C section vs Lap Recovery

[DarkStar85]

Has anyone had both a c section and lap with excision, cysts removed and bowel shaved? Just wondering how recovery compares with the 2 surgeries. My pain was gone 2 weeks post section and I was out of bed 6 hours after surgery. Something tells me this is going to be worse! Lap scheduled in 4 weeks, dreading it.

[GreenViolin]

Hi DarkStar. I've never had a c-section, but I'm three weeks post-op for my third lap, and I can tell you that recovery varies significantly depending on what you've had done. This time round involved much more extensive excision of endo, fibroids and cysts that were tying my organs together, and I could really tell right from the off that it would take longer to recover. I was catheterised so wasn't out of bed until the following day and I was in hospital two nights. The pain is very much still ongoing, although I've started doing up to an hour of work a day from home a day to help me feel like I have some control over something! I felt pretty miserable once I got home for a few days, but there's definitely light at the end of the tunnel, so hang in there. You've got this!

[DarkStar85 in reply to GreenViolin]

Thanks for replying greenviolin. That sounds tough. Makes sense each recovery is different depending on the extent of lap. I'm quite worried since I've got severe endo, cysts being removed with bowel and ovaries stuck. So that sounds like quite a lot to deal with. Terrified of coming home with a colostomy bag! And the kids seeing me in pain when I'm home is stressing me out. Can I ask what pain relief you were given at home? Did you have the morphine drip that you control in hospital? Thanks again for replying, I hope you're recovery is quick x

[GreenViolin in reply to DarkStar85]

My endo was stuck to my bladder, rectum, ovaries and uterus, but was successfully removed without anything being damaged, but I can understand why you are worried as there's always a small chance. I would mention your worries to your surgeon when they see you before you go into theatre as hopefully they can give some reassurance as to the likelihood of you coming out with a colostomy bag.

I had a morphine drip in hospital, which they encouraged me to use right from when I came round in recovery and that was really helpful. By the time they removed it the following day I was barely using it. I was given liquid morphine and Meptazinol tablets to take home and have alongside paracetamol and ibuprofen. I'm still having three lots of paracetamol and ibuprofen daily, but I stopped taking the opioids regularly fairly quickly, and just left them for when the pain heightened if I tried to do too much etc. I also got myself a postpartum belt from BabyGo which has helped provide support / manage the pain via gentle compression. At no point have I felt that I haven't had enough pain relief at hand (unlike prior to surgery).

[DarkStar85 in reply to GreenViolin]

Thats good to know you've had decent pain relief. I was sent home from the c section major surgery with only paracetamol and ibuprofen. I subsequently wrecked my stomach with too much brufen and can't take it anymore. So I definitely need an opiate home. Glad you mentioned the post partum belt as I have one and wondered if I should use it. Thanks so much for your help. I'm freaking out about the whole thing!

[GreenViolin in reply to DarkStar85]

I've never had kids, but I was shopping around for leggings to wear after surgery. I decided to try BabyGo postpartum leggings, but was horrified when they arrived to see their logo on the ankle. I wasn't able to have kids, so the last thing I want is someone getting the wrong impression from what I'm wearing. I explained this when I asked to return the leggings and got such a lovely response - they offered to take the logos off and send back to me free of charge. They also suggested the postpartum belt, and I've been so glad I went for it - it really does help.

One of the things that can really help is to tell your surgeon, anaesthetist, nurses etc what you're worried about when you're admitted. In my experience, they generally go out of their way to address your fears and help put your mind at rest, either by sharing information or by adjusting medication etc if appropriate. After my first lap I had severe nausea and vomiting, and I always mention that now before surgery. Without fail, I've always been told they will up the anti-nausea meds to prevent that happening again.

[DarkStar85 in reply to GreenViolin]

Oh my goodness that's heartbreaking sorry ❤️ what a lovely gesture from the company. Yes, I had a bad vomiting reaction to a GA when I had a thyroidectomy and tumour removed so I will be telling them to give me the highest dose anti sickness! Thanks for your wisdom and kindness.

[Jem33]

Hi I had a c section for twins nearly 13 years ago and I was like you out of bed some hours later and whilst I was sore and struggling I was able to care for my babies albeit with some difficulty and a lot of support.

I’ve just had a hysterectomy, salping-oopherectomy, excision of stage 4 endo and a bowel shave by keyhole. I wouldn’t say this was worse pain wise but it does feel harder. I do think this is an age/mental thing as I am older and maybe feeling a little sorry for myself and I don’t have dependent babies who need me more than I need the rest.

I was nervous I would be worse pain and mobility wise so it's not all doom and gloom. Mentally I feel 100% better and physically I feel I just need to recover from the surgery rather than the horrendous endo/adeno pain. Obviously I am fresh out of surgery this week and everyone reacts different but try give yourself some comfort that there are some success stories out there.

Best of luck!

[DarkStar85]

Thanks for replying Jem. You've been through a lot, that's a huge surgery. I reckon with the section it's the wound and layers that have been incised that need to heal. Whereas this surgery it excising endo, removing cysts, shaving bowel so all of those sites will need to heal and have more scar tissue. This time I won't be lifting a finger for 6 weeks unlike having a newborn! You must have had double the work with twins, hats off! Hope you're recovery continues to go well ❤️

[Jem33 in reply to DarkStar85]

Yeh I think you’re right because they are cutting through so much more and a wider area and taking out some organs.

To be honest they were and still are a dream because they always had a friend in each other. Some crazy times but worth it every step of the way.

Thank you!

Good luck to you!

[Chel91]

I did both within 1 year of each other. I would say they are similar, c-section was definitely worse and more painful though. Hard to say for sure because the circumstances are so different (sleep deprivation, caring for babies etc.). Also I limited pain relief due to breastfeeding. Don't be afraid to get a lot of pain relief (opioids), gas medication helps too, plus plenty of rest.

[DarkStar85 in reply to Chel91]

Yes I was only on mild pain killers after the section due to bf. This time I'll be taking everything 🤣

[Nicccc]

hello. I’ve had both. I found the laps (2) worse than the c section . I think it was because of the gas they pump into you during the lap which tracks to your shoulders. I just couldn’t shift mine. They say movement helps but I couldn’t move straight away. Make sure you have good pain relief x

[DarkStar85 in reply to Nicccc]

Thanks for the advice. I've got peppermint tea and capsules to hopefully help this and a weighted heat pad for the shoulders. Did peppermint not help you or windease? That sounds so tough as I remember the shoulder pain just from the section and this will be worse. I will be asking for tramadol for home as I can't take NSAIDS x