post laparoscopy recovery

[QuietStorm1]

hi everyone. I’m new to this community and was just wondering if anyone had post op advice. I had my laparoscopy for endometriosis of the ovaries last Friday. I’m taking recovery day by day. The pain around my stitches I’m managing with paracetamol and ibruprofen if needed. But the things I’m really struggling with is when I eat or drink anything I’m feeling extremely nauseous after and having some pain with gas build up and opening my bowels and I’ve also been experiencing diarrhoea. I’m taking lactulose, stool softeners and drinking plenty of fluids but I feel so bloated like my stomach is going to burst. Everytime I go toilet I also get hiccups which also make me feel more nauseous. I’ve been eating soft foods like mashed potato, plain toast, fruits and soups and been drinking water, peppermint tea, ginger ale and apple juice but I still feel horrendous. I would really appreciate any tips/ advice. Thank you in advance.

[puzzleprincess]

Hey, I also experienced quite a lot of nausea and bloating after my surgery. But for me it was the worst while I was constipated. My question would be if you are experiencing diarrhoea - have you been advised to continue taking the lactulose and stool softeners? I was told to take those until my bowls were moving again. If your already having diarrhoea then maybe they could be upsetting your tummy? Might be worth calling the ward and getting their advice.

[QuietStorm1 in reply to puzzleprincess]

thank you so much for your reply. I will try and get in touch with the ward and maybe not take both the lactulose and stool softeners- just one and see if that helps. I’ve been able to urinate and open my bowels normally- the diarrhoea happened the last couple of days (maybe it was something I ate)… but everytime I eat and drink anything the nausea and bloating is so bad and the trapped gas is awful too.

[puzzleprincess in reply to QuietStorm1]

Yeah, I think it’s always best to just give them a call and get their opinion. I called my ward a couple of times regarding constipation and they were really helpful.

Not sure what your stomach is usually like, but I also have IBS. So the surgery (and stress before hand, during and afterwards) can just make everything go into a bit of a tizzy! Plain foods, lots of peppermint tea, trebor mints and buscopan helped me through it. People recommend taking ginger tea too. But it might just take a little time for everything to settle back down.

Mine was only diagnostic and I had all that trouble! So I’m sure if you had treatment on your ovaries it may take a little longer. Just try to rest and take it easy, healing can be different for everyone x

[QuietStorm1 in reply to puzzleprincess]

thank you Hun. I think I might be feeling stressed inside too which might also be triggering my symptoms. I’ll definitely try all your suggestions. x