laparoscopy on weds, first one! Help!

[Rosiehannah1]

hello! I have my first lap on Wednesday and I am SO nervous. I feel sick thinking about it. Can anyone help me relax? Any advice on what to take and also let me know what to expect with the pain?

[Kieraface]

I have my first surgery a week on Friday and am bricking it. Luckily so many lovely ladies on her have given me advice. They said to make sure to do as much cleaning and tidying as possible beforehand. Prep as many meals in the freezer and once home make sure to take the meds and rest. You’ll be sore for a good few days after depending on what they do. Also for the drive home make sure to have a pillow or blanket to pad out the seatbelt as your stomach will be very tender. Clothes wise I was also recommended loose clothes, nothing tight on the stomach and some pants that don’t come too high up - so they don’t sit on the entry points from the surgery. Good luck! I hope it goes well xx

[Rosiehannah1 in reply to Kieraface]

Thankyou! Hoping yours goes well too x

[Mindfullness4791]

I had my first 1 6 weeks and like you I was really nervous. It was absolutely fine. I recovered really quickly. I was a little bit sore but after a couple of days I was back to normal. Get some peppermint tea for after, as you can get slight shoulder discomfort due to the wind they pump into you. Good luck x

[Rosiehannah1]

Thankyou so much!!! X

[Krissie25]

Hi Rosie,

I hope you are feeling a little better after reading some advice. If you’re anything like me then I think you’ll be nervous up until the moment they put you to sleep. I’ve had 4 surgeries (all gynaecology) and felt like that on every one. My latest surgery was 6 days ago finally for endo excision, so I know you’ll be fine, but I always worried too.

Here’s a few things I’d suggest taking -

Loose clothing, water bottle for after, socks, slippers, comfy underwear, dressing gown, hair bands, sanitary products (you’ll probably bleed/spot after), headphones, peppermint tea, deodorant, pillow (for in the car on the way home to protect your wounds from the seatbelt), lip balm and mints for after too.

Wishing you lots of luck for your surgery and a speedy recovery. It will all be okay, you’re in the safest hands xxx

[Rosiehannah1 in reply to Krissie25]

Thankyou so much for your wonderful advice. I hope you are recovering ok? Still very nervous and you’re right I think I will be up until the point I’m asleep, but Thankyou you have really helped ease this. Xxx

[Krissie25 in reply to Rosiehannah1]

Aw I know it’s always really scary, but just try and remember they are only there to look after you as best as possible. I always think “I'm used to this now, I won’t be so worried this time” but I always am haha!

Yeah I’m recovering fine, feeling really well. Thank you for asking. I hope you’ll feel the same after yours too.

Wishing you all the best. If you have any questions before/after, you can always message me & I’ll try and help. Good luck xxx

[Rosiehannah1 in reply to Krissie25]

Thankyou xxxx

[Thomasct]

Please don't worry, I've had two, i was so scared i suffer with health anxiety and both times it was fine, tell your doctors how you are feeling they will put your mind at ease and give you something to calm you. Just think thursday it will all be done and your have the weekend to relax. Pain wise i was ok only needing ibuprofen and paracetamol for a day or two, try to keep moving little and often to help dispurse the wind.

[Rosiehannah1 in reply to Thomasct]

Thankyou so much for your help. I am so scared but trying to be brave!

[Foxlet]

Hi Rosie,

I have had 7 of these procedures, and still feel horribly nervous beforehand. I think it is just the way we are wired! I am sending a big cyber hug and know you will be just fine.

In terms of expectations, be prepared for your belly to bloat more than you may expect - it is just the gas. In my experience the soreness in my shoulder was worse than any abdominal discomfort, but even that is gone within a day or two. Your doctor will recommend painkillers and I would just take them as needed. You may feel a little weak and even dizzy for a day or two - just be kind to yourself and put your feet up. The incisions are very small and should not give you any trouble at all. Otherwise I would follow all the great advice from others on this thread.

Sending very best wishes x

[Rosiehannah1 in reply to Foxlet]

Thankyou so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it. Hoping I will be brave tomorrow! X