surgery tips

[Kieraface]

hi everyone. I have finally been given my surgery date of 6th October. So just shy of 4 weeks away now. I have stage 4 severe deep infiltrating posterior compartment endo that they’re gonna extract using robotic surgery. I’m quite worried about the aftermath and pain. I’m also having a large endometrioma cyst removed. They have told me it’s going to be a long extensive surgery and not just a standard lap.

Just wondered what people’s experience of the surgery has been and if people have tips and pointers of things to take with me and things to have for afterwards. I’m pretty sure it’ll be dresses for days rather than leggings and floaty tops - which is what I’ve lived in due to severe endo belly. Looking pretty pregnant atm! 🙈

Any tips or pointers for things I’ll need pre and post op would be amazing.

Thank you warriors 💛💛

[TennisCourt]

commenting to follow this lovely. Is this your first lap? I’ve got my first lap in October but haven’t been diagnosed yet.

I hope you feel like a new woman after. Best of luck with it all!❤️

[Kieraface in reply to TennisCourt]

Yeah my first one. I only got diagnosed on 31st July via MRI so this will be my first treatment. Can’t do anything about the adenomyosis but can treat everything else hopefully 🤞🏽 good luck! Let me know how you get on in October xx

[Emma2023]

Hello.I recently had a diagnostic laparoscopy in June...

I wasn't able to sit up for a long time so some comfy cushions are a must, those big triangle ones are great.

My parents lent me one of their reclining sun loungers so I could sit at a table which was a god send for getting back to normal.

Floaty clothes are a must, avoid anything tight and wear bottoms low.

You'll need a cushion or a thick folded towel to pad the seatbelt for the way home.

Don't think you're superwoman, let others do as much for you as they can.

Avoid twisting from the middle when getting out the car when coming home and getting out of bed/off the sofa etc.....for a long time!

Get all the housework done now and bulk cook a load of things to freeze/buy in very easy ready meals.

Try and get as fit as you can now, maybe add in some yoga and planks to your routine if you don't already. The core strength with be beneficial.

Take all the drugs!

Take your time with recovery, you know your own body, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

Take the time to relax but it's also a good time to get all your emails and life admin type stuff done if you need to feel productive.

I think that's all for now.

Wishing you all the best and a super speedy recovery!!💜👍🏼

[Kieraface in reply to Emma2023]

aww thanks Emma!

If only I could exercise right now! The pain is intense and has been for so long. I have massive endo bloat that hasn’t given me a break for ages and my back hurts so bad due to the endo being embedded in the ligaments and muscles there that even walking can be a struggle at times

I’ve gone up two dress sizes with the bloat xx

[Annabelannabel in reply to Kieraface]

It's horrible how it affects the size of your belly I used to be a size 10! Now I can't fit into any jeans or jeggings my waist is now 40inches it's so annoying and uncomfortable especially at work in the heat

[Username12345678]

hi, I was going to reply but then I read Emma’s comments - she’s covered everything I would have said! Great advice, especially about not overdoing it. Good luck with your surgery x

[Kieraface in reply to Username12345678]

Thank you! It’s horrible that you’ve sadly been through it but I’m grateful that you and others share best practice to help those of us who are starting our treatment journeys x.

[Loriiim]

Hi,

I'd recommend peppermint tea to help with any bloating, & a shot of aloe vera gel daily with some juice to help get your bowel moving/soften your stool. Also prune juice if you can handle the taste (I couldn't!) & some dried dates/apricots for the same reason. I had to have a catheter after surgery due to urine retention & couldn't sit down, so I'd recommend having a spare pillow so you can sit at an angle in the car home, just in case! Also a long handled sponge for the shower, for once you're allowed to have one, so it's easier to wash the lower part of your body. You might also feel nauseous after the general anaesthetic, so you may want to look at getting some anti nausea tablets. I took cyclizine hydrochloride as I already take these for migraines. They can cause drowsiness so just something to be aware of (you'll be drowsy anyway). You can buy them over the counter but obviously speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have any questions! Also something to do in bed/from the sofa - game console, knitting etc for when you feel up to it. I also did things like charge a battery pack so I could charge my phone from bed without having to reach for plug sockets. Otherwise just take it easy. Not sure if you're having a laparoscopy or a laparotomy, but if a laparoscopy then walking around the room will help with the gas, but obviously only do if so you're able to. Best of luck with it, I hope it all goes ok!

[Kieraface in reply to Loriiim]

It’s robotic assisted surgery so I think it’s a laparoscopy. Not sure if it works the same with the gas though. Haven’t had my pre op yet.

Thank you for the tips x

[ricegirl]

My anesthesia doctor did a pre-surgery nerve block which helped me avoid need of opioid pain killers. Then they gave be a two day schedule of intermittent ibuprofen & acetaminophen every three hours. My 1st night was really awful because they pump your body cavity with CO2 and not all the gas escapes before they glue you back together. The pain when to my shoulders. I could not sleep lying down. If you have access to a recliner (great). If you dont, get some pillows ready for a tough night & fully charged phone so you can set wake-up timers for you every 3 hour pain med pill taking. Wish you well. Day 2 is better

[Kieraface in reply to ricegirl]

Sorry you had such awful pain! I had the trapped wind with my gallbladder surgery and it was terrible. I wasn’t sure if this surgery would also require the co2. I haven’t had a pre op yet - all I know is that it’s robotic assisted. The da vinci thing I think is what the gyny said x