Laparoscopy next week!!! Really nervous..No idea what to expect? Any Experiences really appreciated💖

[Heartof3]

Hi ladies,

It's my turn for my first laparoscopy ( diagnosis & treatment)next week. I'm so relieved but also very nervous.

Any advice really welcome..

*what's the best relief for gas pains? & how long did your trapped wind last?

*how long was your recovery? Any tips or advice for healing?

*what shall i bring into hospital?

Thank you very much for your time 😘

[RedA28]

Hi Heart,

I found the best relief for gas pains was peppermint tea and peppermint capsules (colpermin). Also during the day trying to move as much as I felt able, even little shuffles to kettle and back.

I had a sick note for 2 weeks but I went back to work after 11 days. But, I was wfh at the time at a desk job so if not it would have probably been the full two weeks or longer. I'd say physically I felt pretty much normal by day 10 but I was still quite tired for another week or so. I did have grade 4 endo excised and a long op. I honestly think movement helped me recover quickly.

Things to take to hospital - a light dressing gown, socks, book/magazine/podcasts downloaded, phone charger. Maybe a couple of nice snacks if the regulation toast doesn't tickle your fancy. A cushion for the car for the way home to put between your belly and the seat belt. Also comfy clothes for way home, you won't want anything tight across your belly. The day after my op I had to send OH to shop for granny pants that came above belly button as all my pants were rubbing on wounds so maybe think about having some of those! Take some pads with you in case of bleeding, hospital will provide but its the chunky ones!

Good luck, hope all goes well!

[Heartof3 in reply to RedA28]

Thank you so much for the great advice! I will be due on my period on the day so will have pads & big pants at the ready.

I've not even met the specialist/surgeon who is doig my lap, my usual Gynea specialist has sadly left. So i wont meet my surgeon untill the morningof my op, i feel so nervous. All they have told me is she is very nice & good at her job.

Xx

[G3miniStar]

Hi hunnie, oh the very best of luck to you! It will be fine, I'm sure! xx Honestly I've found the best remedy for the gas pains is moving around as much as possible and 'letting it out' should we say haha I was very gassy for a good week after my first and second surgeries, thankfully it was all under a nice comfy blanket 😂

Recovery does differ from person to person and also how bad they find your endo. First surgery I was up and moving around by day 2 with help in and out of chairs/bed, day 5 without aid and then 10 days I felt 'normal'. Second surgery has taken me a bit longer. The muscles around your stomach will be incredibly tight and sore so go at your own pace. Be gentle with yourself and don't lift things- typical advice is no more than 5lbs for the first two weeks and 30lbs for first month to six weeks.

For hospital I brought dressing gown and slippers for the hospital, something soft round the tummy like joggers or pj bottoms for going home, toiletries for an overnighter (I brought mine and didn't actually use them because I was out of it and discharged early morning so might not use them). Take lots of things to entertain yourself too, phone (and charger!), tablet and/or eBook reader, crosswords, whatever- honestly one of the worst parts of it all is the waiting to go down to surgery so have things to distract you.

Good luck sweetie xx

[Heartof3 in reply to G3miniStar]

Aww thank you so much for your reply, definitely helps! I remember my mum having a lap dome 20 +years ago, she was curled up farting & crying. I really felt for her & now i am dreading that part.

But we're alot more advanced now, especially with advice from you lovely lot❣ xx

[logit]

HiI have always found downing a can of full fat coke as soon as I get back to the ward has helped with the wind. Had three laps and no gas pain. I would also download things to watch as my recent hospital visit there was no WiFi even though they claim to provide it. No fun watching tv on a phone instead of a tablet.

I literally only used my toiletries, slippers and food supplies as the hospital wanted me to use their stuff. Couldn’t even put my own nightie on.

Yes a pillow is a life saver for the journey home

I would also recommend walking as soon ad possible. It really does help. I set myself a target each day to walk to. I also booked a trip to go on to keep me motivated to get there.

[Heartof3 in reply to logit]

Omg i never thought of the coke tip, makes perfect sense! Thank you!

Love your positivity! Going to look up some trips me thinks 😉

Thank you so much xx