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Laparoscopy

15 replies

Lindafergie · 12/04/2001 15:38

Now 2 years down the line with trying to discover the cause of my infertility, I am faced with the prospect of 'lap and dye'.While obviously welcoming any investigations I am a bit apprehensive as I have never been 'put to sleep' before in my life, or been in hospital for anything at all - quite rare at 38 !
My query is: can anyone tell me, from experience, what it is REALLY like (not what it tells you in a book). I'd be grateful for any stories of personal experience. Thanx a lot

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Emmagee · 12/04/2001 16:07

What it's like to be put to sleep or have the 'lap and dye'? I can tell you about the former...You usually have a pre-med which makes you feel drowsy before you go down to theatre, then when they give you the general you are just aware of drifting off. I felt a small prick in my hand then my arm felt cold and then....i woke up in the recovery room.

Jac · 12/04/2001 16:48

I'll be back later as trying to cook tea, to tell you about the lap.

Jac · 12/04/2001 18:47

Hello again. Well I've had the laparoscopy and can tell you there is nothing to worry about, but can imagine your apprehension. The general is exactly how Emmagee said, I would have liked the pre-med as soon as I got there as it totally relaxes you and I actually fell asleep and had to be woken up to have my op.

As you have never had a general before, they'll probably say, but you must relax and not fight it, let it put you to sleep and the next thing you know is you're awake and it's all over.

The laparoscopy itself is probably as it says in the books, I really can't remember much about what they do but the after effects aren't too bad at all. The only pain I felt was the plaster thing that they put over the belly button. It was too tight and was pulling across the stitch. I think there was only one stitch. There is a small scar (under 1 cm) just underneath the belly button.

Sorry if I'm a bit vague, but it was nearly 6 six years ago. If you would like to know anything in particular about it please ask. I'm sure others on this site may have been through it and can offer some more advice.

Best wishes.

PS. I've thought of something else. After the op I was told of the 'results'. I don't know if this is usuall or not but don't worry if they don't.

Robinw · 12/04/2001 20:08

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Janh · 13/04/2001 17:00

i haven't had a lap, though have had a variety of generals - gas and injection - coming round is the worst bit (after a gas general, for a caesarian, i said everything 3 times when i first came round which was v weird! v wierd! v wierd!)

i have not had a lap but i know 2 people who have - one for infertility and one for sterilisation - and they both said the worst thing was waiting for the internal gas to go away. they put some in to give them more room to look and then it's just there and filters out through various orifices apparently...!

good luck anyway. hope it's good news.

Original poster
Lindafergie · 13/04/2001 18:25

Thanx to all for the stories of laparoscopies and being 'put out' - I'm REALLY looking forward to it !!! Still, if they find something out and put it right, it will all be worth it. I know I have 1 totally blocked tube and 1 partially blocked as I had an HSG, so anything they can do will be much appreciated. Watch this space - any good news and I'll let you know !!

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Willow2 · 13/04/2001 18:48

I've had two laparoscopies for gynae problems - the incisions are tiny, the worst bit is waiting for the gas they pump you full of to go away. If only it did work it's way out of various orifices, instead it works its way up your body to your shoulders and then must slowly ooze out of your pores or something, as I felt like someone was trying to pick me up by my shoulders for several days! (frankly I'd have preferrred a bad case of wind any day!) Peppermint tea is meant to help and second time around I overdosed on the stuff and things weren't as bad - don't know if the two were linked though. Having said that it isn't painful - but it is uncomfortable.

Janh · 13/04/2001 21:13

well, the orifices bit was what i was told but it was from an american - she said her partner had her over his shoulder trying to burp her - maybe she exaggerated! she had an uncomfortable couple of days anyway...

Twinsmum · 16/04/2001 17:44

Hi LindaFergie, Had a couple of laps. Before you go in think of something nice to think about before you go to sleep. (You really won't get as far as counting to five.) A colleague of mine had an L and D and the surgeon found a small blockage which he cleared at the same time. She got pregnant a few months later....so it really is worth having itb done. At the very least it will confirm if thats where the problem is. You'll forget you even had the procedure after a couple of days. Best of luck with everything!!

Original poster
Lindafergie · 16/04/2001 20:28

Many thanx to all for their experiences of laparoscopy - I'm still more concerned about the 'going to sleep' than the procedure itself - in fact I welcome it, as at last I will find out what is wrong. So I'll book a couple of days off work and go with the flow. I'll let you know how I got on (I haven't even got the appointment thro' yet) Thanx again

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Cam · 18/04/2001 00:22

Dear Lindafergie
There really is no need to worry about going to sleep as you will be asleep for only a very short length of time for this op and the anaesthetic will be very light. I have had several ops under general anaesthetic and have never been frightened as all the staff are so professional and experienced - I believe this is considered a minor procedure nowadays. A drip will be put just under the skin of your hand (just held with a plaster)- it doesn't hurt and then you will breathe oxygen from a mask which you will hold. After a couple of normal breaths you will sleep (but not really be aware of going to sleep) and all you will know next is waking up feeling proud of yourself!

Ems · 18/04/2001 11:34

I remember lying on the bed/trolley before I went in, and saw Winnie the Pooh stickers etc on the ceiling, started talking about them, didnt really notice what was going on, started counting backwards from 10 ........

Original poster
Lindafergie · 24/05/2001 21:06

Hi all,
Well, I had it done yesterday, and took with me all the things you said - I was a little apprehensive about being put to sleep, but it was actually a very nice feeling. He put something into my hand, said 'Are you feeling any different yet?' I replied that I was and that was it - I knew nothing until I was being woken on the ward.
I'm feeling sore and bruised and have that 'pain in the ribs and shoulder' stuff, but will be up and about tomorrow. As to what they found - my tubes are fine, and the HSG lied !! They reckon my tubes went into spasm and acted blocked, even tho' they weren't.
I did have an unusually tightly closed cervix, which she stretched, so it's fingers crossed time now.
Best wishes to everyone trying to conceive. LindaF

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Janh · 25/05/2001 11:24

lindafergie - well done! the anticipation of something unknown and unpleasant is usually worse than the reality!
glad it was good news. fingers crossed for you now.

Jodee · 26/05/2001 22:26

I'm really glad the lap went well for you and that no blockages were found. I was in a similar situation to you, trying for 2 years, had the lap and was told everything was fine, then became pregnant two months later. Doc said it was like I'd had a 'chimney-sweep' of my tubes, giving them a good clean out!
All the very best - fingers crossed too ..

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