Laparoscopy (not looking for medical advice)

mysecretalias

I had a laparoscopy for Endo last year. I did originally book 2 weeks off but ended up needing 3 as I was in a lot of pain. The difficulty with Endo is that you don't know how much or little they will end up doing during the surgery. Mine ended up being quite lengthy due to them finding severe Endo pretty much everywhere. However my OH only took 2 days off after, and then went back to work also. He made sure everything was within easy reach of my bed. We actually got a little portable fridge and a kettle to put next to the bed and my OH put milk in there and sandwiches so I could have cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. Maybe your OH could do the same for you before he goes away for work?

I would say take it very easy for the first few days but as long as everything is in easy reach of you in bed and you take your time getting to and from the loo, you should be ok, especially given your OH will only be away for 2 days. Remember to keep the phone number of your hospital handy though in case you need to phone them for any reason or just for reassurance.

aggypanthus

After mine a few years ago, the worst was the terrible pain in and around my shoulders and upper body as the air they put in you dispersed. the actual site of the procedure was fine.

Patronus

aggypanthus wrote: »

After mine a few years ago, the worst was the terrible pain in and around my shoulders and upper body as the air they put in you dispersed. the actual site of the procedure was fine.

Same here!

Not to scare the OP (it doesn't happen to everyone) but I had the most excruciating pain in my right shoulder, to the extent where I was in tears (and I'm usually very good with pain). That passed after about 3 days. The actual site of the procedure for me was fine, just a tight/pulling sensation when I moved to stand up but not particularly painful.

Good luck OP.

catkins

I had one done over 25 years ago. I was fine afterwards really. My shoulders did hurt as a few other posters have said but other than that no problems.

If you have no children you can take it as easy as you want really. If you don't feel great just sit and watch tv or read.

pukkamum

I had it done for endo and went on my hen do 3 days later but as others say it does depend on other factors and is different for everyone.

Mrs_Imp

I couldn't roll over in bed for a couple of days!!

Have plenty of books and DVDs to hand, peppermint tea helped me disperse the wind and hot water bottles eased to wind pain in my shoulder. I sat in a rocking chair lots, which seemed to help with the wind too.

If you don't fancy cooking, get some take away menus in (no washing up either).

Take things easy. I ended up off work for 2 weeks, partly because I over did it when I felt better after about 5 days.

Good luck. I hope it all goes well.

ps take a cushion to hospital with you to put between your tummy and the seatbelt on your way home

gsymoo

I had mine 11 years ago. I remember my shoulders feeling bruised, but not painful. A friend recommended drinking peppermint tea as the worse thing was the feeling of trapped wind. I found the peppermint tea really helped, even though I wasn't keen on the taste!

Hope all goes well for you, take care.

Loveactually

Thanks all for your wonderful replies. Got some ideas atleast regarding what I can expect

[Deleted User]

I found the shoulder pain the worst - but was given some semi-strong painkillers to take home (prescription co-codamol) but found this passed after 2-3 days. At the time my then OH was working full-time but I got some ready meals in the freezer and after 4-5 days was back to my usual self.

Get painkillers, keep the house warm and wear PJ's or other loose comfy clothes, have food cooked & ready or ready meals and treat yourself to some nice duvet days would be my advice!

I hope it goes well for you OP

fluffnutter

God yeah you've reminded me - my collar bones ached like anything for a couple of days. It came in waves if I remember rightly. Where they actually went in was fine and once the effects of the GA had worn off (after a night's sleep basically) I felt pretty much OK. You'll be fine, OP. Good luck.