Positive NHS surgery experience- for those who need reassurance!

[siob96]

Hi everyone! I feel the need to share my laparoscopy surgery experience with as many people with endo as possible to reassure them. I was so nervous going in, although the surgery was scheduled quite last minute so fortunately I didn’t have time to dwell on it too much.

I had my surgery on the NHS after a looong wait (as anyone in the UK will know!). Ok the day the nurses were very kind and patient with me, everyone explained things very well to make sure I knew exactly what was going on at all times. The anaesthesiologists were so lovely and even stroked my hair as I started to drift off - it’s a small thing but makes such a big difference when you’re nervous!

I woke up with what felt like moderate period cramps, but these eased quickly as I was given plenty of morphine. Once I came around and was in less pain I was taken from the recovery room to the ward. At this point I was desperate for a wee (which I was happy about as I worried I wouldn’t be able to go!). After that I was dozing on and off most of the day until I was ready to be picked up and taken home. At this point I felt quite nauseous and very tired, but didn’t feel much pain at all.

Over the past couple of days I’ve felt sore, nausea, and tired, but that’s about it! I’ve had slight gas pain come and go, but nowhere near as much as I expected. Also when I’ve felt this pain it’s been lower down in my stomach, not my shoulder like many other people experienced. I’ve not had a sore throat at all either, which I was fully expecting. And I had my first bowel movement today which was a bit uncomfortable, but didn’t hurt.

The surgery itself was a success as well! The surgeon was able to remove all the endo and the large endometrioma. They also said my ovaries and tubes looked fine, which was a relief as I was worried about them.

I feel very lucky with my experience and wanted to share it to show that recovery can be smooth and straightforward! I feel like if you’ve had a good recovery you’re more likely to stop looking at the forums as much and not share your story, which is why experiences online can seem overwhelmingly negative. That’s not to say these experiences don’t exist, sadly people will have bad experiences with surgery. But plenty of people have good ones too, and there’s no reason yours won’t be a good one!

From my experience, the two things that have helped me most is drinking plenty of water and ginger tea to help with nausea, and getting a walking stick for getting up and down off the sofa and around the house.

For anyone reading this nervous about their next laparoscopy, whether it’s a first or a tenth, I hope my experience has made you feel more optimistic about your recovery! ❤️‍🩹

[shasga]

how long do you wait for your surgery?? and which area are u based in?

[siob96 in reply to shasga]

I was put on the waiting list late January 2023 and the surgery was last Wednesday ☺️ I’m in the North East, my hospital was the RVI

[me94]

Glad you had your surgery and endo was removed. Like you say people don't often post about the positives about the recovery which does make people feel alone seeking advice. Can I ask when was your surgery? I had surgery to remove endo over 7 weeks ago but still experiencing pain

[siob96 in reply to me94]

My surgery was only on Wednesday so I’m perhaps being a bit premature saying how well recovery is going 😅 but I’m genuinely so surprised I don’t feel a lot worse!

Sorry to hear you’re still in pain, sounds like you’ve had a long recovery. Have you got any post op appointments with the surgeon? Or if not you could just give them a call anyway and ask if this is normal and if there’s anything they’d recommend. Hope you’re feeling better soon!

[Zanlancaster]

that’s good to read, how long would I need off work, I am having ovaries and tubes removed via laparoscopy. I pray it works; this pain is so bad. They have to find something big else this is all in my mind 😂 and nerve damage . My op is January and I’m counting the days now

[siob96 in reply to Zanlancaster]

My sick note was for 2 weeks, I think that’s the standard they give. My work have been very understanding and have given me 3 anyway without me needing to ask! Possibly because things are so quiet in my line of work in the lead up to Christmas haha. At the minute, I’d say 2 would be enough to return and be okay, but 3 would be enough to return and feel comfortable. If you’re having ovaries and tubes removed though you could end up needing a little longer.

I really hope it works for you and the surgery goes smoothly! Not long to go now ☺️

[Cinnamonswirl]

Thank you so much for sharing your positive story! I've just been put on the waiting list for laparoscopy after an MRI showed evidence of endometriosis in cul de sac. Could I ask which areas they removed the endo from for you? I have been told my hospital stay will be two to three days, and I will need four weeks off work - so I am wondering if the recovery period depends on where the endo is? Thanks

[LisUK]

Thank you for sharing! You're right, many people don't write about positive experiences as much as negative!

I've also just had the same surgery through my private healthcare (yes, privileged position, I have it through work) and can honestly say it was a really positive experience too, much the same as yours minus the nausea and plus the gas pain which was a little more tricky but manageable.

I agree, plenty of water before and after, assume it's all going to go well, you're in the best possible care and the calmer you go in the better the experience. Th dragons of the mind are always worse than in real life!

[Tulip1983]

This is lovely to read. I wish you a speedy recovery and a bright and healthy future.

[Reethi19]

thank you for sharing this, pleased to hear it went well. Do you mind if I ask if an endo specialist performed your surgery or a general gynaecologist?