What to Expect After a Laparoscopy for Endometriosis?

In my experience there were a few things mentioned by the doctors to expect, but there was more that I felt unprepared for. Hopefully this will give a few of you preparing for laparoscopy a little more insight. Depending on what took place during the laparoscopy, the level of pain experienced by each individual may differ. In my case, I had cysts and scarring removed so the extent of pain experienced was extreme. There are some females that claim to have had a laparoscopy done with little to no pain related to surgical intervention. This is, for the most part, true for those having a laparoscopy which was strictly for diagnostic purposes without removing growths of any kind. This is what I experienced and what I would have wanted someone to tell me beforehand. Please keep in mind that this is my experience that in no way should replace your doctors' knowledge and advice.

Walking

The morning I was discharged I overestimated how much walking I could do. I had remained in the hospital bed for about 24 hours and rarely went to the rest room. My pain levels were not intense. So, I eagerly made my way out to find I could barely leave the ward. The pain hit me so hard a nearly passed out. My father had arranged a wheelchair to transport me to the car which was a huge relief. The challenge of walking was worse when I arrived home and had to climb the staircase to my apartment. I had to stop every 3 seconds because the pain was unbearable. Once I was inside, I limited my movement for the next week going only to the bathroom. The support I got from my parents and husband made it easier to limit my movement.

Shoulder Pain

My first visit to the rest room was about 5 hours after the laparoscopy and as soon as I got up my shoulders felt heavy and agonizingly painful. I was told this would be the case after the laparoscopy as a result of the gas used to insufflate the abdominal cavity providing sufficient visualization of the pelvic region, and to enable better maneuvering of the instruments used during the procedure. Most of the gas was removed after the procedure, but a percentage remained. This naturally dissipates with time and in my case, the pain lasted for 5 days. I was hunched over when walking for the first 3 days to avoid the extra pulling sensation felt from my chest up. There was nothing much I could do except wait for the pain to subside as the days went on.

The Pillow Trick

My mother gave birth 5 times and thereafter had her tubes tied. In her experience keeping a pillow gently pressed to her belly after surgery helped avoid more pain caused by a moving vehicle. This advice from my mother was especially helpful when we drove over speed bumps and potholes. Just after a laparoscopy the slightest disturbance to the body can cause tremendous pain.

Painful Bowel Movements & Painful Urination

Yes, this is quite a shitty topic, but absolutely relevant when talking about post laparoscopy expectations. Bowel movements were so painful it was impossible for me for the first 2 days. Urination hurt just as much and felt like an intense bladder infection. I`ve been told that this is also related to the gas trapped in your pelvic region which puts pressure on surrounding organs. To avoid constipation, it is advised to eat enough fiber in your diet. This too resolved itself in the first 4 days for me.

Sleep Position

If you are someone who sleeps on your side or stomach, I wish you the best of luck! This describes my sleeping positions and so finding comfort whilst lying on my back was testing. I also move around a lot in my sleep and shifting to my side or stomach woke me up with pain. The one thing that helped me get through the long nights were sleeping pills. However, it is best to talk to your doctor before doing this especially if you are on a cocktail of different medications. Adding a pillow under my legs also helped.

When does normalcy begin?

It has been a month since my laparoscopy for endometriosis and to be completely honest, my life has still been complicated by this disorder. I still ask the question, when will I have my life back?

During my last doctor's appointment, I was told to continue using Visanne until I decide to fall pregnant. It was mentioned that there is a chance of recurrence of endometriosis in future. I was assured that what could be removed during the laparoscopy was removed and things were looking up.

The pain started up again almost 2 weeks ago.

It continues to challenge me... to drain my energy, take away my joy, and leave me feeling hopeless. Still, I press on and hold on to the hope that I can enjoy the most ordinary pleasures of a boring suburban life without the nagging pain.

I mentioned this to my doctor, and he suspects possible Adenomyosis. I am hoping that is theory is incorrect, but I have yet to find out.

Follow my posts to find out more. Until then, I wish you a flare free day!

Thank you for walking this journey with me.