Date for surgery given! Some advice/ tips pleaseee!!

[Consumer_researcher]

Hello everyone 😊

I haven’t posted in a little while - but I have the wonderful news of my surgery date for a diagnostic laparoscopy. Wednesday the 19th August so very soon!

I am very keen to speak to the gynae consultant over the phone prior to this (he is due to call me today.

I had an ultrasound and internal scan done last week and they found something near one of my fallopian tubes - of course they got me to do a pregnancy test incase it was ectopic (it was negative). However, since then I have just been given a date for surgery and a Covid swab date and no one has spoken to me about the results of the scan etc.

I am quite adamant that I want to actually speak to the consultant over the phone as I also have some questions I want to ask him surrounding the op/ fertility/ Mirena cool fitting (I am scheduled to have this fitted during the surgery however I have only had the implant out for a month and I am already the happiest I have been in about 3 years and I am terrified at the thought of going back to the possibility of a depressive state).

I guess I am seeking some advice from those of you who may have recently have surgery under Covid measure? Some reassurance perhaps as I’m abit nervous!

Thanks in advance guys! 😊😊😊

[Linley]

Hi

So pleased surgery is happening for you hopefully the start of a new phase in your life. I cannot give reassurance re op under Covid as mine was pre Covid but I can say that extra measures to safe guard you are in place. As for the op you will know nothing about it as you will be asleep. Recovery depends on the individual, mine one week, but we are all different. What I can say is that your consultation with your Gyne pre op is very important and I wish I had this opportunity. Suggest you write down the questions you want to ask so nothing is forgotten, ask what he/she will do if Endo is found and don't be bullied into having the coil fitted if you have any doubts. Please believe that I am not be patronising its just if you are anxious things can be forgotten. All that's left for me to say is good luck🍀and let us know how you get on.

[Doggymomma92]

Consumer_researcher

Hi! I'm delighted you got your surgery date! I also had to wait about 5 months due to covid and I had mine on the 20th of July. I had a laparoscopy cystecmy and a laparotomy. I was given a prescription for an insertion of the Coil whilst having my surgery but I didn't go through with it. I've heard horror stories from friends and other women but then again every woman is different and I have heard one or two being fine with it so unfortunately it's really trial and error I went with Cerazette instead, do you take birth control anyway? If you've any questions please fire ahead I'm 2 weeks post op and can give you any advice or tips you need or about endometriosis in general!

Hope you're well and the wait is nearly over ❤️

[thara9643]

Good luck

[GoldenGirl2002]

Hey! I had a laparoscopy and a Mirena coil 3 days ago and it was much more relaxed than I thought! The nurses and doctors are taking extra precautions but everyone was very friendly and reassuring! My advice would be to write a list of any questions or worries that you can discuss with your specialist before the surgery to put your mind at rest. I’m still sore but it’s a much better position knowing what’s going on! I’d also advise getting pads that are thick and not brands that draw blood such as Always, it helps with some tenderness down below post op! Good luck and I hope all goes well xx

[Hidden]

Hello iv just had an abdominal hysterectomy 3 weeks ago I was petrified bearing in mind I'm 29 and this was major surgery cut hip to hip. There very cautious in hosp and you will be tested for covid before your op. There all gowned up and masks on I had my surgery in private hosp and had my own room. There's green areas and red areas in hops the red areas are for covid green and safe areas your clearly be in a safe area just take cautious measures your self wear mask use hand sanitizer etc try not to worry you will see your cons on the day b4 surgery so any questions you can ask then xx

[EvelynSands]

Hello!

I had my surgery 2 days ago, and it was all really nicely done. I had the Mirena fitted, Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy during my surgery. I isolated for the 2 weeks beforehand, washed my clothes I was taking with me before I went in. They're very good at keeping you safe, everyone wears masks and PPE was top notch.

I was first on the list, but they explained that after every op the room is disinfected thoroughly. I had my mask on, got changed into my attractive gown, compression stockings and slippers. Walked down to the theatre with my lovely nurse and waited in the waiting room for about 5 minutes. Walked into the anaesthetics room where they're all done up in PPE, and they take off your mask so you can start the oxygen and whatnot before I conked out. Woke up in recovery and the PPE was the same in there. It was quite tender but they looked after me very well in there.

I would definitely suggest taking a pair of 'period pants' and a couple of good sanitary pads because you can bleed after the procedure. A nice pair of loose fitting bottoms and a big top too, so you're comfy on the way home. I took a little 'just in case' pack with me which had deodorant, toothbrush and things in case I had to stay the night in the hospital, but I went home a couple of hours after I woke up in recovery. I'm at home now, still with a bit of bleeding after the Mirena was put in, and things are tender but that's expected after! Make sure you have your pain relief!

I was really really well looked after and everyone was very good with their COVID regime - everyone was wearing masks and had really good hand hygiene! I was looked after wonderfully and I have no doubt that you will be too! Best of luck, love xx

[Consumer_researcher]

Thank you so much for all the replies/ tips and advice! 😊 It’s so nice to hear that people are managing to start getting their surgeries done! I’m starting to get nervous now as I’m just over a week away but also very happy it’s nearly here. I managed to speak to a Consultant on Friday and ask all my questions etc so I feel much better for doing that.

I have my Covid swab on Sunday next week and after that will begin to prepare for the hospital.

I am starting to stock up on pain relief already (as you can only buy two packets at a time still!!).

Just a few more questions:

Is it worth taking my own dressing gown, slippers etc to the hospital?

How long were you in hospital for on the day from going in until coming out?

Does anyone know in terms of getting back to exercise post op, is it a case of see how you feel, go steady etc?

Also, how long post op should you wait until you can have sex again?

Thanks guys 🙏 xxx

[Doggymomma92 in reply to Consumer_researcher]

I had to go private unfortunately my condition/cysts were so bad I lost a fallopian tube and an ovary all on my left side so I couldn't wait til Nov for my public appointment also because of the most likely second wave hitting too!

-I would bring a dressing gown, pj's, slippers, cosy socks, nice loose pj's everything with you to feel at ease and comfortable

- I intended on staying just for the day I was there at 7.30am and my surgery was 10.30 but I woke up at 4pm and was in such a bad way I was so suprised but it was due to my endometrioma cyst being difficult to remove and my tube was inflamed and bent out of shape, so I actually stayed from Monday 7.30am until Wednesday 12 noon and even going home on Wed I was sore in the car ride and wiped out the rest of the day.

-everyones recovery is different but I'm 3 weeks today and I only start walking last week properly, I had 4 incisions in a Cross format so didn't want to risk them bursting. I recommend light exercise for after the 2/3 week mark you'll know yourself but don't push your body with anything intense!

- the same with sex if it's light I'd say 2 or 3 weeks that's what's recommended but it would have to be very cautious and most likely have to lie on your back

Also I agree with that woman who said you will be constipated after the op, I didn't eat for 3 or 4 days after and my god when I did I was in so so much pain going to the toilet I've never experienced anything like it, so do eat more fibre and drink mint tea I was bloated for 2 weeks after

Any more questions let me know ❤️

[Carmen_K]

Hi, happy you are scheduled for surgery soon. I had a laproscopic cystectomy and ablation of endometriosis on the right side of my ovary last month.

1. Plan to rest for atleast 1 week.

2. Sip mint tea to help with the bloating.

3. Sleep with your head upright to help the carbon dioxide release. Alot of ppl complained online about shoulder pain due to the gas but I had no problems with that . Plan to fart a lot

4. Pack sanitary pads coz you might have some bleeding. I did.

5. Wear loose pants or dresses the first few days.

6. Once the wound dressings come out make sure you pat dry the site well after washing and dab with Beterdine solution. Don't leave any water. Helps the wounds to heal faster.

7. Take meds on time.

8. Try taking lots of liquids and hot soups the first few days. I had terrible throat pain from the tubes they insert during surgery.

9. Eat oatmeal for breakfast. Constipation is a side effect from Anesthesia so add some fruits to your diet the first few days.

Dont worry. My recovery was a breeze. I was soo afraid after watching videos online but it really wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. Wish you a safe recovery. Luv.

[Consumer_researcher]

Thank you so much for all the replies and answering my queries and useful tips/ advice! It is really appreciated ❤️ I am drawing up some notes now with a list for the day of surgery and what to get in to help with the recovery! Thank you all 😊