Ask Me About My Endo
  • Home
  • Resources
  • Get the Facts
  • Blog
  • Sponsor a Surgery
  • Ruby the Endo Roo
  • Videos
  • Contact

11 Tips for Laparoscopic Surgery Recovery

9/16/2014

56 Comments

 
Picture
As some of you might know, I had emergency gallbladder surgery last week, just 10 weeks after my excision surgery for endometriosis. This makes 5 surgeries in just over 2 years, which feels like...a lot. As you might imagine, my husband and I have sort of created a bit of a routine for making recovery as smooth as possible. Here are our tips:

1. Be prepared!
Of course, there's no real way to prepare for a last minute surgery, but the more prepared you can be, the easier your recovery will be. Whether you are having local or out-of-state care, there are a few things you can stock up on beforehand so that you will have everything you need at your fingertips after surgery. Reducing trips to the drugs store is definitely one way to keep your recovery period as stress free as possible! Check out our blog and video of what to pack to be prepared. 

2. Schedule to have help during the first week
The most important thing to have during your recovery is someone to help you through the first week. This might be a spouse, friend, family member, or even a home health aide. Whether you have a simple diagnostic surgery or a complex case that involves organ removal, you're going to need help getting home, moving around, cooking, cleaning, and monitoring for complications. A caregiver can help keep track of your medications, make sure you get an appropriate amount of exercise and rest,  and stock your fridge with healthy meals that can easily be microwaved. If your caregiver is able to work from home, this is a great option so that they do not need to take sick time or family leave. 

3. Keep moving...a little at a time!
Although it may sound counterintuitive, getting up and moving every two hours promotes healing and helps eliminate gas pain (gas which your surgeon uses to inflate your belly during surgery may remain and cause pain). Start slow, and make small goals, like walking on your own to the bathroom, then the hall, then the nurses' station. While you're in the hospital, nursing staff will help you with this part, but you should keep it up even after you are discharged. I find it refreshing to go for a daily evening walk, say around the block, once I feel up to it. It really helps to get out of the house, even if it is only for 10 minutes. 

4. Be flexible
You may have had some idea of what your recovery might be like when you scheduled your surgery. I can tell you that it can be upsetting to wake up and find out you have several days in the hospital you hadn't planned for, or complications happened and you'll need to wear a drain tube for a couple days. Surgery is unpredictable, even with the most skilled hands, so expecting your recovery to be picture perfect is setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration. Your doctor may have told you that you could return to normal activities after a certain number of days. Don't hold yourself to these expectations. Each surgery is different and each recovery is different (trust me...none of my recoveries have felt the same!). I typically try to plan to be at home for 2 weeks after surgery. Even if you feel better, remember that fatigue is common after surgery. Just like the previous tip, take things one day at a time and make small goals for yourself. If you have a more extensive surgery, you may even want to schedule 4-6 weeks at home after surgery, and may want to return to work part time at first. 

5. Have some savings to cover any loss of income
If you are self-employed or do not have paid sick leave, you'll want to make sure you have a financial airbag in place. You don't want to rush yourself back to work before you are completely healed, and having some savings to fall back on will ease this burden. 

6. Splint Your Belly
No one told me about this tip the first time I had surgery, and I couldn't understand why I was in increasing amounts of pain. Your abdominal muscles need to heal before they can comfortably support the pressure of holding you upright. Hugging a pillow to your belly or wearing an abdominal binder when sitting up and walking around makes a big difference! Also, you may think that returning to a desk job will be easier than a job where you will on your feet. Not necessarily. Sitting upright puts a lot of pressure on your abdominal muscles, which have been cut during your surgery. Putting too much pressure on your belly before you're healed can become very painful. Like everything, take things slow!

7. Avoid clothes that put pressure on your belly
Long, flowing dresses, leggings and tunics, or drawstring/elastic waist shorts/pants are the most comfortable. I find these to be essential during recovery. I also avoid bras with underwire for a little while. Whatever you wear, just make sure it is comfortable!

8. Pamper yourself when you can
If you know you're having surgery, maybe you get a nice haircut beforehand. Maybe you have a friend come over and give you a mani/pedi while you're resting at home, or check out a new book and some movies from your local library. Be kind to yourself, and do something special that will makes you feel good!

9. Make a little "nest" where you'll be resting
Ok, this sounds silly...but hear me out! After you've had pelvic or abdominal surgery, it can really hurt to roll or be jostled in bed. I make myself a little nest of pillows and bed bumpers so that I am not involuntarily tensing my muscles. I also have some comfort items nearby (Ruby, of course, and my 1 liter double walled mug they gave me at the hospital!  I don't know why it comforts me, but it does). Make this space your oasis, full of things that make you feel calm and happy. You might even use some aromatherapy to keep your mood lifted. 

10. Don't be afraid to call your doctor
After my first surgery, I called my surgeon's office almost daily. Was it normal to have so much pain? Is this drainage healthy or sign of infection? When do I remove the steristrips? What's that little string in my incision? Obviously, if you have a lot of questions, you should schedule an appointment to speak in person, but the office can answer any quick inquiries pretty easily. While your first instinct might be to ask in an online support group, your health care is ultimately a matter to discuss with your physician. Surgeons typically have an on-call doctor after hours that patients can call with questions. However, if you have a doctor who is not helping you post-operatively, it might be time to find someone who will. 

11. Trust yourself!
You know your body best. If things don't feel right, follow your instincts. Listen to your body when it tells you it needs to sleep all afternoon, or you're worried something might be wrong. Keep the lines of communication open with your surgeon, and trust your gut! ;)

I hope these tips help you as you heal! Good luck with your recovery, and please share any tips that have helped you after surgery for endometrisois!
56 Comments
Catherine Felix
3/10/2016 01:11:00 pm

Thank you for this post! I recently had the misfortune of having to under a pretty intense surgical procedure. I had to undergo some reconstructive surgery in order to correct a severe trauma. The whole process leading up to the surgery was traumatic for obvious reasons. I don’t want to go into too much detail but during my surgery, my team used a FAW blanket and it helped so much with my post surgical recovery. I credit my super quick recovery to the blanket. Here are some facts about the system http://www.truthaboutbairhugger.com

Reply
Jasper Whiteside link
10/18/2016 11:27:06 am

I imagine that your little "nest" has a lot of items that you might need. I am pretty independent and don't like asking people for help especially for something small. This "nest" idea of yours sounds perfect for somebody like me!

Reply
Baxter Abel link
12/2/2016 09:05:35 am

I had no idea that getting up and moving every two hours promotes healing and helps eliminate gas pains after a laparoscopic surgery. I also like what you said about avoiding clothes that put pressure on your belly after a laparoscopic surgery. Thanks for the tips, I'll be sure to pass them along to anyone thinking of getting a laparoscopic operation done.

Reply
Laparoscopic Surgeon in Delhi link
2/12/2017 11:48:18 pm

Thank you for sharing this informative post with us. This is extremely beneficial for the people who have undergone laparoscopic surgery. These tips will assist them in maintaining proper health and will avoid problems that are caused after surgery.

Reply
Ankura Hospital link
4/17/2017 04:43:16 am

Nice article thanks for sharing.
Dr. V. V. S. Chandrasekharam is a gold medallist in Pediatric Surgery from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He has presented over 15 clinical and research papers in various international and national conferences.
For more info please visit: http://www.ankurahospital.com/doctor/dr-vvs-chandrasekharam/

Reply
Savannan
5/13/2017 09:00:14 pm

I would watch an episode on netflix and then walk around and made sure to burp before starting another episode. I did this for the first two days and it helped with the shoulder pain.

Reply
Kerri
7/2/2017 05:36:29 am

My lapo was scheduled. I had clothes laid for the first week (bra, underware, socks , shorts, PJ pants, shirts short and long sleeve) had it all ready to go in case I needed help it was all there so husband didn't have to dig for clothes.
We also got a boppy pillow (for babies). We have 4 dogs and 1 is still kind of a puppy. So if laying on couch or letting them go outside it keeps him from jumping on me.
Best advice if your body wants to rest then rest. Do small stuff every hour or 2. Get up and walk around helps so much. Don't go all crazy thinking you feel good so you are going back to normal routine, give it time. Very hard for me to do since I am always going.. but look at big picture. .. want the baby in my arms so I will rest and lay around if my body is teling me to.
One thing I can not find is sleeping position after surgery. I know for first few days that sitting up, laying on couch ... but what about 4 days out? Tried sleeping in bed like normal last night. Hurting really bad, I am a stomach sleeper. Can tell you right now unless you sleep on clouds do not try it. I am hurting more than I did right after surgery.
Good luck to everyone having this done for whatever reason. Pray that you have a great dr, surgeon, speedy and full recovery and that you get the baby you want.

Reply
Bhuvana link
9/28/2019 02:41:59 am


Great Information. Thank you for your sharing with us

Reply
Lilian Otieno
2/16/2020 01:55:49 pm

Hospitality was awesome

Reply
Tee
12/14/2017 12:15:18 am

Thanks for this post. I just had a laparoscopy surgery 6 days ago. It's been an interesting journey. I planned it around the weekend and took the Friday for the surgery off and the following Monday. My incisions are still healing. I pray for a speedy recovery & for anyone else out there.

Reply
Julie
12/17/2017 07:10:02 pm

Thank you for the tips! I didn't think of the huffing pillow. I wonder how that looks like? A small regular bedroom pillow? I just had my surgery 2 days ago and thank goodness it wasn't cancerous. I'm in a world of new pain and inability that has left me speechless and humbled. I wonder how long the CO2 gas will last. It's so painful.

Reply
Maureen ogando
2/3/2018 11:15:18 am

Thnks alot am trying my best to follow the tips I'm sure they will help.

Reply
Wendje taka
2/28/2018 07:43:20 am

My period started 1 day after my lap surgery. It made me very uncomfortable ( back and waist pain) especially at night. I had to fill my bed with a lot of pillows and tried going for a short walk as often as I can to eas the pain.

Reply
Dr. Chaitasi Shah Desai link
5/9/2018 01:43:06 am

Before laparoscopic surgery you need to check whether your hair is clean or not then only you feel clean while you rest and from this you will be free from the post operation gritty feelings.

Reply
Katie
4/5/2020 02:27:12 am

what???

Reply
Danielle
6/16/2018 06:09:07 am

I had my surgery 4 days ago
Day of the surgery - when I woke I was fine like nothing happened about an hour later I started to feel very sick was vomiting loads couldn’t eat anything.
Day after - After a night stay in hospital due to experience a lot of sickness I got home around 2 and spend the day in bed not eating much
Day 3 - first night at home was horrible as i’m A tummy sleeper if your a tummy sleeper definitely be ready for the sleepiness nights until recovery. The day time I was walking around but taking rests every half hour. Do stuff but not to much try and eat little but offen to keep your energy up
Day 4 - night was a lot better was able to sleep on my side to felt more comfortable. I’m Acting like nothing ever happened feel like normal apart from some pain here and there. Still waiting for a bowel moment to happen so definitely have something on hand for that.

Most things I read in preparation for my surgery was about the physical aspect but nobody said anything about mental stuff. All I wanted for the be held my my partner but wasn’t to scared for him to touch me. Make sure you have lots of comfort food your gonna need it.

Reply
Corina Flores
6/29/2018 09:01:11 pm

I got my lap yesterday. It’s difficult for me to get up. It hurts a little when I get out of bed. I find it hard to stand up right after I’m laying down. I try walking every two hours. Been getting a headache here and there. Maybe because of not sleeping. I’m not having trouble eating, my legs do kinda feel heavy at times. Drinking plenty of water. I’m wearing loose clothing for comfort. Just really concerned and scared at times.

Reply
Lyneah Tsirikos
9/29/2018 07:52:02 am

Had surgery 4 days ago. Finally able to sleep on my side without extreme pain. The gas stuck in my diaphragm and shoulder wasn’t something i was prepared for. I’m a very active fit person so it’s really hard for me to “rest” and sit around like this. Starting to mess with my head some. Haven’t been able to pass a bowel yet. Yesterday and this morning I have been waking up with a terrible headache. I thought for sure I’d be back to normal quicker. Didn’t expect to feel so bad. Nausea keeps coming back too. My follow up appt is next week so I’m hoping for good news so my husband and I can’t start to conceive.

Anyone else suffering from the headaches?

Reply
femiint fertility link
11/2/2018 11:47:50 pm

informative blog.. thanks for sharing

Reply
Crystal Jane
11/29/2018 08:27:56 am

I had my lap done yesterday and it was an urgent non prepared one from an ectopic pregnancy. I had sever pain and felt like it ruptured. Had to call ambulance for help. Did tests and proceeded with operation after an hour being observed in the ER. (plus getting paperworks done). First time having surgery and putting me to sleep was the scariest part. I woke up shivering and they had to put a big heat pan over me. First thing I asked was when can I eat lol. Brought me to my bed and didnt feel anything yet still eager to eat. I felt the urge to pee and it can’t come out. I finally got the go ahead to eat after few hours as I wasn’t vomiting and looked okay. After eating I finally got to pee. No pains aside from the discomfort of the patch for my stitches and needles for the drip and where they take myblood samples from. No pain until morning.. shoulder started giving me alot of pain. I cant breathe properly. They said its normal and just take pain killers. Got home and I cant sleep. Kinda miss the reclining bed in the hospital. Sleeping upright was much more comfortable. Im trying to sleep flat on the bed horizontally as I’m typing and my shoulders are hurting and my diaphragm and breathing is hard like almost the feeling of getting a heart attack. I hope Ill be able to sleep. Good to read comments on here. Hoping for fast recovery

Reply
Pc julie
2/11/2021 06:56:10 pm

Got laparoscopy 3days back and got the same problem, i even had allergy with pain killers and antibiotics, so im not sure how my recovery will get along. I still cant lie flat on my back due to severe pain on my shoulders and I cant breathe, I do burp and that hurts alot too ... Dont know when these gas will pass out as I still can't pass motion

Reply
Himangshu Mehera
1/31/2019 05:14:54 pm

Thank you for sharing an informative blog with us. Lots of information know about laparoscopy surgery recovery.

Reply
Happy Halo
2/7/2019 02:04:39 am

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I had a 10cm cyst and my ovary removed using laproscopic surgery last week. The gas pain from the CO2 they use to inflate the belly has been one of the most painful experiences of my life. The diaphragm wouldnt move and hurt with every breath. The shoulders were so painful; much worse than the actual surgical pains and no-one warned me about them and how debilitating they would be. On day 4 my breathing deteriorated and the pain moved to my right lung. I ended up back in hospital where an X-Ray showed a shadow on my lung which turned out to be trapped air from the surgery, which was affecting my breathing.
I’m recovering now but wish i had been given more information pre and post surgery about this and the breathing exercises I would need to do.
Best wishes

Reply
Lisa
2/21/2019 08:51:50 pm

Got surgery last Week and totally agree they need to warn you about the CO2 gas. It was more painful than the surgery site. First night the pain Was almost debilitating under my diaphragm and ribs. They mention the gas but they don’t tell you that it actually is really painful

Reply
Dr. Deepak @ EVA Women's Hospital in Ahmedabad link
2/8/2019 03:14:49 am

Laparoscopic also commonly known as “telescopic surgery” or “minimally invasive surgery”.

In the early 1900’s, surgeons started viewing the insides of the abdominal cavity with telescopes, but the surgeon needed to hold the telescope and peer down it with his eye to the eyepiece. This meant he was unable to operate as his hands were tied up!

With the advent of microchip technology, and fibreoptics, modern telescopes (called laparoscopes) allow a 1cm camera, and even smaller, to be introduced into the abdominal cavity. The view is transmitted to a TV screen, so everyone can see, and the surgeon has free hands. This allows skinny instruments to be passed through tiny nicks into the abdominal cavity, and the surgeon is thus able to operate from the outside by viewing the TV image.

Reply
rahul link
10/1/2019 01:41:15 am

excellent tips

Reply
rahul link
10/1/2019 01:42:37 am

excellent tips. keep it up

Reply
rahul link
10/1/2019 01:43:16 am

good blog

Reply
Melissa
10/18/2019 07:22:37 pm

Thanks so much to all of the people who commented. I just got my surgery this morning and felt no pain but just nausea and shaky right after. I feel pain now that it’s the evening but it’s not terrible. Also feeling some shoulder and rib bloating, I didn’t know about the CO2 gas so now that makes sense. I had a uterine septum removed and they also removed some endo that they found during the surgery. I’m also a stomach sleeper and I’m hoping I can sleep on my side ok. It’s great to read others experiences and know what to expect!

Reply
Deanna
11/15/2019 04:43:22 am

I got my laparoscopic surgery Nov 12th. Today is the 15th. I had a 6 cm fibroid removed plus 3 small ones. I woke up from the anesthesia shivering. I was in a lot a pain from cramping right after the surgery and the hospital seemed stingy on the pain medicine. I went home the next day. I take 2-3 short walks a day. It really helps with moving the gas out. The incision sites are the most painful now, and I agree with the others that it makes it difficult to sleep. I have to sleep on the couch sitting up which hurts my back. I’m hoping for a speedy recovery.

Reply
Crystal
11/16/2019 09:25:28 pm

I had my surgery on Nov 14/19. I thought it was only me having side sleeping problems. As well as, emotionally getting through my 2&3 day. I'm thankful to have came across these tips. I don't feel alone in this and I can explain some of it to my husband. I kinda pushed him away today. Thank you over again for clarity.

Reply
Riri C
2/22/2020 06:56:08 am

This is a great blog, wish I saw it before surgery day. I had lap hysterectomy 10 days ago, the gas was definitely the worst part the first week. I do feel better and better every day, my energy levels are starting to get back to normal. But I still can’t sleep on my side without my abdomen feeling like all of my organs are sloshing around, then I have a digestive issue right after I try to roll over. My doctor says this is normal an will take time to get completely back to normal, but I see there are many folks who wrote on this blog who have been able to lay on their side at 4-6 days. Aside from being slightly jealous (lol) I am starting to wonder if this issue is going to be my new “norm“. I ordered an ab binder, fingers crossed it helps! Thanks for creating this blog, it is nice to have a place to discuss this stuff with others who have had the same type of surgery and sound board these concerns!

Reply
Burgess Levenda
6/24/2020 10:48:55 pm

Thank you so much for sharing. You are an angel. I just had consultation and going to be booking surgery likely in October. Im a Nurse Practitioner so I am good when it comes to providing care but I am the worst patient! Ha! Thank you for sharing your tips and experience. Appreciate everyone's vulnerability.
Hugs from Scottsdale, AZ!!

-Burge

Reply
M
9/20/2020 03:21:10 am

Thank you so much for posting this blog and to everyone that commented. It’s such a relief to know I’m not alone in a lot of the mentioned recovery issues. I thought it was just me because you search this topic online and a lot of the advice is that you should be fine in a few days and it was getting me down. My surgeon said she removed a lot of endo and my recovery seems to be taking longer than expected. I’m a side sleeper with back scoliosis and it has been hard on my back to sleep on my back all the time but I found it easier to sleep on our very flat firm sofa, and sometimes raising my knees to give my back a break.
I stayed an extra night in hospital after the surgery because I had low blood pressure and it was also easier to be right next to the bathroom. I found it easier to go to the bathroom frequently because it was uncomfortable to have urine pressing on the surgery area, and it was easier to pass gas sitting down, which also provided further relief to the surgery area. I’m usually pretty regular but either the anesthetic or pain killers or both stopped me from bowel movements for two days, despite the pills I took to soften the stools. The doctor gave me micro enemas to release everything and that really helped. Instant relief. I recommend to have these available just in case.
It’s been 9 days and I’m still bleeding but it isn’t very much, liners are okay. I got these large pads that you can stick to your bed/sofa to protect it for piece of mind. They are sold at the supermarket for children that wet the bed. They were good for piece of mind but I didn’t really need them when I got home.
Definitely wear loose clothing and only bikini bottom underwear. I also cut the front out of some of my high waisted briefs, almost like a scooped low cut t-shirt, and that is very comfortable because there is no elastic across the abdomen anywhere. I like the sound of something supporting the abdomen though as suggested above so might give that a try.
The hospital might lend you some hospital gowns if you don’t have any baggy jumper dresses or nightgowns.
I’m trying not to eat any ‘gassy’ foods as this only adds to the discomfort. I’m eating smaller meals regularly, and walking around the house to go to the toilet or get a glass of water.
Wash your hair the night before surgery and have a can of dry hair shampoo for your recovery.
Also buy hygienic wipes so you can use these to clean until you’re comfortable to shower.
The tip re holding a pillow against your abs when you laugh or sneeze or cough is good and if you don’t have time to grab one you can use your hands.
Have some comfort snacks. Be kind to yourself.
It is hard mentally and emotionally because you just want it to be over and be back to normal. Thank you for acknowledging that I thought it was just me! It’s just tiring.
Hang in there. You can do this and it will be worth it later.
Keep reminding yourself how good you’ll feel in a week or two and don’t rush yourself.
Thanks again everyone :)

Reply
Tess
9/21/2020 02:18:15 am

I just went in for suspected appendicitis and actually left with no appendix and drainage of a ruptured ovarian cyst. Is it normal to have “the worst period pain” ever afterwards. I’m due for my period any day but I don’t have it yet. I’ve been going for short walks regularly because I’m actually in less pain standing.

Reply
Suzanne
12/18/2020 08:38:04 pm

Wow I am so grateful for this blog normalizing a longer healing time. At this point I am 15 days past my surgery. Generally I am not having a lot of pain anymore but get twinges of discomfort/pain. I am still walking only about 50% of what I was doing pre-surgery, no other exercise yet. I saw the dr for 2 week post op checkup and she said everything looked good and said she expected I should be back to normal at this point, said I should push myself to be more active. Her messaging was a little discouraging (she doesn’t have the best bedside manner) but she said everyone’s pain threshold is different. Going to listen to my body and gradually increase exercise. For reference I am in my early 30s and very active, prior to surgery I walked 5miles daily and did yoga daily and the recovery for me was still much more difficult than expected. I also had a fairly easy surgery: just one ~5.5cm cyst removed, my first abdominal surgery. Each day I feel a little better. Good luck to all and to echo others, be kind to yourself and give yourself time to heal. And if you feel like something is wrong, trust your body/go to the doctor. Good luck to all!

Reply
Brenda
1/11/2021 07:33:25 pm

Tip from Sister-in-law Nurse Brooke activated charcoal pills help with relieving the gas and bloating after the surgery. My first surgery is abdominal laparoscopy next week. I'm freezing out a little bit here.

Reply
Erika Brady link
2/26/2021 09:05:00 am

My uncle's had a gallbladder problem for the last few days and he and his wife are fairly certain that he'll need surgery for it soon. They've been looking to find a good clinic where he can have the surgery, and it would probably be best for them to follow your tips so he can be prepared and recover quickly afterward. Thanks for explaining that he should stock up on pharmaceuticals and other necessities to help speed up his recovery so they don't have to visit the store as much while he recovers.

Reply
Billy
3/17/2021 12:39:30 pm

Thank you so much for this blog and to all the commenters. All of your advice has given me the confidence to just hang in there and it will get easier - just got to give myself time.

Reply
Elaine T
3/20/2021 12:20:46 am

I’m on Day 2 after my lap to remove 2 cysts and a fibriod. It was my first ever surgical procedure so I was pretty nervous. I woke up after the anaesthesia and was fine for an hour or 2 after coming round, then the nausea and sickness started. My mouth was so dry despite drinking water. I was able to go home later that evening and was up every 30 minutes needing to pee. Later that night I had sudden super sharp pains in my lower abdomen, so crippling I could hardly move and just tensed up. My husband managed to get me to the bathroom and the pain must’ve been pressure from my bladder since I had urinated fairly frequently but was only a trickle each time. I guess I had drunk about 2 litres or more of water before I left the hospital, plus the 1 litre worth of IV fluid, and my kidneys were starting to wake up! My husband sat with me and rubbed my back to help things “move along” for about 20 minutes. That happened about twice that first night, and really helped me.

My friend pre-warned me about the shoulder pain but I wasn’t prepared for the gas under my ribs. That had me struggling to breathe til I could rub it out. But moving/standing up definitely helps disperse it.

I’ve been lucky to have my husband to help me these past few days. But I love the idea of having a nest when he goes back to work. And definitely agree with loose clothing, though I’m don’t think I’m ready for leggings or anything with a waist band! Really looking forward to be able to sleep on my side, I haven’t tried yet but it’s still early days so I’ll just let my insides recover a little longer.

But thanks to everyone for their tips and stories! Take care all x x

Reply
Erin
4/14/2021 07:06:47 am

This has been the best thread by far in my search for other people's recovery stories so thank you for sharing this!

I had my first lap just last Friday. I am really hoping my periods start to improve after the healing has taken place.
I am on day 5 of recovery and still don't feel like I can sleep on my side. Im having to self massage my lower back and legs also. Today is the first time I didn't feel completely exhausted and managed to go for a 15min walk around the block. All other days I've just done little walks around the house with lots of sleeping and TV.
The gas really affect the side rib cage area for me, thankfully all pain was gone by day 2. Just remember to breath through thepain, and walking around helps.

Something I wish I was told is that it's really normal to feel some nausea when waking up from the surgery and the nausea can last 24-48hrs. During this time I had to have very small bites of food and small sips of water otherwise I would vomit, getting up too fast also caused more nausea...once I learnt what not to do, it settled pretty well.

I thought I'd share my one "lesson learned" from my surgery experience.
When you wake from surgery, the nurses generally want you to be pain free before sending you back up to the hospital room.
Just remember, if you are in pain, let them know and also make sure to ask what painkiller they are giving you before swallowing it (most nurses should tell you this, but i wasn't so lucky and I guess sometimes it becomes so routine they may forget) When I woke up from surgery, I told them my pelvic area was in pain so they gave me a tablet and I didn't know it was an oxycoden until I was swallowing it. It did not agree with me (vomited within 2min) they then gave me another option, and it was a stronger sedative style pain killer! Intuitively I knew it was not for me, so I told them i didn't want to take that pill and asked them if they had iburofen/codeine...as I know this type of painkiller works for me. They ended up giving me a slow release tablet which was perfect.

Just remember, after your surgery you are your best advocate and you have every right to refuse certain pain killers that they offer you. Always ask what they're giving you before you take it, and they most definitely have many options on hand.
Unfortunately the oxycoden made my recovery feel more spacey and uncomfortable than I would have liked, but at least I've learnt from that experience and can pass that lesson onto anyone else who needs to hear it :)

Reply
Nalini Speciality Hospital link
7/17/2021 04:27:45 am

Thanks for the useful tips.

Reply
raj vinayak hospital link
8/8/2021 10:07:10 pm

thank you for sharing helpful information

Reply
Sara
8/31/2021 09:22:21 am

I had my lap 5 days ago and one thing that saved me was Prune juice. 1 glass and I was finally able to have a bowel movement. It was like magic. Worked quicker when i took it with the stool softner recommnnded by my Doc. Highly recommend if you are dealing with constipation. Hope you feel better soon.

Reply
Shashank Shah link
9/25/2021 07:40:47 am

Great tips on laparoscopic surgery.
Check out this https://obesityasia.com/

Reply
Raj vinayak link
10/18/2021 04:09:29 am

Best blog about <a href=https"https://www.rajvinayakhospital.com/">laporscopic surgery</a>

Reply
Andie
11/20/2021 12:06:44 am

I am 3 days out from laparoscopic surgery (removal of right ovary, removal of left endometrioma, adhesion removal in abdomen). I had brain surgery a few years back from a hemorrhage and was expecting my recovery from this surgery to be easier. Not so much. I’ve had the gas pain, the rolling headaches and the sleepless nights. Propping my knees up with a pillow at night has helped a ton, going outside for short walks and SKIMS high waist cozy pants have been a lifesaver! My surgeon used glue instead of stitches, was wondering if anyone else’s did the same? Does the glue fall off on its own or do I get it removed at some point? Thank you all for your comments on this thread. I cried reading through them. I’m just so glad I’m not alone in this. Wishing everyone amazing recoveries! Andie

Reply
Robyn
11/21/2021 03:47:20 pm

I just had my gallbladder removed yesterday and came home today. My surgeon also used glue for the closure. He said it would fall off by itself and not to rub it or pick at it. Good luck and feel better fast!

Reply
Paige
3/23/2022 09:36:57 pm

This makes me feel so much better. This is exactly what I am going through and I have been so concerned but reading this I am glad that I am not alone. I got my left fallopian tube removed as my ectopic pregnancy exploded. I’m on day 2 and can not wait to go #2. The pain in my shoulders and rib cage is insane and I have the hardest time breathing, every breath i take i feel pain. And breathing in too deeply, I feel as though my ribs are going to pop straight through my lungs. My main concern still is that my RIGHT side of my abdomen down into my RIGHT pubic area is swollen which isn't making since to me as i got my LEFT fallopian tube removed. Anybody else having the swelling issue?

Reply
vardhanfertility link
8/9/2022 04:57:40 am

Thank you for sharing 11 amazing tips to recover from laparoscopy surgery. Very informative blog. Must read blog who had this surgery. Vardhan has been providing high quality IVF treatment with highest success rate.

Reply
srikanth link
8/22/2022 06:34:47 am

This Blog Is Very Helpful And Informative For This Particular Topic. I Appreciate Your Effort That Has Been Taken To Write This Blog For Us. physical therapy after laminectomy, back surgery rehab, rehabilitation after spinal surgery, rehabilitation after lumbar disc surgery, rehabilitation after back surgery, post spinal surgery physiotherapy, physiotherapy after back surgery, post spinal surgery rehabilitation, rehabilitation after spinal fusion, physiotherapy after lumbar spine surgery. <a href="https://curerehab.in/Post-Spine-Surgery-Rehabilitation"> physiotherapy in Hyderabad </a>

Reply
Eve Mitchell link
10/25/2022 03:11:39 pm

I appreciated what you said about splinting your belly to help relieve pressure. I have to have my gallbladder removed, and I think the surgery is next week. It would definitely be good to contact my doctor today to see what the plan is.

Reply
laparoscopy hospital in hyderabad| Mother Hospitals link
2/16/2023 11:31:25 pm

Your blog really provides the best piece of information, Looking forward to reading more stuff like this. Also check <a href=”https://motherhospitals.in/ ”> laparoscopy hospital in hyderabad| Mother Hospitals </a>

Reply
laparoscopy hospital in hyderabad link
2/24/2023 07:02:19 am

Your blog really provides the best piece of information, Looking forward to reading more stuff like this. Also check <a href=”https://motherhospitals.in/ ”> Best Hospital For Normal Delivery | Mother Hospitals </a>

Reply
mother hospitals link
4/3/2023 06:59:30 am

Your blog really provides the best piece of information, Looking forward to reading more stuff like this. Also check <a href=”https://motherhospitals.in/”> laparoscopy hospital in hyderabad </a>

Reply
best hospital for normal delivery link
5/18/2023 06:20:26 am

I came across your website while looking for the <ahref ="https://motherhospitals.in/ "> best hospital for normal delivery </a>, and I must say, I was impressed by the services you offer. As an expectant mother myself, I understand the importance of finding a hospital that provides quality care and support during this special time.

Your website showcases a wide range of maternity services, including pre-natal care, delivery, and post-natal care. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on natural birthing techniques and the use of advanced technology to ensure a safe and comfortable delivery experience.

I would love to hear more about your experiences with normal delivery and how you strive to make it a positive and empowering experience for mothers. Do you offer any special programs or classes to prepare mothers for delivery? I would be interested in learning more about these.

Thank you for your commitment to providing quality healthcare to mothers and babies. I look forward to hearing from you soon.


Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Ask Me About My Endo

    Who will YOU talk to today?

    Archives

    August 2016
    March 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    Categories

    All
    2014
    2015
    Adenomyosis
    Adoption
    Advocacy
    A New Day
    Annual Exam
    Ask Me About My Endo
    Awareness
    Charitable Organizations
    Chronic Pain
    Coping
    Cramps
    Disney
    Early Detection
    Education
    Endometriosis
    Endometriosis Awareness Month
    Excision Surgery
    Giving Thanks
    #GivingTuesday
    Gratitude
    Gynecologist
    Heating Pad
    Infertility
    Interview
    Miscarriage
    Myth
    NaPro Technology
    New Year
    Out Of State Surgery
    Out-of-State Surgery
    Ovarian Cyst
    Packing
    Painful Pelvic Exam
    Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
    Perseverance
    Preparing
    Ruby The Endo Roo
    Screening Tools
    The Office
    Uterus
    Walt Disney World

    RSS Feed

www.askmeaboutmyendo.org  2014-2017
All content, including photo, video, and written work is the sole property of the creator, and shall not be duplicated, reproduced, or redistributed without express permission. Any copyright infringement will be pursued. Ask Me About My Endo does not provide medical advice, but can direct you to someone who can help. To find support, ask questions, and get help, please check out our Resources page.