Preparing for laparoscopy

[BingumyThob]

Hi.

I am booked in to have a combined laparoscopy and hysteroscopy at the end of October, to diagnose/treat suspected endometriosis, to remove a suspicious mass from my abdominal cavity, and also to remove a polyp from my uterus.

I was just wondering if anyone on here had had similar surgery and could give me some advice on what to expect? I have been told I will probably only be in hospital for 24 hours and then to take it easy for a couple of weeks. However, I know that recovery can really vary from patient to patient and so would be interested to hear if you have had a similar experience then how long was your recovery?

Also, does anyone have any advice on how to prepare for the procedure and the recovery in general?

Anyone?

I've had a few gynae laps for endometriosis. Nothing you need to do to prepare for them. I have either gone home the same day or the following morning and find that getting up and about as much as possible helps with recovery. I've always been back at work within a week and fully recovered within two.

I don't wish to be insensitive. But the one thing I did for mine was to a handle on my weight. I was only just in the overweight category but I was strict in the weeks leading up to it and managed to get the normal category. It lowers all sorts of risks. I am a smoker which is bad enough!

If your in pain say something. Just take it easy and don't do heavy lifting.

Good luck !

Thank you both for getting back to me. That's really reassuring.

I'm feeling quite anxious about it because I had an emergency laparoscopic procedure a couple of years ago when I had an ectopic pregnancy and it took me nearly 3 months to get back to normal. But it turned out I had a ruptured tube and had lost a significant amount of blood then so maybe that didn't help.

I'm actually quite underweight . I used to smoke but gave up around the time of the ectopic so hopefully that will stand me in better stead for recovery this time around.

I see. I am currently recovering from an ectopic - first planned Lap was for sterilisation! I didn't loose that much blood. I'm tired and have a minor infection but recovering well. I can see myself back to normal by the end of next week. So that will be two weeks. Your first op sounds much more of emergency and far more complex than your next planned one. So all going well hopefully your recovery will be quicker this time.

Sounds like you have been through the mill a bit, OP. (And you too MrsPear, really sorry to hear about your ectopic).

I've had two emergency laps for ectopics, and one planned for endometriosis removal. The first ectopic was the worst for recovery; like you I lost a lot of blood, and of course there was the whole massive emotional upheaval. The lap for endometriosis did take a fair bit of recovery, as they had to laser quite a lot away. I was moving around pretty normally by two weeks, and would say I was much closer to full fitness after four weeks.

You can't really prepare beforehand, but eating healthily is always good! And try to keep clear of germs/ use antibacterial gel because having a cough and cold is no fun after abdominal surgery.

Random things I found useful:

• shower gel on a hook to save you bending down
• slip on slippers for the same reason
• enormous pants and comfy leggings
• peppermint capsules - they often pump air inside you, which can leave you gassy and bloated
• remember painkillers have a cumulative effect, so keep taking them to stay on top of any pain- don't wait until it gets bad
• get yourself a box set to watch!

Hope all goes well with the op and that you have a speedy and straightforward recovery x

MrsPear So sorry to hear about your ectopic. It's a seriously crap thing to have to go through. I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks FizzyFeet Those are some really helpful tips. It sounds like you've been through a lot too - I hope things are looking up for you now.

With regards to heavy lifting, I have a clingy 18 month old who isn't walking yet (may be by then though I suppose) - how long do you think I should wait before I can lift her? My mother in law is coming to stay to look after her but I'm not sure how long I realistically need the full time help for.