Tips for shoulder and back pain after endo laparoscopy?

[Catrin57]

Hello, just joined here. I had a laparoscopy yesterday and had inflamed areas in my pelvis removed. The pain in my stomach I can deal with but since waking up I’ve had the most horrendous cramping and pain in my shoulders and neck. I’ve tried all painkillers, heat and cold. Any advice?

[WeeJacs]

Hi Catrin it’s the trapped gas try peppermint tea and tablets these helped ease it for me and help you rift to get it moving x

[Avourneen]

It is horrible but don't be scared it will be gone in about 3 days. This happens a lot after a lap it isn't actually the gas from the op it's the effect of the gas on a nerve that goes into the shoulder and neck. Just have to wait for it to go off, hot water bottle and pain killers it' awful but really doesn't last long. There is a procedure that surgeons can do to avoid this but not many anaesthetists do it. Peppermint tea worth a try I guess.

[Dee_EndoUK Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi Catrin57

First of all a really warm welcome to the forum - we're so pleased that a couple of our members have reached out to you already with advice post-surgery.

If you haven't already downloaded it, we do have a document on our website about laparoscopic surgery and what to expect afterwards. You can download this from endometriosis-uk.org/your-l... - scroll down on this page and click on the link to 'Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis'.

Along with our forum, we do have face-to-face support groups. These are run all over the UK by volunteers who all have personal experience of endometriosis. You can find out if there's one in your area here: endometriosis-uk.org/find-a...

Wishing you a speedy recovery - the pain in your shoulder and neck should subside soon. If it's still uncomfortable, you may find that peppermint oil or peppermint tea helps to ease these symptoms x