Hi everyone, hope you’re all doing well!
I finally have my laparoscopy tomorrow after it being cancelled two months ago. Does anyone have any last minute tips or tricks for pre and post surgery? And can anyone explain a little bit more about what happens when you get to the hospital and the process after that? I am new to all of this, it’s my first surgery and the nerves are definitely kicking in now!
Thank you 😊
Weirdly want to congratulate you on getting to this point but also aware of how apprehensive this can make some feel so sending chill vibes for swift post surgery healing.
I had my 1st lapat the start of April….. got there early, lots of people asking me lots of the same Qs…nurses /anaesthetist/surgeons etc. then I walked round to theatre myself and last thing I recall was being asked what my favourite drink was.
I then woke in recovery - I had a slightly worse reaction to the general anaesthetic than expected - shivers/vomit/blurred vision so was admitted overnight - they’d expected me to be able to walk out that afternoon. I was fine by lunch the next day. Pain from puncture sites wasn’t bad at all, but the pain from gas and constipation (caused by the morphine) was horrific for days. I was also not aware of how unbelievably dry my throat would be post surgery…..you won’t be allowed a drink b4, but have lots of water/juice etc on hand for after! It was really hard to eat because my mouth/throat was so dry and everything tasted strange.
Take a cushion/pillow for the car ride home. Peppermint tea to ease the gas. iPad/book and charger for the boredom. The nurses joked at how over prepared I was with my overnight bag, but I needed it so I’d suggest a small ‘just in case’ bag so you can be comfy.
I saw the surgeon after and although I’d asked my mum to take notes when he was explaining what he saw/did in theatre she didn’t and this has been frustrating for me since…… TAKE NOTES as post anaesthesia brain is fuzzy.
Take the 2 weeks off to recover if you can - I was exhausted for much longer than I expected and had an upset tum for about 2/3 weeks due to all the meds.
I hope this helps!!
Thank you so much for your reply. This is such a helpful post and I will be taking all of your advice on board. Can I ask how you’re feeling two months on? I am really hoping my current symptoms ease post surgery and hope the same has happened for you xxx
I feel more positive, and more active, but I’m still getting some unpredictable pain, it’s different than before, less severe I guess. Still exhausted at times. So overall, I’m better, but not yet ideal.
I’m part of a research trial tho, so I don’t actually know if it was removed. Also if it was, I presume there’d be scarring to contend with for a while. I had an IUD fitted too, so dunno if the difference is due to that either and if it’s responsible for the pain while it settles.
I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling more positive and able to be more active. I’m glad you’re doing slightly better and hope it improves even further for you. Take care of yourself and thank you so much for your replies today, they’ve really helped calm my nerves! Xx
🤞Good luck Josephine-Lavender13 I have been provided a Patient information and consent laparoscopic excision of endometriosis from the NHS at the Hospital Endometriosis clinic ( 40 pages). Hopefully, you had the opportunity to read it before your surgery. All the best.
Thank you! X
when you get to the hospital, you are booked in, observations done, get into the gown. Maybe you wait around. Anaesthetist sees you, surgeon sees you. You get wheeled down to theatre. Count to 10 and your under. When you wake up you have to wee twice and then get to go home. Providing with your case that’s suitable.
It’s not too scary and you’re in the right place.
Hope it’s a positive experience for you 💞
Thank you so much for your reply, it’s really helpful, makes it feel a lot less scary. I’m looking forward to getting home this evening when it’s all over and done with!
Thank you, take care 💕
I’m hoping you remember to take lots of deep breaths. So deep your belly extends. This will calm you down. It’s normal to feel apprehensive. You have got this 💞 rooting for you lovely ☺️
Yes I have been doing lots of deep breaths this morning, trying to keep as calm as possible. Thank you so much, this message is so kind💕
Hi!
I am 10 days post op! Congratulations, I know what a journey it can be with even getting an operation slot and then to have your surgery cancelled (mine was cancelled twice) can be a huge stressor.
Tips: pack something to entertain yourself with as you might be waiting for your surgery for a while. I came in at 11am and wasn’t in surgery until 3:30pm. I took mindful colouring and headphones which helped me relax.
Also have whoever is picking you up bring a pillow to put between you and the seatbelt as you will be very tender on the drive home. I also brought a sick bag just incase but I actually didn’t have any nausea but I know the lady next to me on the ward did so that is a little bit and miss.
The gas pains are a killer so plenty of peppermint tea and moving as much as you can.
Good luck!!
Hi,
I hope you are feeling well and taking care of yourself post surgery and glad you finally got there after it was cancelled previously (know how upsetting that can be)!
Thank you for your advice. I have got a book with me for the hospital (my appointment is at 12), I’ve got my pillow ready in the car and am loaded up on peppermint tea. Fingers crossed I am as ready as I’ll ever be 🤞🏻
Take care and thanks again! X
I was allocated a nurse who looked after with me before & after! You will be assessed before surgery, then the anaesthetist will come & see you & you can ask them any questions! After surgery you will be in the recovery room before going back onto the ward. Bring comfy clothes to wear after surgery. Don’t forget that surgery recovery isn’t always linear & although online they say 2 weeks.. it can take much longer to heal. I had my laparoscopy over 10 weeks ago & I’m only just starting to feel normal & increase my hours at work. I had endo removed from both ovaries & left pod. Things that helped me were peppermint tea, getting fresh air in the garden when I felt up to it, talking to others about my surgery (mainly those close to me!) & keeping in touch with my gp about my symptoms following surgery. Also I got constipated after surgery because of the anesthetic. It can do that! The gp prescribed some sachets for me which really helped! The car journey after surgery can be uncomfortable esp going over bumps as you’ll be feeling quite sore & bruised so a cushion in the car or blanket might bring you some comfort. Hope it goes well 😊
Hi, thank you so much for your reply! I saw it after I had surgery and it did go absolutely fine. I’m just recovering now and drinking lots of peppermint tea! Hope you are doing well now and feeling a lot better 😊
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