Please talk to me about laparoscopies!

[JorisBonson]

After suffering from endo for the past decade (and not being taken seriously until recently), I'm finally booked for a laparoscopy in 8 weeks.

I'm not worried about the actual surgery, but any before / after tips would be appreciated! Would particularly like to know about recovery and recovery times. I have obviously googled (before someone points it out) but like to hear first hand experience.

Thanks!

I had a laparoscopy in 2008. These are usually very straightforward but book a couple of days off work after for recovery. I am not sure how long normal recovery time is as mine didn't go to plan for reasons that were never fully explained, but I was accidently cut by the surgeon and bled internally. I ended up with a large hematoma between my legs and terrible black bruising down my legs and over my stomach up to my navel which was really uncomfortable. As a result my recovery time was 3 weeks off work for basic everyday tasks but another couple of months until I felt completely better (energy levels etc) This was v much because of the mistake that was made (1 in a million chance I was told) rather than the procedure itself.

Take your comfiest/biggest pjs/joggers for when you come home. There could be swelling in the abdomen area because the fill you with gas for the procedure and you probably won't be able to do up buttoned trousers. Swelling can take a couple of days to go down. Hot water bottle, nice snacks and painkillers in the house. Maybe have a couple of meals in the freezer ready to just heat up so you are not standing cooking for a long time - unless you have someone who can help? Take a book for before the op! I had to be there early but wasn't taken until almost lunchtime. Good luck op!

Don't be surprised if your shoulders hurt. I thought I had been injured when they moved me on and off the operating table. It was actually something called "referred pain", caused by the gas pushing up on the diaphragm

@Cleaningismycardio I'm so sorry that happened to you! Hope you're fully recovered now?

DH is going to take a couple of days off, particularly to take me home from the hospital, so he can cook 😄

I have had a couple for different reasons. My biggest tips are lots of pillows so you can prop yourself more upright in bed (including when you sleep, i slept sitting up for about 4 days after my first and probably the same after the second) you'll be amazed at how uncomfortable it ends up moving around and getting up from bed.

Peppermint tea/capsules as you will have retained gas which can be painful and this can help disperse it. Keep moving as much as possible, walking is the most effective way to help with the gas pains.

Keep your fluid intake up, and try and have a good amount of fresh fruit and veg. After being poked and prodded from the inside and as a side effect of anaesthetic your digestive system will often slow down for a period of time so constipation is super common.

Just going to echo what other posters have said, take peppermint tea/capsules for the gas and be prepared for shoulder ache.
I wish I took slip on shoes as I had limited movement in the hospital.
Good luck.

Sounds like you have a good DH there OP! No lasting effects and I have a gorgeous 9 year old now!! Take care.🙂

Thank you everyone! Will stock up on tea and wind-eze and comfy trousers.