So I have had 2 done to remove large endometriomas on my ovaries. My most recent was in October. First, I needed WAY more than a few days to recover. ( I’m a nurse though so my job is a lot tougher on the body then a desk job) but my first one I took of 10 days total ( my doctor gave me 7 but my schedule allowed me 10) and I need about 7 full days for sure. My second one was more painful and took about 12 days off. I think it may not bee too bad a recovery if they are just looking inside of you and close you up, but since mine was scrapping endometriosis and cysts maybe thats why its more painful?
So my tips..
-You will have to do a bowel prep before surgery. It is really important to get all the stool out. My first surgery I did mag citrate, and OTC and it worked just fine, I could eat up until dinner the night before. My second surgery, new Doctor wanted me to do go-lytly and be on clear liquids 2 days before surgery. If they want you to do that PLEASE say no it was absolutely miserable- a gallon that you have to drink super fast of the nastiest stuff ever. After 1 cup and almost puking I went and bought mag citrate myself and did that and it worked well. But if you do mag citrate id recommend eating like the day of.
– the “gas pain” is a commom complaint. They blow your stomach up with air to be able to see everything so youll be super bloated after. 1 surgery I didnt have the deep shoulder pain the second I did. OUCH. moving and walking is the best thing, a heating pad helped too.
-Take your pain meds round the clock your first few days. You really need someone there the first couple days to help you because it is really difficult getting out of bed. You never realize how often you use you abdominal muscles for things. laughing, moving , sitting up.
-TMI but having a Bridesmaid or Best Man is pretty difficult because pain meds are constipating and you can’t exactly strain because your stomach hurts. I never took stool softeners but it may be a good idea. I got really constipated the second time around which added to the discomfort.
– your going to bleed the first few days at least. Have some pads because the ones they give you from the hospital are super bulky and uncomfortable
– dress really comfortable with loose clothing day off and pretty much the first few days
-Not sure if they are already planning on doing this, maybe you have already had it checked but I had my doctor add on a prodecure to check my tubes during surgery also to make sure there were no blockages.
-They are going to make you sign a consent saying basically if they find something and cant remove it laporscopically that they can do a laporotomy (c- section like incision) I had a friend at work that happened too. I also had to sign saying they could remove my ovaries if needed. Never happened but scary not knowing until you wake up what happened.
– Ask the anesthesiologist to give you versed or something right before transfering you to the OR. My first one did, much scarier getting into the OR and getting strapped down when you are fully alert and aware than having a good buzz and already falling asleep before getting in there.
Thats all I can really think of for now. Best of luck!!! I know a lot of girls get BFP’s after a lap. I haven’t gotten mine yet but trying to keep the hope up. Let me know if you have any more questions!