Post laparoscopy

[Chloe_neal]

Hey everyone! I’ve got my laparoscopy on the 7th January! Few questions if anyone can help please!

Will they take out things during the surgery if needed or would I need a separate surgery for that? What if they find it on my bowels would I have a stoma ?

How did everyone cope after surgery? Did you need to stay in hospital?

I’m getting nervous as it’s getting to it! X

Tia x

[Moon_maiden]

HiIf it’s an initial lap it’s more a look see, some consultants will treat if they find it. Unless they know it’s deep infiltrating in advance they won’t have a colorectal surgeon or urologist, it’s more specialised surgery.Don’t be nervous, I was petrified before first op, but it was ok the staff are very experienced. It depends on surgery as to whether you stay in. Take a small overnight bag with you, if taking your phone charger is a must 🙂 loose fitting clothing for after going home was helpful and a small cushion for under the seatbelt. Peppermint tea for after in case of residual gas from op.

All I can think off at the op of my head 🙂

[Kricam78]

Hi Chloe,

I just had my first lap 3 days ago. If it's through general gynaecology then it'll likely be just be diagnostic, they'll have a good look around to see if they can see endo or adhesions. Before my lap the surgeon asked if I wanted him to treat minor issues eg cauterise endo which I agreed to. A general gynae surgeon won't touch your bowels. If you have bowel involvement then it'd require further surgery with a specialist. So don't worry, you won't wake up with a stoma!

Most.laps are day surgery. I was first on the list and left hospital at 1pm. It only took that long because I didn't have enough fluid in my bladder to pee and they need to see that you can stand, eat, drink, pee etc before you go.

The first day was a breeze for me, I think because the painkilling drugs were still in effect. The pain and discomfort has gradually gotten a little worse, but nothing that can't be handled through your usual painkillers eg paracetemol or codeine.

Honestly it's not that bad, try not to overthink it. Do make sure your surgeon has a chat with you after though. Mine wasn't going to so I asked to see him.

Good luck x

[TealSwan]

I had my surgery beginning of December it was suspected on my bowel. When they go through the consent form they will of course do worse case scenario. The stays sound way more scary than they really are. I asked for the consent form to be sent to me so I could read over with clear heard. Just email secretary of your consultant. For me it was the fact that I was finally being seen and listened to after 8 years so was just a relief.

They told me that if I needed anything doing to my bowel then it needs a specialist.

Endometriosis was removed from bowel, pelvis and cyst removed which was more than they planned so I had to stay in overnight. The pain from the gas pumped in is the worse pain to begin with. Peppermint tea is a godsend. It can last a week to which they don't always tell you.

My recovery has been slower than anticipated but I have taken the time to listen to my body. Wishing you well x

[Illy-lory]

Hi Chloe,

How are you getting on? I had my laparoscopy on the 8th. Still pretty immobile, can't do much. My belly button incision is very sore, I'm started to freak that it might be infected.

They told me to keep the same bandages for a week. Are you still keeping yours?

How are you coping? Xx

[Chloe_neal in reply to Illy-lory]

Hello! I’m not too bad now still struggling to walk but slowly getting there! Yes my belly button is still very sore my whole abdomen still feels very bruised too… they told me to take my bandages off after 5 days… but when I didn’t it didn’t feel safe yet to do so! I still got them on I’m waiting for them to properly heal first before I do! Xx

[Illy-lory]

Thanks for your reply. So you still have the same bandages on? The ones they initially put on?

Is your belly button sire, or stingy/itchy?

After how many days did you manage to wash your hair?

I'm dying to wash mine but it hurts when I lify my arms 😫 xx

[Chloe_neal in reply to Illy-lory]

Nah I changed the original ones to fresh ones! Yeah my stitches were itchy just just itches around it! I had a light shower 3 days after surgery! They said 2 days! I ended up getting a spray bottle and spraying my hair wet and doing it that way ! Xx