what to expect for my first laparoscopy?

[Sky342]

I am going in for my first lap on Tuesday and I do not know what to expect. Do they just go in and see if I have endometriosis and that’s it, or will they remove it that day if possible? Also what was your recovery time like for your first lap? Thanks😊

[WH2023]

Hey,

I had a laparoscopy 2 weeks ago and they explored the abdomen region and I believe they burnt away some endometriosis but not all of it.

Apparently to actually remove the endometriosis it’s a bigger operation where they peel back the tissue or something - that’s what my gynaecologist said!

I generally was recovered after a week but I’ve had two weeks off.

I was in and out and on my way.

[Sky342 in reply to WH2023]

thank you for your reply!!

[AlexaMac]

hi, my lap was just over 7 weeks ago, they removed a cyst both ovaries and both Fallopian tubes. I had a really good anaesthetist and he exorcised all the gas from my abdomen, so had no after pain from that. Was told not to drive for 6 weeks and have a pillow between seat belt and my stomach when a passenger.

My case was somewhat different from yours in that l am 76 and this all began with a vaginal bleed over a year ago. But due to circumstances only had surgery in December.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and if possible keep a diary of your symptoms as this really helps your consultant to track your symptoms. Most of all trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask questions, after all consultants are only human too and the more information you can give to them the better they can help you back to health.

Wishing you well 🤗

[Sky342 in reply to AlexaMac]

Sounds awful!! So sorry to hear you had to have that done. Thanks for your reply!!

[Dee_EndoUK Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi Sky342

Best of luck with your forthcoming laparoscopy. We have a really great info sheet - 'Laparoscopic surgery for Endometriosis' on our website which can highlight to you what happens during a laparoscopy and some of the things you may experience after the surgery. You can download it from endometriosis-uk.org/your-l...

The main thing to remember is that you are entitled to ask questions of the doctors who will be performing the surgery to ensure you are comfortable. Try to remember that everyone's experience and recovery times are different and that you should take it easy after the surgery (definitely no lifting!)

Wishing you all the best x

[Sky342 in reply to Dee_EndoUK]

I will have a look at it now. Thank you!!

[Annbiel]

Hi! I had my lap in January and I also didn't know what to expect. They confirmed I had endo stage 2 and removed as much as they could. It's a little bit scary on the day when they take you in but you can do it! I was just thinking for some reason about all the famous people who had a laparoscopy , no idea why but it helped to calm my nerves 😆. Just so you know the incisions are tiny and the moment I removed my plasters I was like 'oh, that's it'?. I was pretty much fine a few days after, one week after I went cycling etc. Good luck!

[Sky342 in reply to Annbiel]

Okay, that’s brilliant!! Thank you, you have made me feel less nervous😊