Post following my first consultation

[GlumDumpling]

Hi everyone, I posted recently to ask for some advice with regards to my first private consultation. I had this yesterday and based off my symptoms he said endometriosis is likely and would like to do a laporoscopy. I've never had surgery or been to hospital myself before so it's all a bit daunting! How did people find the surgery? Anything I should know before making the decision to move forward with this? Thank you all x

[BubbleTalk]

Laparoscopy is usually a day procedure - meaning you will be operated on and discharged the same day. You will be sedated completely under general anaesthetic so you won't be aware of anything going on once they put you to sleep. Its normally a 'diagnostic' procedure - they are looking to see where the endometriosis is and how severe it is. If the consultant is able to do some laser ablation of adhesions or drain cysts, they can do this also, but if the endo is very severe you may end up being referred to a more specialised centre.

A cut will be made in your belly button to put a tube in that inflates your tummy with gas. They will make small cuts in your abdomen (usually 2 or 3) to insert they tools they need to use. Recovery for my 2 laparoscopies was very straightforward but you have to take it easy for a few weeks and no heavy lifting. The procedure is extremely helpful in making important decisions on how to manage the endometriosis (if found).

I was incredibly worried on my first one, but it was very straightforward (and I had Stage 4 endo/end stage..couldn't get any worse!) Not gonna lie - your tummy straight afterwards will feel awful, but is manageable with pain relief. Because your tummy has been full of gas, this travels up your back and you get 3 or 4 days of shoulder/back pain before it leaves your body xx

[GlumDumpling in reply to BubbleTalk]

Thank you so much for all the information that's really useful! It definitely sounds quite intense as I've never been to hospital before but glad it was straight forward!

[Josephine-Lavender13]

Hi,

I just had my first laparoscopy 3 weeks ago and I was so nervous before my operation but there was really no need to be.

I was prepped for surgery by a lovely nurse who took my bloods, gave me my gown and stockings and took a few more details before surgery. I then had a couple of hours wait (I would recommend taking a book and some headphones with you) before being taken into surgery where I was asked what my favourite drink was and then I was asleep from the anaesthetic.

I woke up sore but okay (I actually told the nurse that my period pain is much worse then this which probably says a lot!). I then had a few weeks of resting up before I got my first period post op which was painful but nothing I haven’t been used to before. I am now still slightly sore at my incision site and in my back but so much better than I was! I can go for long walks and do housework etc and will hopefully be returning to work soon. One thing I would recommend for after surgery is peppermint tea for the wind pain!

Take care of yourself, I hope this helps 💕

[GlumDumpling in reply to Josephine-Lavender13]

Thank you for sharing your experience with me I really appreciate it! It helps me know a bit more of what to expect for this on the day and the recovery afterwards. So glad you're on the mend after your laporoscopy x