laparoscopy

[Jsrzb]

does anyone get anxiety about this procedure? I feel like it’s just me

[AllthatGlitters]

hello not it’s not just you - I was so nervous for my 1st lap which was my first ever surgery. When are you having it? X

[Jsrzb in reply to AllthatGlitters]

Thank you some people make you feel dramatic for even feeling nervous, It’s my first one I’m having it the 22nd may I get very anxious when it comes to getting put to sleep and needles ect how did yours go do you have any tips for me x

[AllthatGlitters in reply to Jsrzb]

mine went fine and I also had a hysteroscopy at the same time and I bled afterwards so I recommend you take big pants 🤣and pads with you, I was also very sick and vomited the whole night even though I had anti sickness tablets (sure those tablets make the sickness worse)! However I felt so much better for a few months until my symptoms returned again.

Never mind what other people say with regards to making you feel dramatic, it’s not happening to them so they don’t understand how you feel.

Good luck xx

[Jsrzb in reply to AllthatGlitters]

ahh thank you xxx

[Hooplove00 in reply to AllthatGlitters]

love this reply!!!💛🎗️

[Deedee123321 in reply to AllthatGlitters]

Do you mind me asking, did the hysteroscopy make any difference for you?

[AllthatGlitters in reply to Deedee123321]

hello I was fine for a few months afterwards which was great and I thought what a difference this op has made to my life however my heavy bleeding and pain started again, so yes it worked for a while then didn’t unfortunately x I ended up getting 2 endometrial ablations x

[Endosufferer1 in reply to Jsrzb]

Yes, make sure not to eat anything one week prior to surgery that might you make you bleed further (no ginger...).

[Jsrzb in reply to Endosufferer1]

thank you !! X

[huhfimmie]

Hi, I was so so nervous having my first lap, it was also my first surgery. I was practically in tears right up until I met with my anaesthetist and she was so lovely it cheered me up and made me feel so much more comfortable. x

[Jsrzb in reply to huhfimmie]

ah lovely I hope I have a lovely one too! It really does help. I was put to sleep when I was like 11 for dental work I can’t remember much I’m just so scared of getting put to sleep by a needle is it as scary as I think ?

[huhfimmie in reply to Jsrzb]

The anaesthetist just kept talking to me so I didn't even notice the needle go in at all. I can barely remember before and after the operation to be honest.

[huhfimmie in reply to Jsrzb]

I'm sure you'll be fine, and don't be afraid to ask silly questions for your own reassurance, like I asked if I would wake up during the surgery (which rationally, would definitely not happen) but it really helped hearing it from the anaesthetist since she would be the one looking after me.

[Jsrzb in reply to huhfimmie]

thank you so much oh i defo will be asking 100 questions I’m so nervous 😂

[AMJ88]

I'm having mine on the 23rd and I'm nervous too. Xx

[Erica448 in reply to AMJ88]

I have had three laparoscopy done due to heavy bleeding literally was a nightmare had the first done in 2019, they failed in moving a fibroid and went on to have heavy bleeding till February 2023, second one in 2021 as they had seen in the cervical wall, came out of surgery again with only a biopsy being performed and fibroid still inside me. The issue was they were bypassing the fibroid in my cervix and going to the uterus which was clear came out of anaesthesia in a panic attack which they then sedated me again. Had third one done with the whole department at Guys/St Thomas now being fully aware of where fibroid was, so was removed 2023, however the bleeding continued. Literally lost 5 years of my life on medication in and out of hospital, anaemia always wearing pads and dark coloured clothes. Literally a traumatic experience. But thankfully I then got the Mirena which I turned down for years only for the bleeding to stop.

[Jsrzb in reply to Erica448]

ahh bless you 😫 is a nightmare I hope your okay xx

[Harbou in reply to Erica448]

Hello, do you know why you kept on bleeding after the fibroid was removed? I have a fibroid and I am constantly bleeding. I am looking at my options and about to start norethisterone. Is your issue all resolved now? Thanks

[Jsrzb in reply to AMJ88]

ahhh same !!! Is it your 1st one xx

[AMJ88 in reply to Jsrzb]

I've had a cyst removal before but this will be the first one for Endo removal. Xx

[Jsrzb in reply to AMJ88]

I’m nervous as well because I’m having it done in another hospital I’m not familiar with id be more comfortable in the hospital I know staff also seemed quite rude on my pre op 😫 how did your 1st one go xx

[AMJ88 in reply to Jsrzb]

First one was okay. Was sore and groggy for a week or so after. But rest as much as you can and chill xx I've gone private for this one, wasn't even being offered as an option with my normal Gynae. I'm more nervous because my husband is not able to stay with me (busy with the kids) so I'll be on my own when I go down and come around. Xx

[Patricia2022]

having mine on 17th and super nervous too xxx

[Jsrzb in reply to Patricia2022]

ahh same is this your 1st one to? Im so bloody nervous xxx

[Patricia2022 in reply to Jsrzb]

yes 1st one! Xx

[Amyrebecca246]

If you mention to your medical team you are a bit nervous they will try and help, I've had some great doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists and other staff who helped me when I felt nervous or not well. I've had two laproscopic ops so far - my first was an emergency and my second was planned. Even though you know what is coming with the op at least you can plan ahead. Get comfy clothes (I usually live in jeans but then tend to sit where my incisions are so have been living in joggers and baggy tops), things to keep you busy (charge up headphones, get magazines or books, puzzles or colouring), any snacks or drinks (because hospital food isn't always great and sometimes you just want something particular afterwards) and stock up for painkillers for afterwards. I know it can be nerve wracking waiting for surgery but it's to benefit your health.

[Jsrzb in reply to Amyrebecca246]

ahh thank you so much ! X

[BryonyB]

I had my third lap two days ago so I’m recovering. I was weirdly more nervous for this one but it was absolutely fine. In terms of anaesthetic, i had a different one to last time called ziva and it took me about 15 mins to come round, no sickness or groggy ness where’s dive had that before but it doesn’t last long! Good luck with it ! Xx

[Jsrzb in reply to BryonyB]

thank you so much !xx

[Avourneen]

I was so scared before my first lap that I cried when the took me in. But it will be okay, I promise, you will have the anaesthetic and then go out like a light. The operation wasn't the bad bit waking up was, the anaesthetic might make you vomit for a while (it doesn't happen with everyone) I felt sick and really groggy for a day but it passes. It's also common to get a shocking pain in your neck wher the gas irritates the phrenic nerve, this feels like the worst cricked neck ever but it passes after about three days and you can take pain killers which will help.

I think if you know what is going to happen you can expect it and be less scared. Your fear sounds like it is of the needle? It's not really a needle its like a thing in your hand and they attach the needle to that, so they don't stick the needle directly in your hand at all. They stick it in something connected to your hand, it is uncomfortable for a second when they put the thing on your hand but that's all just don't look if you are scared of needles. The going to sleep bit isn't the difficult bit it's feeling horrible when you come round that is.

Mind you some people don't get sick at all with the anaesthetic, some people can wake up feeling fine and eat a big meal!!

It will all be fine and if you have a super painful neck you will know why. You might be able to talk to the anaethstist and tell him/her you are scared, medical staff are usually kind and they expect patients to be a bit scared.

Wishing you the best of luck.

O xxx

[Jsrzb in reply to Avourneen]

thank you so much!! Xxx

[Jsrzb in reply to Avourneen]

thank you so much!! Xxx

[BlueGiraffe9]

I was massively anxious, so much so my lovely mum was cleared to come in and wait in preop with me despite the fact I'm 36! It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought.

[Jsrzb in reply to BlueGiraffe9]

ahh thank you I hope they let my mum wait with me tbh I will need her xx

[PaintToughTed]

Hi Jsrzb,

I hope the op goes okay for you. I think it’s sometimes worth remembering that on this forum and facebook groups people are often sharing what went wrong and asking for help and advice, much less often are the good news stories shared, and that’s just the nature of support groups like this, but it can magnify these experiences and make them look like they’re more common than they are in actuality.

I had a lap last year and a hysterectomy and bowel resection in Feb. Both were really straightforward, i was amazed at how easy and swift the recovery was and the pain was dramatically less than a usual endo flair. It’s not like that for everyone, but these are fairly standard routine surgeries carried out up and down the country each day. As my mum says, just remember you’re in the hands of the experts.

I hope it all goes okay for you and remember the hospital staff will do everything they can to reassure you on the day. Best of luck! X

[Jsrzb in reply to PaintToughTed]

thank you so much appreciate that xx

[635703]

Always get nervous of a lap. If you’ve made sure you have a skilled and experienced Dr the risk is reduced. That comforts me loads. Deep breaths, positive thinking, speaking up when I feel anxious because hospital staff are used to supporting patients.

Packing your hospital bag helps just incase and being early for the appointment and taking a book or magazine to keep you occupied. I use a fidget toy to sooth myself in the anxiety. I have a really soft dressing gown and nice slippers for comfort. I choose a comfy outfit that’s loose around the tummy and covers me nicely. Also, try to have freshly washed clothes for the smell to comfort me. I write a list of the day before to the day and then a few days afterwards. Get in comfort snacks and nutritious food….microwave meals of stuff for the oven for ease. I have TV shows to switch off my brain as I recover and clean my home before I go. Fresh sheets on too!

Get friends to pop over when I’m upto it, even for an hour over a cuppa. I like bright flowers as they make me feel hopeful as I heal and rest. When I throw them away, I remember how brave I have been and how proud I am of myself. And believe that I am hopeful of feeling better.

On my bedside I keep my eye mask it helps me sleep and my Teddy to soothe myself. I have some roll on essential oils for calming, like Lavendar.

Hope this gives you some ideas for yourself, it’s really hard but we are all stronger than we realise. Good luck with digging deep lovely ☺️🫶🏻💗💪🏻🥇

[Jsrzb in reply to 635703]

Ah thank you so much this does help nice little things to do to help xxx