first period post Endo surgery tips?

[HannahElsie]

Hello all

I’ve just had my second laparoscopic endometriosis surgery. First was 15 years ago and said mild endometriosis. This one found significant moderate-severe endometriosis in 3 different locations which they’ve removed (unsure if they feel they got it all). I’ve also had a scan showing adenomyosis. I have my follow up referral in 3 months but was reading about how the first period post surgery can be really bad. Some official hospital website information states “excruciating pain”. Now, I’ve dealt with painful periods for years of course but to say I’m now terrified of what it might be like is an understatement.

I’m still recovering from the surgery, I had to be readmitted into hospital with some complications (post op infection and insides just struggling with being poked about). I had horrendous constipation/impaction and required an enema. So I’m now a bit scared of going back on the opioids if this next period is going to be really bad.

I usually cope with periods with a combination of tranexamic acid, cocodamol and diclofenac. Can anyone recommend tips. Things I’ve been reading about like turmeric tablets? I’m also thinking I should prepare for the constipation issue with things like flaxseed smoothies etc. any advise/experience greatly received!

[Bakewey]

my first period after my lap was painless and lighter than usual. The second a bit heavier but nothing to worry about. We are all different so I cannot guarantee you will be fine, but my experience is you are always told about worse case rather than best!

Is defo say yes to looking into eating stool softening foods/ it will do not harm. I also had on hand some laxatives to aid things and bought a child’s bathroom stool to raise my legs and took the brace position.

You are doing the right thing by getting prepared but try not to worry too much as stress also causes unwanted reactions in the body.

I hope all goes well.

[HannahElsie in reply to Bakewey]

Thank you that’s very kind. It’s nice to hear someone’s experience and one that wasn’t horrendous. You are right that we often only see the bad stuff online. I appreciate it thank you

[Hannah818]

For constipation and inflammation with endo and bowel pelvic issues things that have worked for me - cutting out white bread or stodgy items like pizza/waffles, increasing fibre veg fruit brown bread etc, tumeric with black pepper capsules (got good ones.from Holland barret) they help with inflammation and have been trying to eat 'cooler' foods to help inflammation such as cucumber melon etc I avoid eating just before I lie down and try and drink lots of water and prunes soaked in warm water .

I try and avoid meditation which makes me more constipated like codeine, anti nauseu pills etc

Hope that helps a little with the constipation side of things

I think I have endo on my bowel or near my bowel and that's why I get constipated, waiting for mri scan and first surgery xxx wishing you a full recovery xxx

[HannahElsie in reply to Hannah818]

Thank you for this. Do you cut those things out completely or just in the run up/during your period?

[Hannah818 in reply to HannahElsie]

I've tried to cut them out or reduce throughout cycle , miss eating lots of pizza and cake but I'd much rather avoid the pain! :)Everytime I've ended up hospitalised I've noticed a pattern where I've had stodgy foods or white flour before constipation feeling started

Keeping a food diary helped

[HannahElsie in reply to Hannah818]

Thank you it’s so interesting the link between food and the symptoms. I’ve been trying to research it but wish I knew more before now. Thank you for your advise and your experience

[Hannah818]

Forgot to add - found laxido sachets helped with severe constipation- do not taste nice but was necessary after few days !

[HannahElsie in reply to Hannah818]

Yeah these are new to me, I’m on them now after getting out of hospital the second time. Will be keeping a stash from now on!