what do I need for a laparoscopy?

[Sky342]

I have my first laparoscopy in the next couple of months and I was just wondering what i need to bring with me to the hospital. And also what I need to have in the house for me coming home. Thanks!!

[Clara12]

a dressing gown and slippers for hospital and a book to read or audio book or podcast or something to do whilst you wait. Then comfy clothes for leaving plus pads as you’ll bleed a bit. Maybe a cushion or something to hold between seatbelt and your stomach for going home if you feel a bit sore. At home I’d have pillows to prop you up, activated charcoal tablets to help with gas pain in shoulder and pain killers. I also used a heating pad on my shoulder for the pain. Peppermint tea is meant to help but did nothing for me. Have things at reaching height as it’s hard to bend down. Best advice a nurse gave me for once dressings were off was to dry my belly button stitches with a hairdryer on low setting as these can easily get infected if wet and not dried properly. Good luck, hope you recover quickly

[Sky342 in reply to Clara12]

Thank you!! That is amazing help!!😊

[Ruby_groucott]

I took some headphones and a book with me to the hospital, because sometimes you might need to wait depending on where you are on the list and how busy they are! I would definitely recommend taking something to help pass the time. I’d recommend a comfy cardigan or something easy to put on and keep warm, in case it is a bit chilly! After the operation, you might be a bit sore and bloated, so I highly recommend wearing something super comfortable and loose so it doesn’t put unwanted pressure on your tummy! Peppermint tea is a must! The bloating can be painful, but I found peppermint tea helped me so much. I also took some hygiene wipes, as you may feel a bit grim after the op and there can be patches of blood you might want to wipe away!

I was told to keep my wounds covered for 1 week and then take them off and get them wet. It worked really well for me and they are healing very well! No infections or problems.

I also advise taking some water with you to keep hydrated after the op!

Good luck. I hope it goes well x

[Sky342 in reply to Ruby_groucott]

thank you!!x