Laparoscopy for endometriosis

[SnakeyMcBadass]

I had a polypectomy and hysteroscopy 8 weeks ago. I now have to be booked in for a lap as the consultant suspects endo. It took me 4 days to feel myself again after the polypectomy, so I'm now wondering how long the lap recovery might take? Any experience?

[MerdeAlor]

I think it varies enormously. Consultant said I'd recover within 4 days but it was more like 2 weeks.
Hope it goes well.

[Babymamamama]

I felt fine after a week. As it was key hole surgery the scarring is minimal. If they treat you for the endo at the same time as it's diagnosed then hopefully you will feel a whole lot better as I did. Wish you all the best for the procedure.

[fluffygreenmonsterhoody]

My sister took 2 days to get back on her feet properly then back to work on the third day.

I wish you all the best. I'm in for one plus open surgery on my stomach on Wednesday so fingers crossed for both of us!

[LtheWife]

It really does vary. I had a lap to diagnose endometriosis (just a look around, no treatment) on Christmas Eve 2013, although tired and a little achy from the gas I was feeling well enough to spend Christmas Day visiting family and got dressed up and went out for a 6 course Christmas dinner at a restaurant.

[QTPie]

First day not great. I took painkillers and quite a bit of rest for a week. Was back in the gym - pretty much like nothing had happened - two weeks afterwards. So recovery was quite stepped....

You need to avoid driving for a few days (3/4 for discomfort, then depending on if you are still taking "good drugs")

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I was advised to take two days off work post this op and I am very glad that I did.

The worst thing I found about it was the shoulder pain; the CO2 gas used (to get a better view of the organs) travels upwards post op and that can indeed hurt a lot. Painkillers can take the edge off it though.

Will this purely be a diagnostic lap or will the surgeon be able to deal with any endo that is found?. That is important to establish now as well, you really do not want more surgery than is absolutely necessary.

I would make it crystal clear to them as well that you expect a follow up appointment a week post lap to discuss the op's findings; you do NOT want them talking to you about the op whilst you are in the recovery room!. Some people have experienced that and it is bad practice on the part of the hospital to do that.

I can give you some questions to ask them about the findings of the lap op if you wish.

[SnakeyMcBadass]

Thanks everyone. I'm preparing to need at least a week to recover. He's going to deal with any endo he finds which I'm happy about. He did talk to me in the recovery room after the polypectomy, which was fine because it was a straight forward 'Yep, removed huge polyp. All went well' conversation. I suspect endo on my bowel and ovaries, so want a more alert discussion post op this time.

[SnakeyMcBadass]

Surgery scheduled for Monday. Gulp.

[fluffygreenmonsterhoody]

Good luck snakey - see you on the other side!

[shadowfax07]

Peppermint cordial can help with the aches caused by the gas. HTH!