returning to work after laparoscopy

[cdegwi]

hi all,

new member here. I was diagnosed with endometriosis last Monday, and had a laparoscopy wherein they removed what they could. They told me some was too deep and I had an MRI scan yesterday. I was signed off for two weeks, however decided to come back to work today. To be honest, I'm regretting it a little as I feel very emotionally raw, and though my stomach isn't as painful as it was last week, I'm still getting twinges. I also came on my period at the end of last week, and am really fatigued and nauseous and suffering with bowel issues... (My limbs feel really heavy and my ankles ache in particular??)

i decided to come back as I can't financially justify any more time off.

i guess I'm seeking a little solidarity and advice, as I feel really in the dark. All I know is that I have it and they removed some of it, but there's more and we're not sure where yet. when will I feel better? What can I do?what happens next? When did you return to work?

thank you

[claudia_91 Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi cdegwi

Welcome to the community! Pleased to hear your surgery went smoothly. It can feel really overwhelming to process the diagnosis of endometriosis, especially whilst recovering from surgery and dealing with the anaesthetic, painkillers etc. Thankfully, Endometriosis UK has some really great information about this which I'd recommend reading, at this link: endometriosis-uk.org/your-l...

Recovery times from laparoscopies can really vary depending on the complexity of the surgery. Generally, it can take 2-3 weeks to feel fully mobile again. When I had mine, I was advised not to drive for 2 weeks and took that as a helpful guide for what my body might be ready for.

However, it's completely understandable that there are unavoidable circumstances which mean that you need to return to normal life sooner. If you're back at work, it's worth speaking to your employer about having additional rest breaks whilst you recover, and trying to rest as much as possible when not working to give your body time to heal. Easing into gentle exercise can really help too, things like walking and yoga.

Above all, listen to your body, if you're in pain or feeling unwell or fatigued, take the time to rest. It can take 3-6 months to really feel the effects of a laparoscopy, and the first 2-3 periods can be extra painful, so be kind to yourself and look after yourself as best you can 💛 We're all here for you! Sending healing vibes your way 😊

Claudia

[cdegwi in reply to claudia_91]

Hi Claudia,

Thanks for your reply! This is very helpful to hear. I've recovered well, just got back from a music festival. I have been on my period for 12 days so that's not been particularly fun. I feel mostly fine, just got the normal period cramps and fatigue.

Hope you're keeping well 😊

Chloe x

[AppleandPear]

Hey there, don't despair! I think everybody on here has felt like that, and it's a real mental blow to deal with, but actually, your body is still settling down from a process so it may take time but it really can get better. I went back to work the day after my op (but I'm self-employed without paid hols, would definitely have taken max time off work had I been in my old job, take all the time you can!), it took about a month/month and a half for my tummy muscles to feel normal. I did a lot of mild walking soon as it felt comfy, you won't want to run or do high-impact exercise for a while. You will definitely have bowel issues following the op, they should have told you, doesn't always settle for a bit. You might have insane constipation and gas from basically them moving your insides around during the op, plus the medication has the same effect. I would totally eat lots of fibre and drink lots of fluids but also get some laxatives and fibrogel and gaviscon advance for the bowels and just ibuprofen for the muscle pain - gaviscon actually solved a lot of my issues if I had it after meals and before bed. I don't usually take those kind of things but you kind of need them after those ops and nobody tells you about your bowels being a complete mess for a bit, all normal though! Also, try to destress at least a couple of hours before bedtime and watch cheery movies, do nice things and not stay up too late because your body clock is really important with endo, probably because it's several systems that need to work together. That should help at least a bit with the down feelings. If you can, have long lie-ins in the mornings. Your body's systems go into sleep and heal mode at night so I personally would always find that having a lie-in really calmed my digestive and reproduction system down on days where they were both being really annoying. Anyway, you will feel better soon, trust us!

[Ylime90]

I could have written this! I had my laraposcopy which found and excised endo just over two weeks ago. I thought I'd be back at work within a week, then two, and I'm still off now. I spent last week in and out of the gp thinking I had a UTI, but it was actually my belly button incision which is infected and causing UTI symptoms (belly button and bladder have similar ligament connections).

Honestly I also wasn't prepared for this: my surgeon gave me a sick note for a week, so I assumed it would take a week to recover. My GP extended the fit note to a month a week later. Same as you I'm still having bowel issues, still emotional, still having sharp twinges and on off cramping pain. I had my period while having the op, so I haven't had my next one yet and am a bit anxious that it will be a bad one. I spent all of last week feeling really guilty for not being in work, feeling lazy for still resting so much, and crying at nothing.

I think we just need to be kind to ourselves. It is quite major surgery on the inside, even if the outward incisions are small. And while I'm happy to have an answer and a diagnosis it's still being diagnosed with a chronic incurable condition: it is going to take a while to get our heads around it.

I can't give any answers, but definitely solidarity from someone who is at exactly the same point.