Post-op dressings

[Ejn19]

Hi everyone,

I'm three days post-laproscopy and wondered if anyone could advise on when/if I should change the dressings? I've got 4 incisions, one at my belly button, two on my left side and one on my right. I got given spare dressings while I was in hospital but I was so out of it and overwhelmed by all the information I forgot what they said about changing them! The ones either side look fine but my belly button one was patched up while I was in hospital because it bled through - it hasn't since though...

Any advice would be great 😊

Thank you x

[zoecanning]

Hi Ejn19,

Hope all went well with your op.

I’m 4 days post laparoscopy, for cystectomy and Endo removal. I removed mine a couple days after in the shower and have left them off to get fresh air to them. Clean with a damp clean flannel but dab round the wound if you need to, don’t remove any scabbing etc.

Hopefully the wound that bled through has healed over again, but keep an eye out for redness and hot skin around it, also any suspicious looking discharge to make sure it’s not infected 🤞. If it’s still bleeding change after cleaning and repeat, if still not closed maybe seek advise from ward/department or GP.

Hope this helps 😊

- Zoe

[Ejn19 in reply to zoecanning]

Hi Zoe,

Thanks so much for your reply and the advice! Hope you're recovering well 😊

I've braved it and removed the belly button one and all looks OK, no fresh bleeding. I'll do the same for the other three!

Another question... how are you coping pain wise? My gas pain went after about a day and a bit but I now have horrible period-like pain as well as the general pain and uncomfortableness of the incisions. I've got paracetamol and naproxen but wondering if I need something stronger if the period cramping continues.

Thanks again 😊

Emma x

[zoecanning in reply to Ejn19]

I was sent home with dihydrocodeine which I take when I know I’m going to be moving a bit more or when I’m feeling uncomfortable. The problem is the more you’re uncomfortable the more tense you feel which doesn’t help with the cramping pain, so taking something stronger can help break this cycle. I’m trying to listen to my body, getting up when I need to for a wander around the house, sitting when I feel like it and sleeping when I feel like it too, which fingers crossed is going okay. Second day at home was the worst as I probably did too much too soon (which is normally not a lot in the slightest).

Definitely a trial to find what works for you but don’t try too much to soon, take it at a steady rate.

- Zoe 😊

[Ejn19]

Ah I'm glad they sent you home with something! I can't take codeine so think they must've not had an alternative.

It's such a hard cycle to break isn't it, getting comfortable to rest and ease the pain. I finally managed some decent sleep last night which has helped the pain loads today, so hopefully I've turned a corner with it.

Sounds like you're doing all the right things and I hope you're back to yourself soon! Take care 😊

[claudia_91 Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi Ejn19

Hope your recovery is going smoothly since your laparoscopy and you're taking it easy. Absolutely contact the hospital ward if in doubt about your dressings, sure they'd be happy to advise 😊 There is so much to think about when it comes to having surgery. There is information about this process, both before and after, on the Endometriosis UK website. If you'd like to have a read, here is the link: endometriosis-uk.org/your-l...

Remember that your body has been through a lot, so be kind to yourself. Sending healing vibes your way 💛

Take care,

Claudia

[Ejn19]

Thank you so much Claudia! 💛