Surgery

[Eileen993]

hi all I’m eileen I’m 31 years old and have endometriosis. I am booked in for surgery on the 6th jan 2024 to have the following - 1 tube removed, 1 ovary removed, endometriosis ablation, a dye test in other tube and exploratory investigations to see what else they can see/find. Iv signed paperwork to consent to open surgery and also a full hysterectomy may it need to happen. I was originally booked in for a day case unit they have now called me last week and saod iv been moved up to the main theatres. Has anyone had any similar surgery’s and would tell me about ur experiences please. Am i naive in thinking i will be up walking about the next day? Thankyou xx

[KittyTherapy]

Hi,

Hope you've been able to enjoy some of the Christmas festivities! I know it's difficult when we're going through it.

I've had laparoscopic surgery & it took me over a month before I started to move about more. I was in bed for weeks before i could even just potter about the house. Obviously we're all different & will heal in our own way, some quicker than others but given your having open surgery I'd say definitely adjust your expectations & don't be hard on yourself.

Have you had surgery before? Do you want any other advice? Don't want to blurt at you if it's not wanted!! x

[Eileen993 in reply to KittyTherapy]

No I’d love some advice and support!!

[KittyTherapy in reply to Eileen993]

Okay 😊 in terms of practical advice for surgery (I've copied & pasted one of my posts for ease):

> Would suggest packing an overnight bag just in case. I had to stay in for a night.

> Bring something to keep you entertained as there will be waiting around. I bought my cheap tablet in. Wouldn't advise taking mega valuables in just in case they get lost (sadly it happens).

>Some comfy loose pj's (like a nightdress) which I wore during the day and on the journey home as it was the most comfortable.

> comfy knickers are essential! I packed my biggest granny knickers.

> Also a gown/cardigan to save your dignity when walking about/down to theatre in an open back hospital gown.

>I also took slides as meant i didnt have to bend down to put shoes on!

>bring a pillow/blanket to act as a barrier between your tummy and the seatbelt for the journey home.

>I found peppermint tea helped get rid of bloating/excess gas (I dislike the taste but forced myself to drink it bc it genuinely helped so much) or look into things like windeze or deflatine if you can't tolerate it.

>You might want to pack some snacks to munch on in hospital.

>Maybe some earbuds if you think you will struggle to sleep as its quite noisy in hospital at night.

>Take all your normal meds with you and let the nurses know.

>Might help to pack some sanitary pads, I was on period so packed some anyway but I expect regardless you will bleed and the hospital only provide very thick pads.

>Make sure you have a good pain relief plan / prescription before leaving hospital! I had a rubbish time and was discharged with nothing! despite having regular morphine in hospital. The Paracetamol/ ibuprofen just didn't manage the pain and had to call 111 to get something stronger.

Hope all goes well for you in surgery and recovery. Just take the time to heal, experiences vary wildly but for me it took 2 weeks of being in bed before I started to do anything. Total of 6 weeks signed off then went back to work on phased return. Some people are quicker or longer to heal, try not to compare and judge yourself 🩷

[Eileen993 in reply to KittyTherapy]

thankyou so much! I’ll look at ur list when I’m packing my hospital bag lol! Do u mind me asking which surgery you had done please xx

[KittyTherapy in reply to Eileen993]

Not at all, it was laparoscopic surgery to remove as much endo as possible, I had lots of adhesions sticking everything together basically and had an endometrioma removed. I still have all my organs left x

[Qanngoth]

Good afternoon

I had my second laparoscopic surgery on the 16th December. My surgery was in the main theaters and I was the only case booked in for the afternoon. I had a full hysterectomy, rectal shave, removal of endometriosis and cystoscope with dye injected. During my surgery they had to work very close to my left ureter and therefore I've had to have a uretic stent fitted.

I was up and out of bed with some support from the nurse about 4 hours after my surgery. I was discharged the following day. However, I was readmitted the following day due to the uretic stent. I was given medication to relax my ureter and kidney which has helped.

My recovery has been positive. I am up and about and feeling ok. I am having the stent removed on the 2nd of January I'm hoping that will feel better as most of my post op pain is from the stent. I'm resting when I need to and drinking plenty of water as well as taking painkillers when I need them!

Remember we all react differently and heal differently, but listen to your body and follow the advice given by your doctor.

Wishing you all the best with your surgery and a good recovery x