Looking for some advice & info from ladies that have had a Laparoscopy....

[WhiteOrchid24]

Hello all!

I'm having a laparoscopy done next week and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. My main concern however is how I will feel after the op as my DH is going to be away for work so there is a chance I will be on my own. A family member is going to drive me home and if need be I'm sure will stay but I was just wondering how everyone was after having it done? Do you think I will be ok to stay by myself?

I just read some info on having laps and it said that it's normal to feel groggy for 2-3 days after - did anyone have this? My DS is going to be staying with family for the first night but now I am wondering if maybe he should stay with them until DH gets home 2 days after the lap.....

I'm sorry - I know it's not a major op, I'm just trying to prepare myself as much as possible so I can know what to expect. My HSG was a bit of a disaster and very painful (with inconclusive results hence the lap) so this time I want to be prepared!!

I appreciate any advice or suggestions you all might have. Thank you in advance so much

 

[Ltruns33]

I had my lap a year ago. It was on a Friday, I was a little groggy Friday but went to a dinner part Saturday, coached at a summer camp Monday. I also walked and remained active on my bike. I was "running" short distances a week later. The worst thing was the bruising, and I couldn't lift heavy things (to be careful, not bc it hurt) or raise my hands up so high that it stretched by stomach. It really wasn't bad- paying it off was worse than the surgery.

 

[Ltruns33]

Also, my RE thinks it's worth noting, that I became pregnant the very next cycle. I miscarried though

 

[nikki243babys]

I have to be honest I woke up fine, felt absolutly fine all day and evening but I woke in the night with shoulder pain that was just horrendous I was actually crying in pain (I don't do crying) had 5 c-sections and this shoulder pain was worse, by the morning I was fine. Apparently it's the gasses leaving your body and it doesn't happen to everyone, but the hospital say u can't be discharged unless you are staying with a adult, I stayed at my mums that night as hubby was working, bloody glad I did xx

 

[WhiteOrchid24]

Thanks Ltruns - that's good to know and makes me feel better about how I'll feel after. Did they find anything with you or was everything ok? I'm so sorry about the mc

 

[WhiteOrchid24]

Eek poor you Nikki! Yeah I read the same thing about the shoulder pain - because of trapped gasses etc.... sounds awful! Good to know about staying with an adult - I think I'm going to have to ask my MIL to stay with me as think I would probably prefer to be at home rather than staying with her.... Unfortunately my parents and siblings live on the other side of the world Thanks for responding

 

[amoreamy]

Hi whiteorchid,

I just had my laparoscopy on the 28th May. I was SO scared right before I even had a little cry silently while I was waiting. I had extremely extensive adhesions removed as well as dye flush to open my right tube. It very much depends on what you have done as to your recovery. I was given a LOT of morphine when I woke as my cannula had fallen out so I woke up without pain relief. It was utterly horrendous. The worst part about recovery is the gas pain. I had it for around 36 hours and I would fully recommend having somebody with you during that time because there are so few things you can do without intense pain. In terms of the operation pain I was feeling better after about 12 days rest. I really needed it because I had an allergy to the stitches so it continued to be very painful even though you improve day on day.

I wish I had known what was going to happen before I went in because despite reading countless forums everyone's treatment and experiences were all so different.

Just be brave, and give yourself as much time as you need. You can't rush healing.
If you are going to be on your own pre-cook or prepare meals for yourself for as long in advance as you can. This was invaluable to me, even with my partner looking after me.

Hope that helps

 

[WhiteOrchid24]

Thanks amoreamy and so sorry for what happened for you - sounds awful!!!

I know the Dr is going to also dialate my cervix and look around there as well as doing the dye test again since it didn't work properly the first time. As for the rest - I guess as you said it just depends on what they find/need to do. Did you have any symptoms beforehand of having any issues (ie for the adhesions)?

At this point in time I think my MIL will be able to spend the night with me but will maybe then need to leave first thing the next morning for another appt my FIL has.... I'm definitely going to get lots of food in and prepare some meals etc just in case so appreciate that advice as well.

Oh I just so want it to be over at this point! Thanks again

 

[amoreamy]

There weren't really obvious indications about the adhesions except on the HSG you could see my tube was facing in a random direction. I would sometimes get pain during sex, and I could become constipated really easily as it was attached to my bowel as well. I think they were all symptoms anyway!

I'm sure you'll be great and hopefully you will get some answers If it helps I'm so happy I did it despite being so scared before because both my doctor and I both know exactly what's going on in there which is so important. It has also given me a chance to conceive naturally which is such a blessing

 

[Ltruns33]

Thanks Ltruns - that's good to know and makes me feel better about how I'll feel after. Did they find anything with you or was everything ok? I'm so sorry about the mc

They didn't find anything. Perfectly open tubes, no endo nothing. That's almost as frustrating as finding problems though bc there's nothing wrong yet the first bfp took 16 months to achieve, lost it, and now it's almost been a year since then. Who knew it'd cost this much/take so long to get pregnant.

 

[WhiteOrchid24]

Ltruns - I understand your frustration. I am lucky enough to have my DS who is 4 but I totally agree! You spend so many years preventing pregnancy until you are ready and you just assume it will happen instantly.... if only you knew!!! I so hope you get your BFP soon - it's so true, while it's so great to get the all clear with tests it's also incredibly frustrating as it just leaves you wondering why?! That horrendous, unanswerable question.... big hugs x