Laporoscopy stitches / bandages

[Rol81]

Hi, I had my lap surgery 12 days ago.(31st May)

I cleaned and changed the waterproof bandages on day 5 , so the present ones have been on a week now.

I’ve tried ringing the ward but no answer so I’ve come on here.

My questions are :

1. Should I change them again today(been on 7/8 days)

2. How long to you keep them covered with the plasters

3. When will the stitches dissolve, does the top bumpy bit just flake off or something?

4. Finally 🙈 my belly button one every now and then stings or gives a horrible sharp pulling like sensation, is this normal?

I naively thought I’d be ok after a week, taking much longer. Frustrating.

Thanks xx

[Ariel_the_mermaid]

hiya so to answer your questions

1- I would leave them off now if they a dry and clean

2. Mine were only on a week

3. I can’t remember exactly but think it was only about 2 weeks.

3. Yes all normal. I remember the pulling sensation

1 felt a lot better after 3 weeks but takes about a month to properly recover

[Rol81 in reply to Ariel_the_mermaid]

Awww hello Ariel, so lovely to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time to reply, really appreciate it .

Do you think they heal better with bandages off? I was just worried about them catching on my clothes , in bed etc . And it’s ok to shower without bandages ?

I’m 12 days post surgery , really hope one more week and I’m back to normality.

Re: Recovery when can I start bending , doing basic house chores etc? Trying to be so careful . I went out for the day on Saturday, and it was so uncomfortable after and few hours and exhausting 🙈

Thanks again. Hope all ok with you. ❤️

[Ariel_the_mermaid in reply to Rol81]

just do what is comfortable! I had a month off work. Loss clothes but yeah don’t leave the bandages on too long. No more then a week I would say personally yes van shower without the bandages just use water for now didn’t apply soap directly to the wounds xx

[Rol81 in reply to Ariel_the_mermaid]

Ok great , thanks. I’ll take them off today 🙌

[Endowarrior1807 in reply to Ariel_the_mermaid]

Hi

I also had my laparoscopy 11 days ago and was wondering if you know whether it’s normal that sometimes when I pee, I get a bulging like pain in my lower pelvis?

[Lolly1984]

Hello there. Iv had 2 laps. I'm really annoyed that they havnt explained all the after care to you, they really should of. I wasn't lucky enough to have waterproof bandages so I literally had to sink wash for 2 weeks. Lol . Ok the bandages are only covering the stitches so maybe change them 1-2 times a week. If you see any discharge then you need to contact your doctor as there might be an infection. Stitches dissolve between 1 and 2 weeks. Cover them for 2 weeks, after that you will need to get the air on them, (moisture is no good at this point) yes my belly button did this also! And also took the longest to heal! It can take up to 6 weeks for you to be completely back to normal. Remember your waiting for your stomach muscles to heal. For the first 2 weeks you should really take it easy. Alot of movement will just cause your muscles stress and take longer to heal. Evan just sitting yourself up from lying down us painful. Iv had an hysterectomy aswel so I know what your feeling. Please let your muscles rest. 🙏

[Endowarrior1807 in reply to Lolly1984]

Hi

As I wrote above, do you also know whether it’s normal to get a bulging pain in lower pelvic area when peeing?

Thanks

[Lolly1984 in reply to Endowarrior1807]

Hello. I do remember in the first week that going to the toilet (1+2) was very uncomfortable. But think it did ware off after that. I think if you had laser surgery around your bowel or bladder area then it might be uncomfortable for you, but everyone is different. If this pain continues then I would suggest a trip to the doctors. If the pain is stopping you from going to the toilet then I would defo get it checked out sooner rather than later. If it is unbearable tho please take yourself to A+E just to be sure.

[Rol81 in reply to Lolly1984]

hello , thank you for your message. Yes, it’s terrible the after care, just gage me a piece of paper about the DVT stockings .

I did ring yesterday and the nurse was lovely. Said if she was working I would have been told more info!!

So I’ve taken the bandages off yesterday. Need to wash my hair tomorrow in the shower so might put them on for the showers and then off again.

I’m resting as much as possible . Thanks for your words, hope all is well with you too x