First laparoscopy tips

[Tiles5]

I have my first laparoscopy (diagnostic) coming up next week and I’m feeling really nervous.

Does anyone have any tips about what to take to the hospital and what to prepare at home for when I come back?

[Pelvic_pain]

I took, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shower gel, wipes in case you don't feel up to washing straight away, nightie (not pyjamas so waistband doesn't rub on belly), something to occupy your free time, peppermint tea to help with gas pain after surgery & a pillow to lay across me under the lap part of your seatbelt for journey home.

Once home, if someone is available to help when you come home, take them up on any offer of help they bay give you. Some batch cook and freeze meals to avoid any cooking for a little while. You may find it helpful to rearrange a few things so you can reach whatever you need for at least the first couple of weeks really easily.

Importantly, listen to your body. Everybody is different & needs different recovery times. Take it easy & only do as much as is comfortable for you when it is comfortable.

[Tiles5 in reply to Pelvic_pain]

Thank you!

[Amyrebecca246]

Make sure you have comfy clothes for the weeks following surgery - after a few days in pyjamas I moved into comfy joggers and baggy tops. Try and have things that can keep you occupied- puzzles, colouring, games, etc. Also having everything close by was handy - my side table next to the sofa had all my medication, a few nibbles, things to do etc all within reach. In the weeks after surgery I had my husband and mum take me out places- I was going stir crazy but little trips to the shops then building up into walks round the park helped me feel more normal.

[Tiles5 in reply to Amyrebecca246]

Thank you!

[Bakewey]

also, for me while on the ward ear phones, eye mask, easy to drink from water bottle and mints were life savers.

At home a baby step helped me to teach the shower cord, inside cupboard etc.

Good luck with everything 🍀

[Tiles5 in reply to Bakewey]

Thank you!

[Bk27]

hi lovely,

Take enough for overnight and extra underwear just in case, i ended up staying in for a few nights so having a bag means you don’t have to worry. Take your medication with you and a phone charger also. Also take slippers because they dont let you walk around in socks incase you slip.

Headphones helped me so much when i was anxious, so you can listen to something and ignore your surroundings. I also got a pregnancy pillow for my bed at home because lying flat is definitely uncomfortable for a few days and this helps you sit up.

Have a pillow with you for the journey home to put under the seat belt. Have a large stock of over the counter painkillers at home too!

Good luck and hopefully you get the outcome you are after xx

[Bk27 in reply to Bk27]

this is my actual list if it helps 😂

Hospital Packing List

- [x] Pee pot!!

- [x] Pillow for car

- [x] Set alarm

- [x] Purse

- [x] Charge headphones

- [x] Download films

- [x] Headphones

- [x] Baggy clothes - hoodie, trackies, tshirts

- [x] Toothbrush

- [x] Water bottle/snacks (for after)

- [x] Sudoku

- [x] Lip balm

- [x] Hair band

- [x] Deodorant

- [x] Wet wipes

- [x] Spare pants/socks

- [x] Pads

- [x] Tablets/painkillers

- [x] Throat sweets?

- [x] Mints

- [x] Power bank/charger

- [x] Slippers

- [x] Dressing gown

- [x] Hospital letter

[Tiles5 in reply to Bk27]

Thank you - so helpful!

[Endofitall]

Great tips above already. Batch cooking is really crucial and having I did a bit of a tidy/clean/clean sheets so that didn’t need doing for a few weeks!

A good V pillow or pregnancy pillow is invaluable - I used mine for weeks to prop up while sitting in day comfortably and then also to help with sleeping on back (I needed to do this for a few weeks) and then supporting my tummy and having between my legs when eventually got back to my preferred side sleeping. Have another smaller pillow or cushion close to hand to use to support your tummy when you laugh/cough/sneeze and when you get up. Side rolling out of bed or off sofa rather than using your abs to get up straight is better and more comfortable, less strain on incisions. As others have said have what you need to hand so you’re not straining and reaching.

Get plenty of rest but I found gently walking around in the hospital/house as soon as you can good for shifting the gas and helped ease the discomfort.

I went a size up on some comfy joggers, PJs and knickers and had some nice loose tops.

I got some really helpful response here too healthunlocked.com/endometr...

[Tiles5 in reply to Endofitall]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful

[RooLouise]

Definitely get yourself some charcoal tablets as I found the shoulder pain excruciating!

[Tiles5 in reply to RooLouise]

Good tip, thank you!