I had a call from the hospital yesterday to provisionally book me in for my Laparoscopic unilateral salpingo oopherectomy (what a mouthful) for this Saturday (I have a 7cm x 5cm Endometrioma on the left). It should be day surgery I believe.
This process has been so quick as when I saw the consultant on the 30th September I was told it would be about a 6 month wait.
My question to you all is what tips can you give me, i.e. what should I take with me to the hospital, tips for relieving the gas that I understand is inevitable and basically tips for getting back on my feet asap.
Anyone that has had it, how long were to off work for?
Feeling anxious but glad it happening at the same time.
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Stormtrooper4
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Pepermint tea and omeprazole for the gas pain plus every day take a small waddle about the house. Plenty of rest and i was back to normal in 2 weeks.Thats amazing how quick your gonna be seen, im waiting for a full hysterectomy and been told 12-18 months. That was 6 months ago.
so pleased it has happen quickly for you! I had my surgery on 10th August. I was in hospital for 3 days having my appendix removed, it removed from my ligaments and I think a couple of other places.
Things that helped me. Taking my laptop to put something on to binge. Having underwear that is a few sizes to big so that they didn’t put pressure on my belly, this is the same for pyjamas as well or a nightie (if staying in). I took snacks as well (didn’t want them until the second or third day). I also took an adult colouring book to keep me occupied when I wasn’t sleeping. Toiletries. Sanitary products is a must I found (pads)
I also found peppermint tea is a must to help with gas pain. Where I was they provided this but it doesn’t hurt to take some with you. Crocs or sliders are a good footwear.
A pillow to put between your belly and the seatbelt when you come out is useful. I had all the plans in the world that I would leave the hospital in a loose fitting dress - this didn’t happen I left in pyjamas😂 so unless you want to I don’t think anything like that is necessary.
I am now coming up to 11 weeks post op. I still get a bit of pain if I overdo it or eat the wrong thing - this is where my appendix was. I have started to exercise now and that has been great. I started to go for long walks at about 6 weeks. I was up and walking in hospital the second day and then up and walking a bit more the day or two after I got home to do the animals but not proper walks. I would say for me it took until about 6 or 7 weeks before I felt lots better it was weird it just clicked one day and the pain was minimal and I could just get on with life.
I took 4 weeks off work and then did a fased return for another 4 weeks as I found going back to work took it out of me completely and by lunchtime I was exhausted. I massively underestimated how it would make me feel.
Take your time and listen to your body as everyone is different. I was told the external will heal much quicker than the internal and that the internal can take 3 months to heal.
I would say though I have felt much better in the last 3/4 weeks and I am back riding my horse albeit in walk and only for small amounts. Back doing some Pilates and doing more walks. I’m going back to the gym in the next week or two as well
adding to Comedykid’s detailed list, I’d also suggest wetwipes (for some reason I smell differently after surgery)! Mints, lip balm and a water bottle.
At home, it’s really used to have a baby step to elevate your legs when going to the toilet. I also use mine to access cupboards without over reaching.
I’ve currently recovering from a total hysterectomy and endo removal from various places. Nearly at week 6 - I’m not back at work yet but am starting to feel more like me each day.
Sorry to hear that your surgery was delayed, hopefully it can be rescheduled soon!
Adding to the suggestions above; a pair of soft pregnancy type trousers were a godsend, as there was no pinching or discomfort at the incision site. I was originally given 2 weeks off work, but felt I needed a third week.
I’d second the recommendation to move around little and often.
I received mint tea at the hospital and continued drinking this at home alongside mint capsules. I couldn’t quite tell if they made much of a difference.
Be a bit careful about eating in the first 12 hrs after surgery. I was ok during my first op where they were unable to remove the ovary and only drained the cyst, but after the second op where they also interfered a bit with the bowel I couldn’t keep food down.
If at all possible the time post surgery can be an opportunity to slow down and listen to your body. Be kind and patient with yourself. Best of luck with the surgery when the time comes.
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Left very confused and worried!
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