laparoscopy preparation advice

[Jessiah19]

Hi everyone, joining this group as I have finally been put on the list for the first laparoscopy. This comes 14 years after first seeing the doctor for my periods at the age of 10 and over a decade since endometriosis was first mentioned as a possibility.

Although I’m relieved to finally be making some progress in diagnosis and treatment, I have a lot of anxiety ahead of the laparoscopy and so want to do my best to prepare.

I have a huge phobia of hospitals and I know it is only a day surgery but I am already really freaked out.

Does anyone have any advice of things I should make sure I have to take with me on the day? And any items I should maybe stock up on for the days following? Any and all advice is welcome, from certain types of clothing and underwear I should pack to anything that may make the experience a little smoother for me. Thanks!

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

It’s not as scary as your mind is telling you. I was petrified before first op. They are well trained.

Peppermint tea for after, helps ease the gas. Something loose to wear and a small cushion in the car for on the way home between you and the seatbelt. Mobile phone and charger, book or magazine in case you aren’t first down. Little things for overnight, just in case you’re last down. Own pads for after, theirs are thick cheap and horrible.

I’m sure there are other things I can’t remember 🙂 I’m sure others will post. Doing a search might help as well.

Hope it goes well and you get some answers after so long. Let us know how you get on.

[NeonPothos]

Hi, firstly I’m so happy that you’ve finally been listened to and have you Lap booked. It took me 8/9 years and I thought that was a long time!

Definitely take a pillow (to put between the seatbelt and your stomach in the car on the way home), and also hold this against you if you need to sneeze/cough as it really helps. Also take pads, and make sure you put slip on shoes on as you’ll find it hard to do laces afterwards.

I hope that helps, the op is easy, but the recovery is more difficult - just be patient with yourself and don’t compare your healing time to anyone else

[miha]

Hi,

You’ve got this! I’m sure you went through something worse with endometriosis pain. You’re having surgery to ease that pain.

I would suggest you pack some very loose clothes especially around your tummy as it will be very bloated for a while. Something you can dress pretty easily.

You will have some bleeding so make sure you have some pads.

Be patient and take care of your body! Good luck!

[CaffeineCat]

Hi there,

Congrats on finally getting the treatment you need! I am literally writing this from my bed the day after my first laparoscopy. I have a vomit phobia so was terrified of the after-effects of the anaesthetic. Everyone I spoke to about this was really nice and they had some anti-nausea medication on hand when I woke up, so your doctors and nurses should be able to make some accommodations for you to make you more comfortable.

Definitely bring a pillow for the car ride home and loose, comfy clothing, as suggested elsewhere. I bought men's boxers a size too big and I was glad I did as I was so bloated! Also stockpile paracetamol and ibuprofen for when you get home. They should give you some painkillers to take home (I got codeine!), but the others will definitely help too.

For me, the pain when I woke up was more than I expected, and I'm still quite sore today and need help getting in and out of bed, so, if you can, try and have someone with you for the first few days! I also was quite woozy after I woke up. The drugs from the anaesthetic made me lose my appetite so I didn't eat much, but that meant I had to stay longer as I was too woozy to stand for longer than a few minutes! So try to eat more than a couple biscuits after you wake up so you can get home.

The pain today is way less than yesterday, so I reckon it will ease massively over the next few days. And sleep is your best friend! Your muscles are most relaxed when you're asleep which eases the pain.

Best of luck for your surgery! It will make everything so much better once you've recovered x

[Palomino13]

Hello Jessiah,

I had my Lap 2 months ago and I was petrified from severe phobia of hospital.

I actually had 3 sessions of hypnotherapy before the operation and I couldn’t believe how much it reduced my fear on the day. She sent me a voice recording which I listened to everyday and she rang me on the day. It wasn’t hypnotherapy that people imagine.

Take someone with you that makes you laugh or feel good. Great advice below. Make sure you take super loose trousers or PJs as it’s hard to bend and your stomach will be swollen.

Best of luck

[AlexaMac]

Hi have only just found your message as have been offline for a few days.

I am 77 so my journey has probably been different from yours but to cut out the first year when nothing seemed to happen. Dec last year had partial hysterectomy due to heavy post meno bleeding, they found cancer in the wall of my womb so March this year had hysterectomy completed.

Preparation before hand, take sanitary products, a good book you enjoy, puzzle books, your phone and iPad if you have them, these can be charged at your bedside.

Home prep, l would suggest if you are able to cook and freeze moderate portions of your favourite meals to last at least a week when you return home, this is as you will find your energy levels will take a while to return.

Post op be kind to yourself don’t try to push yourself to hard, have they told you you will not be able to drive for about 6 weeks post op, also you will need a cushion to place between your tummy and your belt when a passenger for almost the same amount of time.

Be prepared to stay in a little longer than 24 hours as we are all different, due to my age they kept me in for 4 nights even though l was able to go to the loo unaided only 8 hours after going to surgery.

Please be kind to yourself and never be afraid to ask your attendant nurse any and all questions even if at the time they might sound silly, they are wonderfully accomplished and kind.

Wishing you well on your journey back to health

Alexa 🌸🌸🌸