Any experience of a Laparoscopy?

[Freetodowhatiwant]

Just wondering if anyone has anything soothing to say to my nerves, due to have a laparoscopy next week? I've had GAs before for three ERPCs and been nervous too but they've been quick and relatively easy (at least physically) when I look back on them. I guess I am more nervous about this because it's invasive, albeit keyhole. I've also had two CS' so it's not like I haven't been operated on! Each time however it is nerve-racking and I feel that since having kids I feel more vulnerable as I worry about being there for them.

The op is for endometriosis and whilst my pain isn't crippling it is annoying and my periods have been painful and heavy so the hope is that it will help with that.

If you can tell me anything about your experience with the op please do so!

I had one approximately 10 years ago (so might be a bit hazy!). I remember the very small incisions being a little sore and tender afterwards and feeling a bit wiped out due to the GA. Other than that everything healed up very quickly and easily. Good luck

I had one long time ago so hazy too, but yes, it was a lot quicker recovery than CS, I remember vaguely.
I was wiped out too because of GA, but procedure was very quick and in and out of hospital in few hours.
Nothing to worry about, and good luck.

I had one in September. It was fine (I was awfully nervous beforehand too). I had it to treat endo also. It really helped, I've healed amazingly and I was completely back to normal after 10-14 days. I just struggled getting up by myself for a few days. I expect after having CS it will be a walk in the park for you though.

The remaining gas was particularly painful but I just drank peppermint tea and took gaviscon which really helped.

Good luck, I promise you'll be ok!

Thank you! I do feel a bit reassured by people who have been through it. I will take the peppermint oil tablets I've taken for both CS' and haven't actually had any trapped wind pain. I might have just been lucky. It's really great to have your reassurances though. I can't wait until it's over and done with! Half of me feels like pulling out as my endo is liveable with at the moment but then I get another bad period and I feel I am doing the right thing.

Have had this type of surgery and the post op pain in the shoulders was more painful than the actual op. I was in and out the same day but it took two days for the shoulder pain to wear off properly (I found that painkillers took the edge off it). It is keyhole surgery so the incisions are minimal.

You should have an appointment a week or so post lap to discuss the findings. Do not let them talk to you about what they found in the post op recovery room; this is bad practice and I would complain strongly to the hospital (PALS would be helpful here) if this happens.

I’ve had five of them, because of endo. Get yourself some Windeze tablets in advance. Sleeping can be a bit tricky, I always find it easiest to sleep on my back with at least three pillows for a few days after. Don’t be surprised if you have shoulder pain, it’s just trapped gas. Be prepared to rest totally for a week or more, but they’ll tell you depending on what they find.

I had one for same reason about 2 years ago. You'll be fine

I was told beforehand that the shoulder pain from gas might be bad but didn't get any at all. I had taken peppermint beforehand, so if you're going to do this and done it before successfully then you should be fine on that side of things.

I went in early morning and was out by lunchtime. Tummy was definitely tender, especially around the little incisions, but totally manageable with the painkillers they gave me, which I only needed for a few days. Had 5 days rest and then back to work.

Thanks again for the answers. I thought I would update for future nervous people! Had op this afternoon and all went well. Lovely doctor and everyone was very kind, helping me deal with a bit of anxiety and tears as I was doing into surgery and the anaesthetic. Feel a bit groggy now but no real incision pain just that weird shoulder tip pain. I didn’t get it with my 2 cs’ so it’s a new one on me. Feels like I’ve injured my shoulder carrying a sofa upstairs. I’m havinf a bit of difficulty weeing but not enough for them to keep me in, just something to keep an eye on. Relieved it’s done. Antibiotics for a week as a preventative measure. Thanks so much again for all the support.

Were they just looking for endo or actually removing it? Hope you’re feeling ok today.

They had seen some on an ultrasound but apparently can never be sure what’s there until they go in. So they go in and also treat it at the same time.

@freetodowhatiwant how long did the difficulty weeing last? I had a laproscopy yesterday inc cyst removal and am having the same problem. Stayed in overnight but am praying I can go home this morn.

It lasted about 24 hours and although a bit scary is totally normal. I did feel rough for the first few days but was not needing the pain meds by about 4 days so hopefully you too will soon be bald to normal. Just the odd twinge still now after a week and going for a post op check up tfoay.

Thanks for replying. It’s much better this morning that last night so hopefully just temporary. I can cope with a sore tummy but I hate pee probs! Plus we’re 45 mins from hospital once I’m at home.

Hope post-op check up goes ok.

Yes I think the average for wee problems can be 72 hours. So try not to worry. Drink lots of water. The biggest pain for me was the shoulder pain due to the trapped wind. It’s the weirdest thing ever but was really painful for me. I have had two CS and never had it. Before you go home make sure you have some peppermint oil capsules to help with this. It went in 3 days though.

I’ve been lurking on this post for a while as had a lap last week where they removed a cyst along with ‘excision and ablation of stage 2 endometriosis’.

If I’m honest, I expected to be pretty much back to my old self and am surprised to still be in quite a bit of pain, feeling sick and totally knackered. Doctor signed me off for two weeks so I still have plenty of time before I’m expected back at work but just wondering if anyone else has felt similar?

Ps glad everyone’s procedures have gone well over the past week or so!

I definitely felt ropey for a good few days but I have heard friends say it took them 2 weeks.

I hardly felt any pain with my incision (2 of them at 2 places) ...my shoulders hurt more than anything. It was mostly a tight feeling which I felt in the incision points. Infact I discovered the 2nd set of incisions rather accidently (hidden under my belly overhang), I forgot that the surgeon said that he would do it at 2 places (mine was a diagonastic laproscopy)..it wasnt hurting at all for me

Yes my incisions haven’t been painful at all - just two. One belly button which I can’t even see! Just a bit of bruising. Must have been micro key hole! And a little scar forming where the lower one was.