Questions for lissie (or anyone else who's had an ep)

[jess1996]

Just wondered when I can expect my first AF. Will it be 4 weeks after the op?

Also, if anyone's had a laparotomy, did you have a swollen tummy and how long did it take to go down. I'm sick of not being able to fasten most of my trousers .

my first af after the ep was 4w afterward BUT was v heavy and painful. was also very very emotional.

i also had a laparotomy (i think, was too ill to notice anything, incision around the same place as a cs scar?) and it took about 3w to go down totally. its major abdominal surgery and should be treated as such.

how are you doing?

I'm ok. I've had a 6 inch incision and I think it's where a cs scar would be. The doctor said it was a laparotomy. I've had the full works! They started with just keyhole surgery (so I've stitches in my belly button too) and then had to progress to the full op. I'm getting a bit sick of my fat tummy. I want to feel normal again!

I've had a letter in the post giving me an out patient appointment for 8 weeks time. They didn't mention this in the hospital. Do you know what it's for? Is it just a check up?

yes, that what i had too. in my case had the laproscopy on the 8th to remove the ep & tube then laparotomy on the 9th coz they'd cut my bladder during the 1st op and i was losing a lot of blood. it'll take a while to go down but will return almost to normal (tho your tummy muscles wont be as strong for a long time)

the 8w appt is a follow up to discuss yor future options. having an ep increases your chances of having another one so they might offer you a series of tests to find out possible causes etc. nothing to worry about!