what should I expect?

[DragonDoo]

Hi! So I will be having a laparoscopy to diagnose and/or treat endo. I guess I am just wondering what I am getting myself into? Mainly about recovery and maybe what happens next? I know its not a magic cure or anything but will things feel better? Mentally, physically?

I tried having a google but there is not much out there and it was either the surgery is minor and i’ll be fine in a week or that doctors don’t acknowledge how hard recovery can be? Idk… just been let down by docs a LOT lol.

I am just glad I am being listened too but its hard knowing I had to get to this pain etc., but oh well! Its happening and hopefully answers come!

thanks,

Doo x

[Bk27]

hey lovely, i had mine just under 2 weeks ago to diagnose and ended up having excision. In my opinion the recovery was downplayed and i ended up staying in hospital for several nights but there were other ladies who went home the same day! A pregnancy pillow at home was the best thing i had, as i found i couldn’t lie flat. One thing id say is dont force yourself to go home from hospital too soon. By day 5/6 i was feeling much better and taking less painkillers, now 12 days later i just get cramping in the evenings if i have had a busy day. (I did have the mirena fitted too though). Hopefully this helps you in some way! Good luck too, hopefully you get the result you are looking for xx

[Bk27 in reply to Bk27]

Oh and mentally is tough, i just kept crying randomly in hospital but the other ladies were so sweet and mothered me especially because i was young. Back home and managing to keep busy with small task and i have tried to not consciously think about the diagnosis, easier said than done! As my surgery went well im trying to remain hopeful of better symptoms.

[KittyTherapy]

Hi,

Information on recovery is not very good at all in my opinion. Like you say it suggests youl be hunky dory in 1 week.

Well I needed 6 weeks off work then did phased return back to work. I was very emotional post op and did dip mood wise (I have depression and anxiety so feel this didn't help).

Don't set expectations and just allow yourself the time to heal fully before returning to work/ normalities of life.

Would say it depends on how extensive the op is too as I had quite a lot treated. But remember that although the access is small (laparoscopy) the op can still be considered a major operation bc of the internal work they may do.

I have replied to older posts before about packing suggestions for hospital if that would be helpful too x

[KittyTherapy in reply to KittyTherapy]

I would say the op has been worth it though, it has helped symptoms!

[DragonDoo]

Thanks for mentioning the mental side of it, I do have depression and will be starting a job just before surgery so things just feel overwhelming.

And thank you for mentioning your experiences, I have struggled to find anything on recovery and havent really had much told to me from my gynae lol! I will definitely tell my employer about potential longer recovery and guess my best bet is to say a week and keep them updated from there.

I was told it was minor but it seems pretty major! I guess that also depends what/if they find.

Will definitely be stealing my sister’s pregnancy pillow and look what to bring to hospital etc x

[Joonaspryte in reply to DragonDoo]

I think you should tell your boss at least two weeks, one is definatly not enough.

[Bk27 in reply to Joonaspryte]

I would completely agree with this ❤️

[Selfel]

In my personal experience, and my niece who had a similar op, I would say to tell your boss two weeks. You may feel a lot better before then but give yourself enough time to heal.

[Ru8yred]

hey babe. I had mine a month ago now, it was just meant to be a look about but they found a bunch of endo tissue and a cyst so ended up doing a lot more that expected. The surgeon actually told me the diagnosis straight after the op when I was still high as a kite on the operating table. I think they see it very much as just a simple surgery so forget that it’s women being told life changing news ?

I was told a weeks recovery but 4 weeks later and I’m still off work. It took just over 2 weeks to be able to walk properly, I had people saying they had had organs removed and were up and walking after 5 days. This surgery, even tho it leaves small marks, is major. They’re cutting and burning and rummaging around in our most intimate and sensitive area which hurts enough alright aha. It’s a very misunderstood disease and women’s health isn’t talked about enough.

I was left feeling very alone after surgery as I personally have never met anyone diagnosed, but this space really helped. I also called the endometriosis uk help line and spoke to a volunteer when I was feeling the most down which was so helpful. There as also support groups online that they run.

I would say take is super slow and be sooo kind to yourself, it is as hard mentally as it is physically to heal to don’t rush it. Eat nice food and listen to podcasts and call friends. Your body is an amazing thing, you got this xxx