Laparoscopy

[AppleCrumbling1]

Hi everyone,
I'm having a Laparoscopy at the end of the week to diagnose and remove endometriosis. I went for an ultrasound last year where they found endometrial cysts on my ovaries and paired with my other symptoms, suspect it is elsewhere. My consultant has said they'll be removed the cysts and as much tissue as possible elsewhere.

I was wondering what to expect recovery wise? I am an engineer so my job is very physical, always outdoors heavy lifting/climbing etc. I have asked for a week off work.

Very anxious as I've never had surgery, I know I won't really know my recovery until I come round and they tell me how the surgery went but feeling really nervous now.

Thank you x

When I had one I was signed off for 2 weeks, but work in an office, so was still a little sore after a week, 10 days. I could have gone back to work then, but I suspect you'll have some who needed longer to recover. I suspect with a physical job you may be signed off for a little longer.

Thank you @HorridHenryIsMyPal - I'm expecting to be a sore for a few days and a bit groggy from the GA but only time will tell x

I have had two laparoscopies, to some extent it depends how much tissue they remove and where it is from. I was fairly groggy and unable to do much for 2-3 days and then wasn't at full par for a few days after that. I was signed off for a fortnight and I took that both times - I had a young DS so I wasn't getting much rest at home.

I don't recall being in a huge amount of physical pain/discomfort- I was so relieved to get rid of the horrible endo pain that it seemed fine, but I'm not sure how up to a very physical job I would have been after a week.

I've had eight.. all years ago.. for ovarian cysts and Endometriosis. It's the gas that's more painful.. feels like your rib cage is in your shoulders.. so burp and fart as much as you can.
Depending what they find and how much is cut out depends on your recovery.. Endometriosis is like having open cuts but on the inside.
I ended up having hysterectomy in the end because l ended up worse with Endometriosis and adhesions on my bowels/ bladder/ colon/ liver/ pancreas etc.. still riddled on those organs except l now don't have a womb/ ovaries/ tubes/ cervix.
Good luck.

I don't think a week will be enough, I had the gas pain too which was really uncomfortable and I couldn't sleep properly for at least a few nights (it's hard to lay down flat). I had minimal tissue removed but had 2 weeks off I think - the first laparoscopy I only took 1 day off for a WFH job and that was ridiculous! You'll be fine though, it does heal pretty quickly once the gas has gone/GA effects wear off.

You should also have a follow up appointment a week or so post op to discuss the findings. They should not be talking to you in any great detail about this whilst you are in the recovery room as it’s poor practice.

Gas pain usually takes about a day or so to resolve itself, after that happens you should feel a lot better.

Thank you all so much - my consultant said to try and move around for a few days post op to help with the gas but also rest...so I'll be doing star jumps in bed!

I have said to my work it will be very much a case of "cross the bridge" as like you say, it all depends on the post op appointment and what's removed.

Thank you all again x

Be prepared to feel absolutely shattered the second week, takes a long time to get over a GA and you'll be pretty bloated and sore/bruised.

Thank you @MrsPelligrinoPetrichor , I think I'm going to say to my work that I may need a second week off. I wouldn't want to over do it/cause any issues with healing! X

Just an update for you all - surgery went well but I couldn't pass urine on my own so have been sent home with a catheter. Back in today to hopefully get it removed.

Very sore (more sore than I expected!) who knew sneezing and coughing could be so painful.

Thanks again for all your advice x

Ouch! When you cough or sneeze hold a pillow across your stomach and brace yourself,it'll help. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Glad it went well.. hope the findings were minimal.. wishing you a speedy recovery

It will depend on the extent of the adhesions being removed. I had this a couple of times and was back at my desk job working after 2-3 weeks but SIL had extensive surgery for hers and was off for 6 weeks. They will advise you after the surgery regarding work.