I've got a laparoscopy and dye booked next month and just wondered of those if you that's had it can tell me what to expect? The main thing that's worrying me is apart from the fact I have never had a general if my cycle is on time this month I'm going to be on day 3 of my period! Will that matter? X
Written by
Blondyboo
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi blondyboo. I wouldn’t worry too much about having a general anaesthetic, as modern drugs used, usually allow you to wake up without nasty being sick. Obviously, you will be sleepy for a while, but you should soon be able to go home afterwards. There are usually two incisions, both tiny, about a centimetre each. The first one in your navel by the belly button, and the other one just above the pubic hairline. One for camera, and one for instruments. Occasionally, no stitches are needed, but often just one dissolvable one is inserted in each incision. After they have checked your tubes, you may find that a bit of blue dye may leak out of your vagina, so wear a panty liner for a couple of days just in case. You just need to keep the incision sites clean, perhaps an old-fashioned idea of having a bath with a handful of salt added will suffice if you want. You will probably experience one or two days of discomfort, due to the CO2 gas they use to pump up your tummy, in able to view everything clearly. This often makes for extra flatulence (to put it kindly), so beware! Perhaps rest for a week if you can, especially if you have had to have any treatment on endometriosis or cysts on ovaries. You should then be back to normal. Oh, and no problem with having a period, as they usually prefer this, so that there is no risk of dislodging a pregnancy. All the best and I hope it all goes smoothly for you. Diane
Hi I'm not sure what your laparoscopy is for...I've had several for the removal of endometriosis. The first one I had took me about 2 weeks to recover but the last I was feeling well after a week, I think it just depends on what the lap is for and how much work the doc needs to do.
I found the general anaesthetic left me feeling a little nauseous but other than that fine. It can be quite scary having your first surgery but rest assured you will be in good hands and recovery is normally quite quick as its keyhole surgery.
My last lap also included a dye test, and I was also due to have my period at the time so my Gp gave me a tablet that delayed my period until after surgery. I don't think they can do the dye if you're bleeding so if you can I'd ask your Gp about it. However, I believe they can do the dye test at anytime without needing anaesthetic, I think they just tend to do it during a lap to kill two birds with one stone.
Best wishes for your surgery and a speedy recovery. X
Hi, I had a laparoscopy last year because they suspected endometriosis. I was operated on the first day of my period and they also said they actually preferred it that way because they could see more. In my case they found endometriosis and treated it. I didn't find the general anaesthetic scary and wasn't nauseous, just a bit weak and disoriented. After the operation you are on painkillers and antibiotics and you will feel the pain of the gas that's still in your body (very weird shoulder pain), but it does go away after a couple of days. I found that walking around helped with the pain.
I went back to work after 10 days, but should have really stayed at home for 2 weeks. I found the recovery a bit tricky: every day you feel better, and I thought I was all ready to go to work, but then I realised a full day of work was still quite hard. Be nice with yourself and your body and give yourself enough time. Everybody is different and it all depends what they find and how much work they have to do. Good luck and all the best for your operation!
Thank you for your replies I did ring the hospital to check about being on and they said it is fine no problem. I'm having this done as they are suspicious of my tubes being blocked as I had clymidia many years ago and antibodies showed up in a blood test so they want to have a look around. After this I have an appointment with a Dr Joel's at Musgrove taunton to tell us where we go from here. X
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.