 6 weeks though so please be careful and check you had it right for just a week later maybe? Take care xxx

[Mintypop in reply to Stephday5051]

Sounds almost exactly the same as my experience so far! But 6 hours is a long surgery!!! He did say to wait 2 weeks ideally but 1 week if I was felt up to it but I think waiting another few weeks is definitely most sensible option! Thanks for the reassurance, have taken it a little easier today and pain has subsided for now fingers crossed. Good luck with the rest of your recovery 🙂

[Honey_bun]

Hi,

I'm 5 weeks post lap today.

I have found that as I have been starting to do more I have been getting some cramps. I picked something heavy up by mistake yesterday and the pain last night and cramp this morning was awful.

[Mintypop in reply to Honey_bun]

Thanks honeybun, wishing you a speedy recovery

[Jackie990]

I would definitely contact your dr and let know what's going on. But I think you may have over done it. Even though you were feeling better doesn't mean your body is healed inside completely. Depending on how much work they did, it can take quite a while to feel 100 percent. Rest & take it easy. Lots of fluids & heating pad.

[Lauren_G]

I was exactly the same first week I was so sore and uncomfortable then felt okay so went back too work(in retail so on my feet) 2 days later I got signed off again had pelvic and back pain we need too listen too our bodies and rest and let ourselves heal inside. Hope everyone has a speedy recovery xx

[chels0201]

Wow! So glad I found this post! I had surgery a week ago for a 9.6cm cyst removal and although the pain has definitely eased in my belly I’m getting a sharpish dull pain in my pelvic area! I keep thinking they might have missed something in there or maybe disturbed something and set of a new pain! (even though doc said left side was healthy). Now reading these replies I now know it may take a while to recovery!... Hope your feeling a lot better!!