My experience w/laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy - 2 weeks post-op

I want to say thanks again for everyone's support.  My recovery is going well.  I've received a few requests to share about my experience to help others who have surgery coming up; some of this advice was offered to me before my surgery and really helped.  Your experience may be different but will hopefully go well!

Some tips/thoughts:

1 - Get answers to all your questions.  Be sure you understand how the procedure(s) will be done and that any concerns you have are addressed.

2 - Follow all instructions for pre- and post-surgery and make sure they are explained well, especially post-op when you are sore, tired, and ready to go home.  Check over any written information you are given post-op and have the person driving you home do so as well.  My mom and I failed to notice that my doctor did not include the quantity of pills on my pain med prescription and the pharmacist refused to fill it.  My doctor wasn't on call that evening and one of her partners worked with the pharmacist to get what I needed for that night, but the next day we had to start again with my doctor and get a new prescription, which I had to authorize my mom to pick up in person.  The whole issue turned out to be due to a computer error.  Make sure it is all correct before you go home!

3 - Bring a pillow that you can place over your abdomen for the post-op ride home.  I got this advice here in the forums and it was a huge help.  I left a bed pillow in the car and then placed it over my abdomen so I could still use the seatbelt afterward with minimal discomfort.  You'll also want this pillow to hold if you have to cough, sneeze, etc. until the pain begins to let up.  

4 - After having had a tube in your throat during surgery, your throat will be dry and you may have a hoarse voice or get laryngitis.  Drink fluids and keep some non-menthol or other throat drops or mints on hand.  Warm/hot tea is great, too.  It took a week for my voice to be normal again.

5 - Get plenty of rest and don't overdo it.  Easier said than done, I know, especially if your family relies on you, but having had both procedures in one surgery, my belly was very swollen and painful.  Let others help you as needed.  As my doctor said, though, you won't be bedridden and will have to get up and around some (I was given instructions about this).  Don't overdo it.  Don't try to lift anything heavy or bend over to pick things up right away.  Let yourself heal.

6 - Bring something comfortable to wear home after surgery.  I went home in a nightgown, robe, and rubber-soled house shoes as recommended by my mom.  You just want something that won't be too tight with any painful swelling.  I was still groggy when I got home and went to bed right away.

7 - Take the pain medicine as prescribed.  Don't wait until the pain is worse. 

8 - You may have some bleeding following surgery.  On my second day post-op, I started having what was likely my period, due to how my current cycle pattern is going, but a nurse told me that you can bleed following laparoscopy for about 7-10 days.  It should be no heavier than a period; if it is, call your doctor. 

9 - You may not want to eat much for the first day or two due to swelling.  Keep meals and snacks light, especially if you have digestive issues.  Basically, I was like this for about two days and then started to be hungry again.

10 - Your doctor will recommend a period of recovery time.  I was given the recommendation of 2-4 weeks since I had two procedures.  At two weeks now, I still have soreness where the ovary was removed, but it is improving and I am taking Tylenol as needed, nothing else (I have Crohn's disease, thus no aspirin or ibuprofen).  I will return to work in two more weeks.

I think that's all I wanted to say.  Let me know if I can answer questions and please share about your experiences and advice if you like.

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