I don’t know how to feel right now. I have just received a very rushed phone call to say that there has been a cancellation for a laparoscopy on Friday that I am now being offered to replace (that’s not even 48 hours away😨) and I have taken the slot as I’ve been waiting for over a year now and just want it done and out of the way. I did also ask about if an endo specialist was available at all (just because of what I have read from other women’s stories on here) but I was told that specialists are usually only used for stage 4 Endo patients? And because I don’t currently have any actual evidence of having Endo yet I should just take what I can get basically… which is just a general doctor as far as I’m aware - I didn’t get much information at all because of this all being said and arranged within the space of about 3 minutes, and I now just feel very anxious all of a sudden… I know it’s what I’ve been waiting for for so long so I am happy to be having it done, I just don’t feel fully prepared I guess! Any advice or tips for the next couple of days would be hugely appreciated!🙏🏻❤️
Laparoscopy in 2 days… what to expect? An... - Endometriosis UK
Laparoscopy in 2 days… what to expect? Any tips?
Wow, no wonder, that's a lot to get ready for but glad it's come round soon. As for tips, make a nice relaxing playlist to listen to before/after (there's some research to show it helps recovery), peppermint capsules/tea for the gas after, you might also want to ask about something to help with bowel movement post op and also some anti sickness medication post op (in case of nausea from anaesthetic). Throat sweets for incase you have a sore throat with tubes. Heatpad or hot water bottle if you have them then make sure to take comfy clothes for after (I had a night shirt so no waistband and a knitted dress and oversize joggers to go way over my stomach. Also ask the person who picks you up after the operation to bring a pillow to use on your belly in the car home. Maybe some sanitary towels post op just in case of bleeding.
Also, go easy and try to find time to chill these next couple of days, so things to help you relax. Good luck!!
Thank you so much for your advice!❤️
I hope it all goes well! My advice would be to take stuff with you that helps you feel calm - whatever that might be for you (I took a hankerchief with lavender on because smell really helps me). If they tell you anything after, ask for it to be written down (I remember asking my surgeon to write something down but not what she actually said lol).
Best of luck!!
Thank you!! That’s a very good point about asking for things to be written down A my memory is terrible as it is so thank you for that tip❤️
Hi! Good luck for your appointment! I had my surgery just over a month ago, so still very fresh in my mind. Just to add a few things to add to what others have posted below.
I'd also recommend making parsley tea at home post recovery if you are having problems with your digestive system. You just need to boil parsley - but there's more guidance on the Internet as well. I'd recommend having a water bottle near you both for straight after the op and for the recovery process, as well as easy healthier snacks for home (I had a few protein bars) as it may be more difficult for you to move around at least in the first couple days. I found it easier to sleep upright for the first week or so as well. Don't forget to take painkillers when you're due to take them (I had to take them slightly earlier than due in the first few days). And making sure you're hydrating as well.
I also made myself a list of comforting films I could watch while I was recovering which was very helpful in distracting me. If you can, it's good to move around as much as you can in the first few days (it helps move the gases around) but don't push it and listen to your body. If you need to rest, rest. Your body may need it! Oh and if you have a portable charger, definitely have that next to you. It will be difficult to bend in the first days. I did find I had to rely on others a bit more to help me in the first few days.
The Endometriosis UK site also has really great advice on preparation! And there's information online as well about what the surgery involves and what happens immediately after- for example they may want you to show you've been able to go to the toilet (number one) after the surgery.
I hope this is all helpful, but if you have other questions, really happy to answer them as best I can based on my experience!
Thank you so so much! That is all very very helpful, I can’t thank you ladies enough for all the advice❤️ I hope you’re recovering well too
Hello, you are bound to be feeling all over the place at the moment. I hope you are ok. You got this!
I had my laparoscopic surgery 5 weeks ago. I would echo the great advice on here. Definitely bring peppermint teabags with you. As soon as you can drink, ask for someone to make you peppermint tea. I think I had about 4 cups of peppermint tea from when I woke from surgery at 12 to when I left the hospital at 6. They won't let you leave unless you urinate either so lots of water. I drank around 2 litres along with my teas as I was desperate to leave. At 5pm I urinated which was great as I was able to leave. As soon as you can, walk around after surgery - you will just be walking around the ward but the movement is good and will help with urinating also.
I would highly recommend a v pillow. I got one from amazon and it was brilliant- just search v pillow. Put this on your sofa / bed and it really props you up during the day time. It was really beneficial.
I don't normally wear nighties but I bought 2 oversized ones and they were great. You want want anything with a waistband especially the first week or two after surgery.
Keep on top of your medications. I didn't need all of mine in the end up but I took them for the first 3 days after surgery. Your body has been through a lot.
Bring a pillow for the car journey home and put your seat belt over it.
If you can make some soup or some nice handy meals and put them in the freezer. You will be so thankful you did this following surgery. My appetite wasn't great the first few days after but then all of a sudden I got really hungry and really wanted something tasty.
Finally, go really easy on yourself. Your body will take time to recover and trust this process. I'm wishing you the very best of luck xxx
A practical message:
Remember it’s a day procedure. Post op when you have had 2 wee’s you’re likely to be able to go home.
Here is what you need in your hospital bag.
1)Dressing gown,
2) slippers,
3) long cable phone charger,
4) normal sanitary pads.
5) Spare big knickers.
6) Download stuff to watch on your phone/tablet with earphones.
7) Or take a book
8) Take a tenner just incase you want to buy anything.
9) Someone has to pick you up and stay with you for 24 hours. It’s just a precaution.
10) stitchers are likely to dissolve.
Hope this helps you think straight lovely! ☺️
hello
I recently had my laparoscopy last February. I know and feel how you must be feeling . I was also going through same with lots of questions. I would say , just go with flow . Take care of your diet after procedure . Your tummy will be bloated and make sure you also pass bowel as well as. Otherwise take things slow after procedure,
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