First period post lap

[Racheyt]

After 16 years of period problems I finally had laparoscopy on 1st November. I had diagnostic laparoscopy, excision of endometriosis from the back of my uterus, division of adhesions in and around my left tube and sigmoid, as well as diagnostic hysteroscopy, curettage, and insertion of the Mirena coil.

I have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks time but the inter operative findings were that I had deposits of endo on my left round ligament and tube, as well as between my left tube and back of the uterus.

First week was rough. I spent the majority in bed as it was too painful to move with the incisions and stitches. Very painful. Very emotional. I cried a lot. I didn’t stop bleeding but put that down to the surgery and coil insertion.

Second week was a lot better. I was on my feet doing short walks. Little pain which was manageable with paracetamols. I had a 7 day break from bleeding. Feeling very hopeful.

Three weeks post surgery I’ve gone back to work and am in so much pain. I’ve started bleeding again (possible period) and it’s so painful!!! Back on the codine doubled over. Crying again and feeling helpless and down.

I have read that your first few periods after laparoscopy can be pretty painful.

Shared experiences would be supportive xxx

[MMBB1]

I felt like I was reading my story reading this! I had lap 16th October to remove an ovarian cyst, but found I was riddled with endo and so thankfully, also had excision surgery at the same time.I’m approaching week 5 of recovery and honestly, the recovery process was really downplayed, as it has been very painful at times (week 1 was horrendous).

To your point about periods - yes! I’ve had one since the op and it was worse than EVER! Spoke to my gynae and she said it’s completely normal, as we are still healing from all the prodding, pulling, cutting and stitches so it’s all still a little inflamed down there and a period is just going to aggravate the hell out of it until we’ve fully healed.

Hang in there, and remember you’ve got an army here to support on your journey back to full health x

[Racheyt in reply to MMBB1]

So thankful your your reply 👏👏👏

[Tangoandmax]

Hi, I don’t think they’re realistic about recovery at all. It sounds like you’ve been given the standard two week sick note but recovery time is very much dependant on how much you’ve had done (and it sounds like quite a bit).

I took four weeks off (I had a similar amount excised) and then worked from home for the following four weeks.

Listen to your body, don’t overdo it and make sure you prioritise rest. That’s where the healing will take place and you’re still very much healing. X

[Racheyt in reply to Tangoandmax]

Very true. Luckily I am able to work from home and my boss is understanding so if it goes continue I’ll go back to bed and take another week off.

[ChessJ]

I’m glad I’m not alone as I’m in my second week post laparoscopy similar to you I’m able to do short walks and the pain can sometimes be uncomfortable. I find I can’t get out of bed till gone 9 and I’m exhausted after four hours and I’m like how is this possible. I’m worried about going back to work next week thankfully my boss is letting me do a phase back to work.

I’m not sure if I had a period or not as I was on the pill up until the day I went in so then had what I thought was one a few days later after my op as it presented itself as one. I could be wrong but it wasn’t fun.

I hope you feel better soon x

[Racheyt in reply to ChessJ]

I’m exhausted! Yesterday I went back to bed about 2pm and slept until 7pm. Back to bed midnight until 8am this morning. I’m sleeping so much but my body clearly needs it.

Yeah, the period thing is confusing me as for god knows how long I don’t know if it’s a period or bleeding inbetween. I’ve had inconsistent cycle for years now and was hoping that would settle but no luck so far. I guess the Marina coil is settling in also. It’s all confusing. All I know is I’m still bleeding 🫠

[ChessJ in reply to Racheyt]

So glad it’s not me, I’m trying to tell myself to stay awake but I’m like should I just give in and go back to sleep for a bit. I’ve already overdone it this morning I pottered round and thought I’ll do some light housework just dusting to help my mum out and now I feel crap. I got pains all in my lower abdomen so think my body is still like no we shouldn’t be doing this. So back to the sofa for a few hours now.

I was on the pill for so long and not had a period for about six months as my gynaecologist told me to take back to back packs. So I just got breakout bleeds which was awful as they just wouldn’t stop. Ironically they only stopped the day I went into for my surgery. I opted out of having the coil fitted as wasn’t 100% sure on it, so not sure what the next stage for management is for me. My gynaecologist told me apparently I’ll know when it’s a period and I was sitting there like well I’m not sure I will as not had one in a while.

[Racheyt in reply to ChessJ]

Yeah I don’t know what is and isn’t a period anymore so hard for me to tell it I’ve overdone it or whether it’s a bad period following surgery. Either way I think I need to take it easy. I’ve got codine and a hot water bottle and will get plenty sleep. I hope you feel better soon too!