As the title says really I am booked in for a laparoscopy and I am starting to wonder if it is the right thing for me?!
Background is I was taken into hospital 3 times over the summer with pain in my lower right side, first time I was suspected appendicitis, I was x-rayed - all clear, given an ultra-sound scan which showed some fluid around my appendix, but as my blood didn't show any sign of infection I was nil by mouth on a drip for a few days given painkillers and then discharged as it wasn't progressing.
A few days later pain became bad again, taken back in this time there was talk of it being gynecological, burst ovarian cyst, blood in my tubes, mid-cycle pain were all discussed, given another ultrasound, all looked ok. Same as before nil by mouth for a few days drip and painkillers then sent home again and told often causes of stomach pains are often not found.
A few weeks later same story again, this time I was told I would get a gyny out-patient appointment.
Between then and now the pain comes and goes, but has never gotten as bad as those 3 times. I probably have at least a niggle most days, always in the exact same spot, I could actually draw a circle round a really small area that is effected. But I can still go to work, act normally with it, it's not terribly sore now, but I am always aware of it.
So last week I had my gyny out-patient appointment and the consultant thought perhaps endometriosis, but didn't really seem sure, but suggested a laparoscopy to be carried out, but said that after getting it done I could still be no further forward and that it came with loads of risks (dying under the anesthetic because I am over weight, losing a bowel etc) So I thought I would have some time to think about it, but the appointment came in this week and the op is quite soon.
Also apart from this I went for a smear last week and the nurse mentioned that the consultant must be pretty sure it was gyno related to "put you through all that" and suggested that if it wasn't they would probably do similar with my bowel next! I just feel like no one is actually sure what the problem is, but I suppose a process of elimination is the only way to find out?!
I am now unsure what to do, I feel like I should try to get to the bottom of it, but part of me is wondering if it is worth it as it is now not causing as much pain as it was, although I guess it could flair up again.
I'm also not sure how much recovery time would be needed after a laparoscopy, I've had a google and seen it vary from 2-8 weeks, so it would be good to hear from someone who has actually been through it who could tell me how they felt after it.
To complicate matters, I am a lone parent, doing a degree while working, and this is my final year, I have course work due 9 days after the procedure and an exam shortly after that, I am worried about failing these as a result, so near to the end. So any advice on recovery time or anything would be really helpful.
Thanks, sorry this is so long, I wasn't sure how much info to give!