laparoscopy

[Beanmistriss]

I have to have this done to check for endometriosis. Has anyone else had this done? Is it painful and will I need to book any days off after at work to recover or will it be ok? Thanks, I've never had an operation of any kind before so I'm a wee bit scared :/ x

[ummmm]

I had it done a few years ago. You will probably need a couple of days off work because of the anaesthetic just in case of any adverse effects. Other than that it's not really painful. Just feels like you've done about 1000 sit ups

[Ethel]

I had this done. Not painful at all. Groggy from the anaesthetic for a day or two afterwards.

[caz247]

I've had it done twice for endometriosis and as ethel says you will feel groggy but there is nothing to worry about it's all done in day surgery so you can go home the same day.


caz x

[Beanmistriss]

Thanks ladies, feel a wee bit better now. I'll book a few days off and keep my fingers crossed :) x

[PatriciaH]

When youve had it done and your back in bed stay in bed. They "pump" up your abdomen with a gas so they can get a better picture with the scope which fills you with wind...i got up about an hour after for the loo and was in a lot of pain with wind. i was told later by a nurse i should of stayed in bed ! i did go home the same day but walked out like an old woman bent in two because of the "wind" other than that no pain at all- good luck youl be fine x

[Hellion]

Hi I've had it done too, it's the anasthetic that makes you feel groggy so a couple of days in bed with a good book is perfect (especially if the weather stays like this lol)
Only other problem I found was my jeans waist band used to rub against the stiches but I put a padded plaster over it.

[PatriciaH]

Sorry ...i didnt mean to say the scope fills you with wind ! :)

[spunkypumpkn]

One thing to be forwarned of. Shoulder pain!

I know it sounds bizarre. As somebodys already mentioned, you'll have your abdomen inflated with gas (its harmless carbon dioxide), and at the end of the operation, the surgeon will try to let as much gas as he can escape, but some always remains (it hides in little pockets around your organs). As you recover in the following days, the gas eventually rises (as gas does), and it can become trapped in and around your shoulder joints. This can cause mild tenderness and discomfort (which often makes people think "WHAT did they do to my shoulders????").

But on the whole, a laparoscopy is a minor procedure which may leave you sore, but your pain should be controlled by simple co-codamol and/or ibuprofen (if you can take this).

Best wishes and speedy recovery. jo

[andy-hughes]

My wife had one a few years ago. She confirms that the incision pain is hardly there at all, but she did get aching shoulders, which they advised was from the gas pumped in to make the scope read correctly.

As advised, anasthetic is the thing you need to get over, so treat yurself to a couple of days n bed!

[orlieborlie]

I agree with the shoulder discomfort. My friend had warned me about that so I was prepared. I also have a teeny scar in my bellybutton. Another thing is watch what you say when you come out of the anaesthetic!! Hope it all goes well for you

[Beanmistriss]

Thanks everyone for answering. Least I know what to expect now and I'm less worried about it. You're all fab! :) x