Upcoming laparoscopy

[Vee2508]

I hope everyone has been well and has had a great year so far. I have a laparoscopy in three weeks time and wanted to know if anyone had any tips for the day and recovery afterwards as this will be my first one. I know that I should take some items with me such as slippers and a nightgown just in case but I wanted to know what else to expect and what else I may need.

[Finechina]

I had a laparoscopy 7 weeks ago, which appeared a straight forward process. Obviously follow the hospital information beforehand. I hope the wait doesn't last long before you walk down to theatre. I had to wait 4hours.

I only stayed in hospital for a few hours after the op. I thought that I may get some TLC from the nurses but they let you get on with it, getting dressed and using the toilet afterwards.

Take some snacks and drink with you, although i was given a sandwich and a cuppa, I found I needed some extra bit as I became weak and shakey. I was ok once I had stuffed a bar of chocolate and a can of pepsi!

I have 4 entry sites, biggest in belly button and pubic line which was fixed with glue. These weep when glue is coming away, keep an eye on the colour and a smell.

Keep up the pain killers, make sure you take them as prescribed for a few days. If you don't the pain will be there promptly. I took a routine of paracetamol, ibuprofen and Dihydrocodiene for 3days.

Don't rush to do anything. I went for a 10min walk on day 4, that wiped me out for 2 days. Get others to do as much as possible for you.

Get help with lower clothing as bending will be uncomfortable.

Get knickers that sit under belly button. Sanitary towels will be needed for several days.

I am still absent from work, 7 weeks on. So be mindful that heeling could take a while plus your abilities to do things.

I hope that helps you and not too scary!

Good luck.

[Vee2508 in reply to Finechina]

Thank you so much for the advice, my mum has very lovingly bought me a lot of loose clothing for the procedure, she has had a laparoscopy in the past too but hers was over a decade ago so she doesn’t remember it very well. She has taken some time off work to take care of me afterwards. I’ll take your advice and take some snacks with me just in case I have to wait afterwards ❤️

[Jez259]

Hi Vee. I’d say stock up on peppermint tea. You’ll need it. It helped me get my bowels regular again and helped get rid of excess trapped wind around my shoulder area. Some great videos on YT that provided guidance as well - vlogs from women who are about to do it/ have just done it/ what they took in with them etc. you’ll be fine x

[Vee2508 in reply to Jez259]

Thank you so much, I’ll definitely stock up on peppermint tea over the next couple of weeks, I’ve heard about the stories of bloating and gas so I’d rather be prepared beforehand

[veeq]

Hello, how long did you have to wait for your laparoscopy?

[Vee2508 in reply to veeq]

I had my last consultation in November and he booked me in for the 29th of January so around 2-3 months, however this was a private hospital so I’m not sure how long the wait is on the NHS. I hope it helped ❤️