Laparoscopy for Christmas - how zonked will I be?

[eemie]

Need to have painful ovarian cyst removed, along with ovary and tube, on Monday 20 Dec. Should be done via laparoscopy or mini-laparotomy if all well. Anyone with recent similar experience? I've been warned I'll be in hospital for 2/3 days and 'not myself' for a couple of weeks. Is Christmas likely to be a write-off? I'm wondering if I'll be able to travel in car to see family (4 hours - not driving myself) on Christmas day. TIA to anyone who can offer a personal view

HI, I've had 2 laparoscopies now and stayed in overnight after each- I was meant to get home after 1 day for the 1st but had a reaction to anaesthetic so stayted in. "nd time I was in for night before and night after. I remember being off work for 4 weeks but tbh I was read to go back before then- I only stayed off because I was signed off for that long and work wouldn't let me back without gp's permission and I just couldb't be bothered I really don't think Christmas will be a write off for you- after a few days I felt Ok if a bit tender (I did the hoovering the day I got home). Also, I think you'll be OK for the drive as long as you relax and stop if you need to. JUst my opinion but I guess yuor experience could be different to mine...

Try not to worry! Hope all goes well for you

Thanks Hayls, that's reassuring

eemie - I've had 3 exploratory laparascopies and had to stay in hospital for 3 days. But that was in Germany where they like to keep you in longer than in the UK (e.g. if giving birth normally you're in for 1 whole week and after a c-section up to 2 weeks according to my friend). I was myself quite quickly though obviously the belly button was a bit sore for a while. But being driven somewhere shouldn't be an issue.

Saying that... mine were exploratory. So if you have a cyst removed you'll have an 'internal wound' which might make it a bit more painful. Just get them to give you good painkillers but still use it as an excuse not to do housework or cooking

eemie - I had a lap to have some endo lasered off. It was an afternoon op and I was home by 7pm. Was very sore and tired for a few days afterwards but as long you don't do too much you I don't think Christmas should be a write off. We had a party 6 days after mine and I coped with that all right, just sloped off to bed a little earlier than normal. The main discomfort I recall was all your organs settling themselves back into place after being shunted around and bizarrely it is very common to get pains in the shoulder and back (something to do with the gas they use to extend your abdomen so they have space to work but get the Dr to explain that better!) but as long as you have good painkillers I didn't find it debilatating. All the best for the op and recovery.

eemie - I had exactly the same last year at Easter, on the Monday before, so the timing is almost identical. I was in overnight before & after. When I came home I was happy to be totally looked after. TBH I could have pushed myself a bit, but I know from experience that if you do, then you don't recover nearly as quickly. My Mum came to stay for the rest of the week while dp was at work. She looked after ds and me - and it ws nice to have someone to insist I did nothing. She went home for Easter and I remember feeling fine, but because dp was home I really didn't do very much. When he went back to work after the long weekend I thought I would be fine, but my Mum was offering so I let her come back and I'm glad I did. I walked on my own to the dr (5 minute walk) to have the stitches out, and that hurt so much that I had to ring her to come and fetch me. Suddenly everything got more painful again for a couple of days!

You will be tired and groggy, but it is the perfect time of year for having people take care of you (as Easter was). I didn't attempt car travel - just cos we had none planned. The only car journeys I remember was the 1/2 hour back from hospital - no problem at all - and the 5 minutes back from the doctors - complete agony. So I would make it very clear to the family that you plan to visit that you will decide on the day whether you fancy the journey or not. And when you do make up your mind on the day, base your decision entirely on your health! Remember that it is likely to be very cold and no service stations will be open, so if you need to take a break during the trip to get up and move about, your choices will be limited.

Thanks everyone. Fisilhohoho - I had no idea the service stations would be closed. That does make a difference. Thanks

Not all, but most. We broke down last year and my brother came to help. He said he drove past several service stations on the A1 before finding one that was open.