Laparoscopy essentials

[Littlenestofvipers]

Hi everyone! Finally having my lap next week after being on surgical waiting list for a year! I’m trying to get as best organised for after, can anyone help me put together a list of things to have after surgery? Eg. Night dress to go home in or trackies bottoms? How did you manage the seatbelt in the car on the way home? Should I get lots of new fluffy pillows for bed etc? Thank you!

[Clara12]

Hi, I was fine in comfy clothes and seat belt was ok but I brought a pillow just in case. Hardest part was trying to sleep in bed after as can’t move too much so extra pillows to help prop you up are good. I also used a heating pad on my shoulder for gas pain but mine wasn’t too bad. Bending down is hard first few days so have someone on hand to help. Good luck

[Nbubz]

I’d packed a dressing gown, slippers and my own pajamas and they didn’t let me use them! Part of it may have been covid related, but they wouldn’t let me change out of the hospital gown because I was bleeding a lot and they didn’t want me to ruin my pajamas 😂 maybe still bring them, but don’t be surprised if they don’t get used! Extra pillows are a good shout. Bring a book/ something to watch as well because you might wait for a while.

[Littlenestofvipers in reply to Nbubz]

Thank you for this lovely! Ordered a baggy black t shirt dress for the day after. How much bleeding should I expect once I’m home? I’m treating myself to really lovely bedding but was going to get white and am now thinking twice about that 😂

[Nbubz in reply to Littlenestofvipers]

I had quite a lot of bleeding, but I think everyone will be different! I’m two weeks post surgery and it’s only just stopping now! But I’ve not bled through or anything, so you should be fine to get white sheets still 😂 I asked the hospital to give me one of their puppy training pad type things and I sat and slept on that for the first day after just to be careful…

[Mdunc]

I just wore a loose fitting midi dress to go home after my surgery. I'd recommend shoes you can get on easily, I had to get help with my trainers but I'm not sure how it will work just now with covid! I took some snacks and juice for the hospital, I was in the night before and night after my operation.

A charger for your electronics incase you're in longer than expected.

Slippers, jammies and a dressing gown.

You'll bleed after the operation so you'll need a pad to put on for going home, the hospital gives you a really thick one after the op.

The seatbelt was fine travelling home, I just held it a little bit away from the wounds just to make sure it didn't irritate them.

A hot water bottle will be good as well.

After my second op the hospital only gave me paracetamol and ibuprofen so make sure you're stocked up on painkillers for when you get home!

[ZiggyandBC]

Hey, I’m happy to hear you’ve got a date after such a long wait! I was last on the list for surgery and was waiting in a tiny waiting room in hospital for 7 hours! I had to get there at 7am and didn’t go to theatre until 14:30! definitely take something to keep you entertained! Also take some comfy pyjamas/loose clothes to go home in. I wore dungarees because I couldn’t stand a waistband on my stomach. I’d highly recommend a pillow to protect your stomach for the journey home, I was in a lot of pain going over any bumps/pot holes. Also make sure you have somewhere comfy to lay/sit when you’re at home, I found it really painful to get up and sit down to try and make it as comfortable as possible. Good luck I hope you have a speedy recovery! X