I have an upcoming laparoscopy scheduled for next week

[Pirracas]

Hi Everyone,

I have my first laparoscopy booked in for next week and I am starting to be really nervous about it. I would appreciate any advice on how to prepare for the surgery and any recovery tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Adventure101]

Hi i have had 4 now and still het nervous before everyone. All i can suggest is make sure everything prepared at home and you have everything you will need near you.

I set myself up with everything close on the sofa and in the bedroom so i am covered with everything i need especially for the first couple of days.

Things i always have to hand are:

- tablets such as painkillers etc

-hot water bottle ( helps with gas pain in shoulders)

- make sure got lose clothing i usually either have just a long top on or pj bottoms that are way to big.

- peppermint tea or tablets if your like me and dont drink hot drinks.

- something to do when your not sleeping like a book or tv control close by.

- i always make sure someone is with me for at least 24 hours after as moving around can be slow.

The worst for me is the first 48hours but that is more because of the gas my stomach always feels swollen and get the pains in shoulder getting up and moving around slowly helps with that

Hope all goes well and you recover quickly.

[Pirracas in reply to Adventure101]

Thank you so much!!!! This is all so helpful!!!

[Wishingforabump]

Hi there ! I had 4 laps my last one was 1 week ago... i feel you i also get nervous before .. my tips for u is try to relax urself the night before .. eat a light dinner so that u dont get nauseated much post op .. take sanitary pads and extra undies with u .. after the surgery keep everything close to you ur meds .. tissues .. water rest as much as u can but also try to ambulate when u can so u wont get gasy and bloated .. im still recovering but feel much better i am increasing my physical activity day bybday and take care of ur diet as well so u dont get too bloated .. also loose fitted clothing minimum 2 weeks after so u give ur wounds time to breathe and heal .. good luck sending u lots of love💕💕

[Pirracas in reply to Wishingforabump]

Thanks so much!!! Really helpful! Glad to hear you are feeling better day by day. The tip with the pads, do you bleed after the surgery?

[Wishingforabump in reply to Pirracas]

Yes but not heavy period bleed .. more like light blee it lasted for me 2 days

[endotheline]

I’ve had two laparoscopic surgeries for endo. Both were very different! Definitely I’d recommend loose clothes. You won’t want any waistbands around your incisions so maybe a loose dress to go home in. I had none of the awful shoulder pain that people mention first time around and I thought ‘what is this weird pain they mention?!’ Then second time around I got it so bad so definitely take mints which are meant to help. The hospital should give you a list of things you’ll need. Ooh another top tip ... some dry shampoo!! In case you can’t face washing your hair for a few days xxx good luck!

[Pirracas in reply to endotheline]

Fantastic tips! Thank you very much!

[Gabrielagrazebrook]

I agree strongly with all this advice! Plus, have as much help as u can the 1st few days, take time off work, and be patient. It took me 5 or 6 weeks to feel 100% again so patience really is necessary xx

All the best of luck! 🍀🍀

[Pirracas in reply to Gabrielagrazebrook]

Thank you so much!!!!

[EMB12]

All the very best for next week. Definitely agree with loose clothing - no waistbands! And slippers without blacks, as bending over isn’t easy for a little while. I got quite bad shoulder and chest pain after from the gas, and peppermint tea and very gently moving around helped me. I know this sounds strange but from the meds and anaesthetic my mouth was so dry I could barely talk, and pineapple juice was a complete saviour! I would also say, don’t panic if you don’t feel better after a week, in my experience it takes a few weeks to feel better, but everyone is different! Take care x

[Pirracas in reply to EMB12]

Thank you so much!!! This helps a lot!!!!

[MagicTea]

Hi, I’d recommend getting some windeze tablets for post surgery so you don’t end up with the gas pain. Peppermint tea as someone else suggested too and a hot water bottle. Plenty of water as after surgery your mouth is so dry! Loose clothes and a pillow for your tummy on the way back in the car to go under the seatbelt.