Hello, I am due to have my first Laparoscopy next week and would appreciate understanding a little more about recovery etc. I have heard shoulder pain can be uncomfortable after the surgery- did anything help to relieve it? How much time did you take off work and not exercise for (I am usually very active)?
Other general guidance is always appreciated. Thank you x
Hi Plum234,
Great news that you have a date for your lap!
I had my first lap on the 21st of March and my recovery was okay. The first thing to note is that everyone’s different so no 2 recoveries will be the same, just listen to your body. Also, your recovery will depend on how extensive your surgery ends up being.
In my case, my lap ended up being just diagnostic but I still took 2 weeks off work and then worked from home for a week upon my return. I felt pretty good but my abdomen was very tender and I found it difficult moving around easily, particularly bending and stretching. I had a little shoulder pain but peppermint tea worked really well for me, along with getting up regularly to move around.
I am not overly active but do go to yoga and I enjoy walking. I returned to yoga this evening for the first time, so 5 weeks post op.
A pillow for the journey home is the best tip someone gave me, placed between your tummy and the seatbelt!
I hope this helps, but feel free to ask me anything else ☺️
Best of luck for your op!
The advice above is spot on. Listen to your body. I had an extensive 5 hour surgery with a lot removed. I took a month off because I needed it. I didn’t want to rush back. It’s been 7 weeks now and I just about feel ready to begin gentle exercise again. I did a lot of walking but nothing involving stretching or moving my tummy as it was still sore. Get lots of rest and don’t rush to do things - let yourself heal xx
Hi - great news that you’ve got your procedure lined up!
I had my laparoscopy exactly 2 weeks ago, but mine was for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment at the same time.
My main advice would be:
- LOADS of peppermint tea to help with gas pain. I literally drank bucket loads but still had a lot of gas pain (I think because I didn’t move around as much as i could have done). My gas pain was in my ribs, just under my breast area and collar bone / shoulder area so don’t be alarmed if you get pain in these areas (I knew it was gas pain but still worried it was a heart attack 😂😂).
- As soon as you’re able to move, move as often as you can (even if it’s just from one side of the room to the other) to help with gas pain, but listen to your body and don’t overdo it - it’s not a race.
- If you can, try doing something nice a few days before (I went down to the coast), as it really helps clear your head, even if it’s something small.
- Take Vaseline - your lips will be really dry after the general anaesthetic
- Make sure you have a nightie - you won’t really feel like wearing trousers with a waist band for a while, so a nightie is perfect.
- Drink lots of water regularly to help get your bowels moving as best as possible.
- Rest as much as you can this week before your procedure to get your body and mind as prepared and relaxed as possible!
- Pillow for the car journey home.
- Be kind to yourself - don’t expect too much too soon. Honestly the progress you’ll see within just a couple of weeks is amazing, but it’ll only happen if you don’t push too hard too soon.
- Download loads of tv / make a list of shows to watch!
I’m also pretty active and I think it’s just a case of seeing how you get on. I play football and think I’ll avoid it for a fair while as imagine it’d be sore if I get knocked in my abdo area! I’m just over 2wks post op and doing about 20min walks at the mo but honestly will just vary from person to person / the extent of your surgery.
All the best! X
This is all such brilliant advice thank you. A massive thank you for the pillow advice- I will have a 2 hour car journey home so hopefully that will save me some discomfort!
Thank you all once again for taking the time to respond! xx
hi hope you are recovering well and are almost pain free again. l am on a similar journey to yourself. l am 76 and waiting on lap surgery for removal of 5 inch cyst, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes. l have been bumped 3 times for surgery first diagnosed November last year now have a date for September 12th. l have been bumped twice for health reasons and this 3rd time because l have a holiday booked for end of August and my surgeon said it was unkind to cancel this one when I have already cancelled 2 holidays and lost all the money from those as was not within the insurance time scale, oh well 🤗 My question is what are your best 2 or 3 tips to see me through those first few weeks post surgery. Thank you for reading this and sincerely hope you are recovering well..
Hi Alexa,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through.
My saving graces were:
1. Purchasing a pregnancy pillow- really helped me to get comfortable on the sofa and whilst sleeping (laying flat felt very tender and made it difficult to get back up). Nearly 6 weeks post-op I still sleep with it and use it whilst sat down for long periods of time.
2. Big pants and nighties will become your best friend- I was very bloated for a good few weeks after the surgery and restrictive clothes were a no go.
3. Listen to your body- I tried to do little walks every few hours and drank as much water as I possibly could to aid recovery. More than anything the walks stopped me going stir crazy!
I wish you all the best with your recovery. xxx
Thank you for this, it may sound silly at my age but yes, l am nervous. The propping oneself whlile resting or sleeping does make sense as the worst thing l experienced after open surgery for gall bladder removal was the pain when trying to sit. Will take on board also not sitting or lying around for long times even if it is only a slow stroll to the garden gate to wave to friends and neighbours.Really appreciate this stay well 🤗
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