hi I’d be grateful for any advice on things you found useful post lap for endo excision. What kind of things did you wear after. I tend to wear tunics and leggings or tops and jeans but don’t know if they’ll feel too tight and uncomfortable. Did you find it easy to put on a top or was a button through better? How soon were you able to shower? Any tips on going to toilet after - did you use regular laxatives! What sort of painkillers were you given and did you have to buy any more than what hospital gave you?
How did you find returning to exercise and work (I have an active job and involved driving) ? I realise everyone is different and amount of work needing to be done on excision will change things too.
Sorry for all the Qs but just want to be prepared!
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Hi there, I wore pyjamas after my lap. Loose fitting clothes and underwear are a must. Also used laxatives from Sainsburys, they worked a treat. Hospital gave codine but that causes constipation so I didn’t use those for more than 3 days. I used normal painkillers.
I asked for 6 weeks off so I could heal properly. They recommend not driving or lifting heavy objects for at least 6 weeks so I stuck to that.
You’re not allowed to use soap or perfume etc on the wounds so I didn’t wash my hair for the first few days , I went to a hairdresser and asked them to do it!
Hi there, I got some great advice on this forum for my recovery from my lap in October. I spent 3 nights in hospital after mine and had 2 weeks off work (returning tomorrow, but working remotely for the first week). I think recovery really varies but I didn't find mine too bad!
I brought the following to hospital: comfy loose pyjamas for the days just after the op (no buttons, zippers etc as your stomach/ abdomen is really tender), jogging bottoms and loose sports top for going home, slippers, socks, wipes, hairbands, dressing gown, sanitary products, headphones & reading/watching material, snacks, pillow (for in the car on the way home as the seatbelt may strain across your wounds), trainers. Also just remember to keep all the essentials close for after surgery as you won't be able to stretch/move your stomach/abdomen too much at least for the first day.
In terms of recovery I spent the day just after recovering in bed, 2 days after I was mobile again and could shower myself/walk around slowly. I started driving about 2 weeks after once I had no pain at all and my energy was back. My gynaecologist emphasised not to drive until I was completely pain free and confident I could do manoeuvres etc. I definitely feel ready to go back to work tomorrow, which is 2 weeks post surgery.
The hospital gave me ibuprofen and paracetamol going home but after the first week I actually only needed the ibuprofen.
I needed two weeks leave and the third week I worked from home. I wasn’t ready to return to the office yet. For me the most challenging things were recovering from the anaesthetic ( my body doesn’t respond very well to it and makes me feel quite flat), shoulder pain from trapped air due to the lap - random but they warned about it and it was painful! Not sure if anyone else had this? I took Panadol for it. My surgery was a couple of years ago but I remember that and needed to sleep sitting up - lots of pillows. I tried going out in my first week post op but could only walk very slowly and tiny steps. Bottom line is, be patient with yourself and the recovery, whatever it looks like for you. It won’t last forever and you will feel better again so just remember that.
I only spent one night in hospital and it’s a blur due to the pain killers but I found a nightie useful and loose underwear. The hospital provided most things so I found I didn’t need a lot of what I packed but the dressing gown and slippers I bought were useful.
Hi I'm 8 weeks postbop & I actually didn't realise the amount of stuff u would need for after lol. I wore my tracksuit bottoms which I only own 2 pairs as I'm a Jean kind of girl. I wore them for about 5 weeks as it felt comfortable. I only just feel better in my jeans now. So yh leggings would be good to. Tops was no problem just a lose top.... Your not meant to shower for 24 hours but I did the same day as the day I had my surgery it was a hot day and I'd been sweating all day in hospital. I just took my shower head down avoiding the bandages. It wasn't nice but it had to be done. As for going the toilet it was awful for a week I wasn't prepared it's like the first bowel movement after giving birth but for a whole week. I was not prepared but, I did end up buying peppermint tea to help the bloat and it did help me go. I was given zero pain killers so I just had ibuprofen and paracetamol which was no good to be honest. The back pain was horrendous more than anything. I'm still getting it now if I do to much. I'm actually still off work for 2 more weeks as I have a psyical job. I went and brought an digital strap on stomach heater off amazon to help with the aches and pains. As for exercise it took about 4 weeks but I still ache now if I do to much. I actually vacuumed the living room on day 4 and omg I felt horrendous after for 2 days I realised I need to just rest for a week to let myself heal internally. Easy said then done with a child, dog & hubby lol... anyway hope this helped you. Good luck xx
I found doing specialist pelvic core physio pre and post op very useful ( try @corerecoverypt) and and really thorough nutritional support ( absolutely necessary read and dietary guidance from Katie Edmonds book Heal Endo and she’s also got a recipe book too ).
For the constipation in the end I found the pain relief to be counterproductive and ended up causing many issues. Ensuring I had enough daily water on board ( that’s water not other things !) - I use 3 litres drunk slowly over the day - chia seeds - lots of homemade soups, Gentle movements, Omega 3 levels need to be good for proper pain management and reduction of inflammation as well as healthy gut function.
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