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What to expect with laparoscopic surgery

 It's been a year this month since I had to have laparoscopic surgery to officially diagnose me with Endometriosis after many years of suffering from Endometriosis with no idea if it actually was or not. 

To mark the year anniversary, I thought I would talk all about what to expect with laparoscopic surgery.

Preparing:

  • Talk to your doctor and find out if you will be staying overnight when you can go back to work or school, and anything they want you to do to prepare will be beneficial, so you are not stressing last minute. Every doctor is different as well with how they want everything post-surgery to go.
  • Having a clean house will make life so much easier. You won't want to be doing much, let alone cleaning, so having a clean environment will mean one less thing to worry about.
  • Pre-prepared meals. Cooking meals in advance and freezing them or buying premade meals will mean if you live by yourself, you can quickly heat up your food, or if you live with your partner, it will make it easier for them to make dinner. Also, having easy snacks in arms reach will be really helpful.
  • Being on bedrest gets boring and uncomfortable. Make sure any medications are at your bedside, and you have things to keep you occupied while you rest. Also, find a way to sit up to sleep because I know for me I couldn't get up without a lot of pain if I lay or slipped down and with gas pains, it is easier to relieve the pressure sitting up. 


What to take to the hospital:

  • My surgery was a day trip, so I don't know what to pack if you are staying overnight, but you will want to have it with you.
  • Comfortable clothing to wear pre and post-surgery
  • A book or something to do. I spent many hours waiting before and after surgy so having something to keep you occupied will be helpful
  • Slip-on shoes

Recovery:

  • After you get out of surgery, you will be feeling a little sick and groggy, so be prepared for that. 
  • I wasn't allowed to leave until I was able to go and pee because you will have a catheter in a while in surgery, mine was put in when I was asleep and taken out before I even woke up; I felt mild discomfort while going, which can be normal but if you are worried about anything or in pain let the nurses know they are there to help.
  • You will not be allowed to drive home, so make sure you have someone to collect you and help you inside and to get comfortable.
  • After surgery, you will be bleeding like a period (i had two days of no bleeding between my period and my surgery cue eye-roll) so make sure you have anything you will need to manage the bleeding close at hand.

No matter what, just stay calm and ask any questions you have to your care team. This is a stressful journey, but you are strong, and you will get through it.

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