How long were you swollen/bloated for after laparoscopic surgery?

[Bettyheslop]

How long were you sollwen/bloated for after surgery? It's been 5.5 weeks since my surgery to remove large endometrioma and my one remaing ovary (plus quite a few adhesions) first 3 weeks I felt really rough and in pain, I'm starting to feel better and not taking painkillers which is great but my tummy is still so swollen/bloated, I'm still wearing loose pjs or leggings, any pressure on it is so uncomfortable. I get odd niggles all over itand my sides ache. Still can't sleep on side, no chance on front. I had a hysterectomy a few years ago to remove uterus, tubes, one ovary, appendix and a lot of endometriosis, I had a lot of other problems after that but I just don't remember all of this bloating. Just wondered about others experiences. Thanks.

[Gabrielagrazebrook]

dear bettyheslop, bless you that all sounds very uncomfortable. I was bloated and in discomfort for around 6 weeks. I took the first 3 off work and then slowly made my way back. I remember being very out of breath for a long time. Sleeping was bad too. I was on constant painkillers (can’t remember which ones) to ease the recovery so make sure your doc has given you some kind of SOS medication.

All the best of luck xx

[Bettyheslop in reply to Gabrielagrazebrook]

Thank you for your reply, sorry you struggled with it too but glad I'm not on my own, that's what I feel like too out of breath quickly and sleeping is no fun. Hopefully it won't last much longer x

[Jnb1]

I too am 6 weeks post op tomorrow. I had deep infiltrating endo nodules removed from vagina and rectum and less severe removed from R ureter and pelvic floor. Also had tons of adhesions and scar tissue removed from L ureter (encased), sigmoid colon, bladder, pelvic wall, etc as well as my only remaining ovary. I have been walking religiously in increasing speeds and times on the treadmill since day 7 post op but am still feeling fatigued and out of breath when doing too much. I am still having some pretty significant pain, although not always constant, as well as bowel issues including bad bloating. Swelling is also still a problem for me - all stretchy pants at this point. My doctor has said it is all normal and could take about 12 weeks to feel back to normal. I have had multiple excision surgeries and this has been the worst Post op, which I am told is because of the pelvic floor and significant bowel involvement this time. I am experimenting with alternating days of miralax and a fiber supplement as well as watching my diet for things I already know trigger me. Things seem to be improving slowly, but I am still trying to figure it out. It is nice to know I am not the only one! I hope you start to see improvement soon!

[Bettyheslop in reply to Jnb1]

Thank you for your reply. I am sorry you are having such a hard time but glad I'm not alone! This was my third surgery, I'm wondering if the more you have the harder it is to get over. I had adhesions all around my right urethra too. Scary to think how fast it can grow back, it was less than 5 years ago since last surgery.I'm glad you said your Dr said 12 weeks, with covid going on I felt really rushed, not much time to speak to consultant before or after but I just wanted to get it over with as I was in so much pain before.

I am having little walks every day but right now I feel like I'll never be normal again. Do you mind if I ask are you going on HRT? I am going to try Tibolone but Gp says I can't have it yet as my blood pressure is to high, apart from saying that he has been useless when I have asked about after effects of surgery.

I wonder if anti imflammatories will help but I stopped taking painkillers after 3 weeks as I was so constipated it was traumatic!

I'm going to try and increase my fibre. It's taken me until now to want to eat normal food, I lived on ice cream and cornflakes for a while! I'm almost glad of new lockdown so I can live in pyjamas a bit longer.

Thank you so much, take care of yourself x

[TennisAM]

It was nearly 6 weeks of looking like i was many months pregnant after extensive endo surgery. Don't worry to much it will go down xx

[Bettyheslop in reply to TennisAM]

Thank you so much, that's what I look like, very pregnant and tender. It's hard not to wonder if there is something else going on but over all I am getting better, way less pain, no temperature. Nice to hear from other people. I wish there was a leaflet of here is what you can expect x

[TennisAM in reply to Bettyheslop]

I spoke with my GP at 5 weeks (she understands endo and the op) and her response was its normal. If it stops improving then contact your GP or email the consultants secretary. Hope it was a successful and beneficial op x

[Bettyheslop in reply to TennisAM]

I have spoken to 2 different GPs at my surgery, they are all pretty useless with it. That's good advice, it is improving I suppose just slowly. My surgery before was in 2016, I ended up with a hole in my bladder, urine leaking into my abdomen and a massive infection. I think it's made me a bit paranoid and unsure what 'normal' healing is. Maybe one day all GP's will know more and eventually all treatment will improve for endo. Thank you x

[TennisAM in reply to Bettyheslop]

So sad isn't it, makes me angry how useless they can be. Totally understand the concern. I was so concerned until reassured by my GP. Most the rest at my practice are uneducated about endo. Hope so one day. xx