Laparoscopy next week! Prep?!

[Claire_Alexandra]

Hi everyone,

I know there’s lots in here already and I’ll go back and read when my brains stopped whirring but I just got a call with a cancellation and am booked in for my laparoscopy and cystectomy for Thursday 11th March next week!

I’m now having an absolute spiral that I haven’t prepared, don’t know what to take and how to look after myself after and how much time to take off work. And also logistics as assumed and hoped my parents could come down to help so will need to ask someone to drive me there and home again. Luckily live with my partner and housemate who I’m sure will be amazingly helpful but argh it’s happening so fast I don’t know what to think and feel!

[Christin_a]

Hello

First breathe.

Seconds as to what to prep. Make sure you have pain meds at home and in reach of where you'll be recovering. Peppermint tea or other peppermint things can help with the any gas pain. Have some easy food in the house like soups etc so when your recovering you don't need to cook etc.

How long you'll need off work honestly it'll depend on what they do in the surgery etc. And how you feel. I told my work it'd be atleast 2 weeks that seemed reasonable. And if during my recovery I thought I'd need longer if let them know. As i explained that I wouldn't know how much is removed before hand adit was exploratory with removal in one. So it could be a little or alot.

What to take with you. Stuff to keep you entertained whilst waiting for your surgery /post surgery. And pack a bag encase you need to stay (unlikely, but I'd rather have a toothbrush and change of clothes) and then you'll get a letter with whatever is specifically needed/not allowed due to covid.

[Moon_maiden]

Does a part of you think get some answers now and another part what if it isn’t? It’s very normal to think this, and makes it difficult as op’s the only way to confirm it.

They’ll sign you off for probably a couple of weeks.

Take overnight bag in case they run late. Phone plus charger, book type things.

I bought a loose dress for after so nothing was tight round waist and whoever picks you up after ask them to bring a small cushion to protect from seatbelt.

Peppermint tea for after, helps against any gas after op.

[Claire_Alexandra in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you so much that’s really helpful.

I’m definitely feeling and thinking this on one hand of course I don’t want it to be but on the other it would make sense and be a relief for right here right now in a lot of ways but obviously not long term. I think it’s just answers, desperately wanting answers of any kind!

[Moon_maiden in reply to Claire_Alexandra]

It’s definitely the wanting answers that drives it, I can’t think of many conditions that makes you want an op just to even find out if it is or isn’t. I’d never had one before all this.

I hope that they find something else and easier to deal with for you.

Let us know how you get on 🙂 you’ll get lots is support here.