4 days post Laparoscopy - doing okay! Words of optimism if anyone needs them :)

[Chapter73]

Hello everyone

I had my first lap last Friday after being diagnosed with Endo and Adenomyosis. Thought I'd post to share my experience as I'm sure people out there will be having one soon. The surgery went well so hopefully it won't grow back for a while!

Advice/tips/things to note:

- It really is over before you know it and I found listening to fun, happy music really helped keep me keep calm before being taken through for the operation.

- Make sure your anaesthetist and surgeon comes to speak to you beforehand, put my mind at ease for sure!

- Moving around a little bit as soon as you can really does help. The nurses can let you leave once you've peed a few times, so if you're keen to get home drink lots of water and peppermint tea (I took teabags) and pace very gently.

- The pain in my shoulders and back from the gas really was the worst bit so just be prepared for that and ask for all the pain meds you desire - it doesn't last too long.

- Try not to sneeze, cough, or pick anything up for a few days

- It is an emotional rollercoaster, and I found myself lashing out at my very supportive other half. This is normal, don't beat yourself up. Try to notice when you're feeling worked up and just go to sleep. Sleep really speeds up the recovery and clears that brain fog and sense of doom. Ups and downs are inevitable so be patient with yourself and communicate how you're feeling to your loved ones <3

- It's day 5 now post-op for me and I'm doing my best to maintain mental balance and the majority of the day lying down. However, I did walk myself to a park close to my flat today and sat on a bench for a while watching squirrels haha. Big win! Don't rush your body though, it's been truly battered and pulled around. Listen to it, think of it constantly, keep it hydrated, fuel it with food, sleep more than usual and keep connected to it as best you can.

If anyone wants to chat I'm always here. I'm struggling with the mental downs, the tension can get a bit much. But I'm trying to remind myself it's hormonal and completely normal. Better days are ahead <3 xxx

[Moon_maiden]

That’s great you’re not feeling too bad. It’ll have an effect on emotions, not only hormones, but your insides have taken a bit of a battering. I think lots will find your info useful 😀

Hope you have a good Christmas and not too much pain. 🙂