Laparoscopy excision of endo recovery

[SimzTH]

hi all,

I have my first laparoscopy next Monday and I was just wondering how long it took everyone to recover? In my mind I am expecting to be off work for 2 weeks, and I need a fit note for this, can the consultant give me this before I leave the hospital?

Would really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences so I know what to expect!

Thanks 😊

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

Recovery is fairly individual and depends on what they do. The hospital should be able to give you a fit note, they do normally but only for a couple of weeks, after that it’s through GP.

Not sure if you need any help on what to take. Just in case you are late down take things small overnight stuff, phone charger etc. Peppermint tea is great to help ease gas symptoms after op. A small cushion to go between you and seatbelt on the way home to keep pressure off tum and something loose to wear after.

[Kieraface]

hey! Good luck for Monday!

I had my surgery on 6th October and I was off work for 3 weeks. When I went back I struggled but it was manageable. Everyone is different. I’ve known women go back after 2 weeks and some needed 6! It’s about listening to YOUR body and not pushing yourself too hard. Do the pelvic floor exercises they give you to help. It hurts to start with but it does help. Just try and take it easy and slowly build up. Maybe see if your employer will let you work from home initially when you return and maybe a phased return, could help you get back quicker xx

[Kieraface in reply to Kieraface]

Also - they give you a 2 week note at the hospital and anything else is gp based (this was my experience) xx

[melwise42 in reply to Kieraface]

Hiya, this is interesting to know thanks, I'm waiting for mine and I'm a gardener so wondering how quickly I can go back to work as it's a physical job! Good to know it takes people longer than 2 weeks so I can warn my work!

[Endofitall in reply to melwise42]

It’s not that hospital can only do 2 weeks. They can do 8 weeks or more if they want. They may just judge that x number of weeks is likely okay and then if you need more or need phased return/amended duties you’d speak to your GP at the end of the hospital note.

[SimzTH]

Thank you both so much for responding that’s really helped! I will make sure to post after with how it goes - good or bad! 😊

[Endosufferer1]

I asked for a good month. Two weeks is far from being enough!

[Endofitall]

I’ve had my lap excision last week. I was given a 4 week note by hospital. They’ve also advised 2 weeks phased return after that. It really depends what they find. You can only give work a ballpark but it will depend on what happens in your op and the type of job you do. I have quite a manual job I cannot do from home and involved lifting and bending etc. Best of luck!