so SCARED of Laparoscopy!!

**anxious one** · 08-26-2004, 08:40 PM

Hi everyone, I am having a laparoscopy to check for Endometriosis because my periods are a nightmare.
I got the phone call this morning saying my theatre date is Sept 7!!! So relieved it is close, but SO scared. Will it hurt afterwards??? Whats the risk of infection?? Can you get a bladder infection from the procedure?? Maybe I am better off not knowing the answers to these questions!!!!

How many of you have had this procedure???

Thanks all,

Sara

**kelly McC** · 08-27-2004, 02:29 AM

Hi Sara,
I have had this procedure done twice so far and scheduled one more time in October.
I was alittle uncomfortable for a few days following the procedure. With rest and the medicines prescribed I was back up and at em in a few days.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers,
Kelly

**Babs RN** · 08-27-2004, 03:08 AM

Sara,
I have had about 6 laparoscopies and they are not all that bad. As Kelly said taking your meds and taking it easy helps the recovery provess. I even had an ovary removed through the scope and only had about 3 days down time. Good luck and please ask anything as time gets closer.

Hugs
Barb

**HillaryD** · 08-27-2004, 03:09 AM

I am scheduled for my 4th lap on Sep 7th to remove more Endo and to try to find out why I can't get pregnant. Yes, it is very uncomfortable afterwards, but just make sure you stay in bed for a few days and you should be fine. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

**tommygal** · 08-27-2004, 04:05 AM

Nothing to worry about! It's not that bad! I had a lap in Jan, and found endo. Are you having laser or excision? I'm not gonna lie to you, I felt pretty crammy after, but just make sure you have pain meds on hand, and get plenty of rest afterward. Good luck!

**holles** · 08-27-2004, 04:47 AM

i've had 2 laparoscopies. the first was pretty crummy because i wasn't able to pee after (this was before i developed IC). also i had a longer incision than normal because they couldn't get through my belly button or something (i say the doc had a seizure, but he denies it

).

the second one was relatively easy. i was planning for a bad recovery because it was excision surgery and they were doing a cystoscopy at the same time, but it was easy peezy. i was eating pizza and watching hockey later that night and begging dh to let me have a beer. lol. i did overdo it and went clubbing a few nights later and learned that was a no-no so soon after surgery.

my best tip for you is to go to www.webmd.com. go to the message boards. scroll down to "women" and click on the endometriosis support board. at the top of their posts is a list of tips for laparoscopy. there are some wonderful tips there.

most important, get your house cleaned NOW. i hired a maid for a day about a week before surgery. it was helpful. also wear socks. wear a loose-fitting dress (sundress type thing) instead of sweats in case you leave with a catheter like i did. have a pillow or stuffed animal to hug in the car on the way home. it helps with the bumps.

if you need more help than is on that tipsheet, let us know. you'll be fine though. it's a lot more scary sounding than it is.

(((hugs)))

**Katrina** · 08-27-2004, 06:02 AM

I too have had a Laproscopy....rest well and you will do fine. I do not think there is much of a risk of bladder infection.

I hope it goes well for you and you can get some relief soon.

((hugs)))

**tigger_gal** · 08-27-2004, 06:37 AM

I had one to it was as easy as pie

, had no endro. wishing you luck
Brat

**Iris** · 08-27-2004, 11:30 AM

I had a laparoscopy the same time I had cysto/hydro done and a couple of other surgeries as well, and a D and C, so it took me a while to recover. The doc went in just under my belly button and found adhesions which he cleaned up as he said. That was two years ago, and I cannot even see the scar under my navel anymore. let us know how you are doing, hope everything goes well for you, hugs Iris.

***kadi*** · 08-27-2004, 01:30 PM

I had laparoscopy to rule out endometriosis last Fall. It was far easier for me than cysto/hydro & less expensive too! I did wear a loose dress & sandals without stockings & that was good on the way home.

Wishing you good luck with the procedure & better days soon!

**arcticfox** · 08-27-2004, 03:33 PM

Hi Sara,

You are going to be fine. Like the ladies before me have mentioned, just take it easy for the next few days, take your pain meds that are given to you.
Wearing a loose fitting dress and sandles is a good idea for when you are sent home. Is there someone who can be with you when you get home. It is always nice to have someone fuss over you when you get home.

I have had about 3 or 4 and it was only about 2 or 3 days later and I was walking to the store on my own. Just take things easy. Okay?

I will keep you in my thoughts. Take care.

Lynn

**Lyn40** · 08-28-2004, 05:44 PM

I have had 2 laparoscopies and I just have one thing to add. I was very nauseated for several hours after the procedure. Everyone reacts differently, but I was told that this procedure is one of the most common procedures for nausea. It is very helpful for you to ask the anithesilogist (sp?) to add something for nausea during the procedure. Other than that, my recoveries went well.

Good luck to you!