Endo lap

[HolsBamboozledwomb]

Hi all, I have my lap in 2 weeks and I wanted some stories about recovery and how you felt and did you know how long you were in the operating room. It says 15 minutes on my info sheet but has it lasted longer for anyone else?

[ZiggyandBC]

Hi lovely, I was in theatre for a couple of hours, I went down at around 3 and when I woke up it was around 7 but I’m not sure how long it took me to come around. I had to stay in hospital that night and went home the night after. I didn’t feel too bad afterwards but felt like I couldn’t stand up straight and was hobbling around crouched over for about a week. I needed a catheter but not everyone does afterwards. I’d definitely recommend taking a pillow to put over your stomach on the ride home as you’ll be really sore xxx

[HolsBamboozledwomb in reply to ZiggyandBC]

Thank you! I will e sure to pack a pillow in my bag! Is there anything else you couldn't.of done without? Xx

[ZiggyandBC in reply to HolsBamboozledwomb]

If you have any really loose pyjamas that’s probably the best thing to wear afterwards, I couldn’t stand anything tight around my stomach and ended up not wearing bottoms around the house until a week later. I also had some sharp pains in my shoulder from the gas which was helped when I moved around a little but don’t do too much too quickly. I hope you have lots of support and people around to look after you ☺️ xx

[ZiggyandBC in reply to HolsBamboozledwomb]

Also, you’ll be really hungry after surgery after fasting the day before so maybe pack some of your fave treats as hospital food isn’t always the best! I was given some biscuits and a cup of tea as soon as I woke up which was good but not sure what your hospital will offer x

[HolsBamboozledwomb in reply to ZiggyandBC]

Thank you for your advice! I have bought a nighty but by the sounds of it I'll need a few. I have alot of family around me to help with childcare and a supportive partner which helps alot. Xx

[Jenova]

Hi! If your surgery lasts 15 minutes, then it is very simple and you should not worry. It'll be all right. Recovery is fast enough, a few hours after the operation you will be able to walk. Do not neglect this, you need to walk at least a few minutes once an hour.My first operation lasted 45 minutes, the second lasted 3.5 hours.

[meg73]

Hi! Mine was 90 minutes and had it just over two weeks ago now! I was sort of surprised by how much I struggled to do basic things the first few days (like getting of the sofa by myself and sitting up properly) but was feeling much better after a week. I think because it's a minor surgery, I expected to be feeling fine but that was a little bit naive! In hospital, it took me about four hours until I could get up after my surgery and I remember thinking that there was no way I was going to be able to leave that day, but sure enough once I was able to get up once, it became a lot easier! I got to the hospital at 7 and left at 4:30pm! Hope this helps and good luck xx

[HolsBamboozledwomb in reply to meg73]

Thank you for sharing your story with me, I think the info sheet gives a basic time, they said that they're suspecting deep Endo. So I'm worried, nervous and all the in-between feelings. I hope I'm home the same day too! Xx

[Alienor]

It will really depend how much endo they find and how much they’re able to remove. 15 mins seems very short. I was supposed to go as well for a short time to remove a cyst and check if I had endo. I was four hours in surgery with 4 incision. I was lucky as they removed everything and also checked that my Fallopian tubes were not blocked. I was quite a lot in pain afterwards and could not button my jeans. To do the lap they pompe some gas in your belly which will dissolved progressively. So you will look 6 months pregnant for a while and it’s normal. I was off work for 2 weeks and bloated for a month…but free of pain probably by the time as was back to work.

[HolsBamboozledwomb in reply to Alienor]

I think the info sheet gives a very basic time frame, to me 15 mins isn't.enough time but then I'm no surgeon lol. How long was it before you went back to work? If you don't mind me asking xx

[Alienor]

The hospital gave me a sick note for 2 weeks. By that time I was still very bloated but not in pain anymore

[polirene]

Hello, I am on day 4 after my laparoscopy. I think my surgery started at about 13:00 and I woke up somewhere between 18:00-19:00 on the same afternoon.

I had a bigger endometrioma removed, that was growing on my left ovary and had also attached to the inside of my abdomen, plus some other smaller areas treated in the rest of my pelvis. I ended up with 4 wee holes, one just under my belly button, 2 around the line of my underwear and 1 to the left of my belly button.

I woke up with a catether, a drain and an IV. So, quite a few attachments.

I was very groggy and grumpy on the day and the day after surgery. The nurses tried to get me to walk, shower and pee as soon as possible. But I was extremely scared to do so. The first time I got up and realised I had to carry the drain bag and shower with it, I had a bit of a panic attack I think. I was sitting on the toilet, holding the bag, felt it slosh and, combined with it being my first time getting up, I basically fainted. My blood pressure went so low that the nurses got a bit of a fright (65/40 or something like that).

I got braver later on and washed, walked etc. On the 2nd day after surgery I was walking, chatting, sitting upright and everything. I ended up being admitted for longer just because I hadn't moved enough at first, and I hadn't pushed out enough fluid through the drain.

The things I would recommend are:

- trust the nurses, but also say if you're struggling with/afraid of something, they have a ton of tips and tricks

- move as soon and as much as possible; move when your shoulders hurt, move when you feel like you're not sure if you should pee, move your arms and legs in bed, just move

- to sit upright, get on a side, get your thighs at 90deg with your torso and push yourself up on your bottom using your arms

- bring comfy slippers and a gown or something loose and soft to wear

- sleep whenever, wherever, it's good for you

- those first gases you pass and that first bowel movement will be the weirdest thing ever, the sounds your tummy will make will be epic. Don't be scared, it will hurt but just let it all happen, don't fight it. It's gonna feel so much better after

- be prepared for a rough couple of days at first, but then also for a steep improvement. It's gonna be okay.

Hugs from Glasgow!

[HolsBamboozledwomb in reply to polirene]

Thank you! It sounds like it was quite traumatic, with your blood pressure and fainting and the attachments. How are you feeling day 4? I hope things are starting to perk up for you xx

[polirene in reply to HolsBamboozledwomb]

Hello!

It was a little bit traumatic I guess, but I do suffer from anxiety, so that kind of tints my perceptions and reactions. The staff were very supportive and kind, they made it all better.

I am very independent and feel good now. I still move a little slower than usual, can't bend much from the waist and my posture when I am standing is a little bit off cause my tummy is still a little bit bloated and inflamed. But otherwise, I'm pretty much back to normal.

And you will also be well rather soon after surgery, especially if it's such a quick one!

Take care xx

[amcp95]

The best advice I can offer is to drink lots and lots of water up until the time you have to be nil by mouth. It is honestly an absolute game changer and I now do it for all surgeries! It essentially keeps you really hydrated so that the general anaesthetic leaves your system quicker. I had my laparoscopy, received the devastating news, was wheeled back up to my room and I immediately got off the bed and went for a wee. I ate some toast and then got changed! The nurses couldn't believe how well I was. Recovery wasn't too bad, the wind is painful, just don't eat or drink anything that will make you gassy. It's best to rest when you feel you need to but to also walk around and get rid of all that air in your belly.

I gave my sister this advice, she had her lap on Saturday and felt very well after waking up. The water trick is magic.

I hope everything goes well, prepare yourself for the worst news but always hope for the best❤