How long after excision laparoscopy can I drive, exercise etc

[Seaside1]

Hi endo warriors, How long did it take you to get back to normal after excision surgery please? Hospital were a bit vague about it when I asked. I'm paranoid to get back to things like driving and exercising too soon as don't want to set back recovery. How long does it take to heal internally? I've had a painful period and painful ovulation since my surgery. Really hoping that's just because I'm still healing internally and not because surgery hasn't worked. Also when is it OK to have intercourse again. Many thanks

[Endofitall]

I found it took 3-4 weeks to feel able to drive but I am a slow healer. I had quite extensive work done with excision so I didn’t feel ready to exercise until gone 6-8 weeks. I could only do gentle walks and gentle yoga before this.

It really depends on your healing rate, complications and what you had done during the op. Only do what feels right. If it feels too much dial it back for a few days. Listen to your body. Just because some heal in 2 weeks doesn’t mean you have to. It took me 12 weeks to feel back to normal. And I was only back in work phased return at 8-10 weeks. I still couldn’t wear my normal clothes due to bloating until around 8-10 weeks.

We tried intercourse after 4 weeks but still felt sore so left it a bit longer. Technically the surgeon said to me any time feel ready.

My first two ovulations were very symptomatic and first period was still painful to point I was worried I’d put myself through this all for nothing. Things do settle. It can take 3-6 months so don’t give up hope. If you can’t take hormone treatment (we’re TTC so I can’t) then I’ve been prescribed mefenamic and tranexamic acid during periods for now while TTC.

Hope you feel normal again soon

[Seaside1 in reply to Endofitall]

Thanks so much for your reply and for sharing your experience. I'm 4 weeks post lap and still feel exhausted, bloated and dizzy. Was worrying as it seemed some people are getting back to normal after 2 weeks but I'm still feeling rough at 4. I'm sorry to hear first ovulations and period after your lap was rough too, but glad to hear it eased after. That's interesting you've been prescribed mefenamic and tranexamic acid, I was told by a doctor in the past I could not take these whilst TTC, the advice must have changed as that was years ago, I'll be sure to ask my current doctor about being prescribed these thanks. Wishing you all the best

[Endofitall in reply to Seaside1]

you’re very welcome. I hope things settle soon. Honestly though I think I posted here at 8 weeks worrying I was still bloated and soon after it settled. Things take time. Even though the incisions on the outside are small the work inside can be major and takes time to heal.

As long as you’re only taking once you start your period it’s fine as no chance you’re pregnant and it’ll be out your system before next fertile window and potential 2WW ( for extra reassurance even if you bleed do pregnancy test to make sure it is your period rather than implantation bleeding - I test early anyway as I am meant to start clexane and pred with positive test, so know it’s negative and period due). My GP, fertility dr, and endo specialist have all advised it to help me cope with periods while TTC (I have adenomyosis too). Hope that helps x

[Seaside1 in reply to Endofitall]

That's super helpful thank you! That's just great I can take those meds when TTC as my bleeding is so very heavy I really need something to help control it. Really useful to know I can take these whilst TTC as I had no idea I could. Thank you! All the best on your TTC journey.

[Endofitall in reply to Seaside1]

Super glad I could share and help. Bestest wishes to you too!

[MrsPaddingtonBear]

Hello

Another case of a hospital/consultant telling you nothing! As a guide it takes six weeks to recover from surgery. You will tire more easily in this time. Any internal surgery takes 3 months to recover from, so any cut through muscles, nerves, internal treatments eg lazering/ removal of Endo etc. You can slowly begin to get back to normal after two weeks. But that doesn’t mean doing a massive spring clean or anything on that level. It’s walking further and longer, back to work on reduced duties if required, a walk around the shops, no heavy lifting. As for driving it’s when you can safely do an emergency stop without feeling pain, how we are supposed to know that without doing it I have no idea! As for intimacy that’s entirely up to you it’s when you feel comfortable. I’ve spent 20 years going to gynaecology many surgeries, 4 miscarriages an ectopic, pre cancer cell treatments, and finally a hysterectomy last October that became a medical emergency and a colostomy operation to save my life and remove my womb and un attach the bowel. Now waiting for colostomy reversal surgery. My gynaecologist was very happy to officially sign me off in January, he typed signed off then got up and hugged me! Good luck with your treatment and recovery.

[Seaside1 in reply to MrsPaddingtonBear]

Thank you so much for all your helpful advice. I'm very sorry to hear all that you have been through. And hope you don't have to wait too long for your colostomy reversal surgery. Good luck with your surgery. Best wishes to you.