Pain after laparoscopy

I wondered if anyone who had had a laparoscopy could tell me how long it hurt for.

I still feel quite alot of pain when walking after a week and wondered if that is normal, as everywhere I read that people resume normal activities after a couple of days.

I am not doubled up or anything, its just like having a constant stitch, and when i take a step, especially around my belling button there is a kind of sharp tugging pain. Also some stabbing pains too that just seem to happn even when sitting still.

Just wanted to know if this is usual, I expcet it is, but thought I would ask others who had had similar, who might tell me how long until the abdomen feels normal again.

Thanks

[imarriedmrewing]

I had a laporotomy a year ago, and I still have some pain. I remember I still couldnt walk around for at least two weeks. Each person is different. I couldnt even get out of bed or sit up on my own after two weeks. So, each person is different, and I wouldnt worry until its like 4 weeks, and you still have major difficulties. Good Luck with a speedy recovery!

[Linda J]

Hello, I had a laparoscopy and ovary and tube removal in mid March and I am still having some pain by my navel incision and by the incision where the ovary was. I think healing takes awhile. Since it has only been a short time for you, I would say, try and be patient with your body.

Linda J

[LindaF]

I had a laparoscopy last week but only had the cyst removed, no organs. I am back to normal save for a bit of bruising. Every once in a while, I feel a slight pain when I move the wrong way - reminds me I had surgery. I'm back in my normal clothing, very little bloating left. Guess I was lucky.

Linda

[wubbie3]

I am 8 weeks post-surgery, and yes... you will have pain, especially since you are only one week post-surgery. The belly button pulling-feeling is normal, and will last several weeks.
I was walking like a 70yr old (I'm 28) for about two weeks after surgery. It was only after that point that I could walk (mostly) normally again. Stairs were painful. I went up them one at a time and usually had to pause at the top or bottom and let my muscles go floppy. We use those ab muscles more than we really think!
In just a general scheme of things, don't really plan on doing anything moderately active for about two weeks, and then just little things, like going for a walk or something.
Hang in there... it does improve!
~Marianne

[gracie94]

I had a Lap done about 2 weeks ago.  I noticed the day after surgery, my dissoveable stitches were poking out some.  Now 2 weeks later, the bottom ones are still to be seen, but not the top ones around my belly button; they have disappeared under the skin, and are red, swollen and itchy.  I do also feel some pain in my abdominal area, also  around the belly button area, and lower left; comes and goes.  Is this normal?  

Grace

[Jayne17]

I had a 16cm cyst and right ovary removed 2 weeks ago and I've just stopped taking painkillers. I still having to lie flat most of the time though and can't sit more than an hour without pain. Wubbie3 -  I laughed at your stairs comment as I've been much the same. I find that if I have a shower, wash my hair and go down 2 flights of stairs to a shop and back I need to lie down for a while and maybe even have a snooze. I was driven to a nearby shopping centre and was out less than 1.5 hrs, went to 2 shops and had lunch 2 days ago, but I found that too much, and I ended up in bed before 7pm asleep, not having eaten all my dinner. I've taken it a bit easier since and found that I'm getting better each day, but still not into jeans yet. Good luck with the recovery folks. Sounds like it just takes a little longer for some.

[Jess800]

I totally agree.  I am 2 wks post op today and still can't handle much activity.  I was feeling little pain until last night my right side was piercing ( I had a baseball sized cyst removed but they saved the ovary)!  I am due for my period - could this be why?  How was your pd after surg?

Jess 800

[Franca25]

I  had my ovaries removed 1 week ago because i was diagnosed with breast cancer and my body is hormone receptor positive to Estrogen.  I am still in quite a bit of pain, the same feeling that i had when i was menstruating, i feel sick to my stomach and i am having one hell of a time to have bowel movements.  If anyone can respond to this, is this normal?

Franca

[sorecyster]

Hello. Its been five complete days since I went in for my LAP. I had some cysts removed, as well as a D and C done. They took my appendix while they were in there. I drove today for the first time, and almost passed out at my destination. it was way too much. I was able to walk slowly on the treadmill after day three. but now i feel like i am getting stabing pains, cramps maybe around my belly button and abdomen. shortness of breath and the whole works. I am saying its looking like 2 weeks on average for completely regaining normal activities. My back is sore from sitting, I want up. but if i get up i am in even more pain.

[Lynz896]

I had lap done due to an ectopic pregnancy. My Dr. had to remove part of my tube, drained a cyst and removed scar tissue that was bulit up. I still feel a bit of pain right around the incision (but not on it). And I'm bloated (gassy) is this normal? It's been almost 8 days? How long will it take before my ab feels normal?

[aimwade]

I had a lap done last Thursday, so technically 5 days ago, and I am still haivng some problems.  I have a protruding hemorrhoid now all of a sudden (never had before) and it's very painful, burny.  The incision on my belly button area was already bruised but now is forming new bruises, my abdomen is still sore when walking, moving the wrong way... , and is swollen too! Everyone says to me, "Your'e still sore??? Minimally invasive..." and feeds me that line expecting me to feel great already.  Guess I needed to vent.  Anyone else in the same boat as me??

[sq27]

I hope someone can help me.  I've had a laparoscopy for endometriosis before but had another one a week ago.  On top of the normal they removed a cyst on my left ovay, did a D & C and removed adhesions on my bowel in my lower right abdomen.  I'm on Co-dydramol so I've got constipated.  3 days a go when I had a bowel movement it took a few hours to stop bleeding.  This morning I woke up with a new stabbing pain in my lower right abdomen and feel really sick with a low temperature of 36.1, and ache all over.  Is this normal? (I didn't get this last time).  

[ambrosia42]

I had a laparoscopy done about 2 weeks ago had a cyst draine and the dr, check my ovaries and falopian tubes I still have pain in the middle of my abdomen and a sharp pain in the left side of my stomach. I wonder what could it be. anyone have the same?

[kitty2009]

ive had both my tubes removed due to 2 ectopic pregnancy's, the last 1 was on the right and was removed about a year ago.
but every now and then i get a sharp stabbing pain or similar to a stitch, but worse.
Sometimes it is so bad it makes me cry, and i have had to make a trip to a&e before and was just given pain killers.
although they help i would still like to know what is causing the pain in the first place.
Im assuming it is something to do with the last surgery as the pain is always on the right side.
Please could someone help me?

[archt]

Hi,

I had a LAP done 2 weeks ago. It took me about 5 days to get back to doing normal activites, but it did tire me out completely. But I have started walking, climbing stairs and even tried to crawl [wierd, i know] and didnt feel awkward. My Dr. advised me not to inhibit myself and to go ahead with normal physical activity, but gave a big no-no to even simple workouts for a couple of months. The area around my belly button still feels tight and sometimes I am unable to stand straight for a long time. But i think it will get better and the the body is healing itslef. Please do let me know if i need to take the pain around my belly button more seriously

[luvcats2much]

I had a debulking surgery done Aug. 21 2009. This is where they take all your female organs, lymph nodes, a bunch  of stuff is done your body cavity to test for cancer because my CA125 level was 3500 before surgery. After surgery I was up on my feet in hours and able to walk stairs the very same day. By day 12 I was back to work where I teach as a special ed teacher of severely challenged children which is a very physical job with helping them in all areas of life from pottying, playing, feeding, etc.  At week 6 I had shooting pain on my right side and down my  leg. The nurse at the Dr. office said "normal" healing pain. Well, now I am months after the surgery and I have severe constipation that only cans of beans relieves me some, fatigue like I never felt before, low grade fever around 100, swelling daily in my lower belly like I swallowed a basketball, cramping like I am having a bad period, agonizing lower back pain, hot flashes, night sweats and depression. Everyone is saying "normal" healing but I am seriously having regrets over having the surgery since after it ended up not being cancer. I was a strong, almost "hyper" type of healthy 42 year old before the surgery and now I am miserable. I was very afraid of Dr.s before this and now I am even more afraid of them. Has anyone ever been through this to help give advice to keep me strong?

[af47]

I had a laparoscopy 8 weeks ago removing 2 cysts my right ovary and falopian tube.  I stayed overnight and was told to take it easy for 72 hours.  Fortunately all was benign.  After 3 weeks the pain across my lower abdomen was excruciating along with an offensive discharge.  My doctor gave me 2 lots of antibiotics as he thought I may have an infection.  The pains seemed to improve by the end of the tablets and I had two days pain free. However nearly 9 weeks on I still get a kind of bruised feeling and some stabbing pains in the pervic region, they're not as bad as they were but they worry me, and they are on both sides, whereas I only had the left side operated on. I also get this kind of tingling feeling in my labia region.  My doctor has told me that scar tissue can take some time to heal.  I am a real worrier and I think about it all the time which I am sure doesn't help.  Is, or has anyone else suffered anything similar?  Would really appreciate some feedback.

[cje0524]

I too had laproscopic surgery almost 10 weeks ago and I am in more pain now than I was then.  Very sharp pains about 2 inches on each side of belly button, about 2 inches wide.  Swollen in area also.  Talked to dr. who did the surgery, he says nothing he can do.  Anyone else have this?

[hmcupelli]

I am 6 days post op from a Laparoscopy for endometriosis...and I get chest pressure right where your ribs come together in the center of my chest when standing.  I am also having an achiness in the groin, flank, and thigh area on my right leg.

Has anyone else had something like this?

[Mimi81]

hey i had my Laparoscopy for Endometriosis 3 weeks ago and I hope that since you had yours in February you are healed by now. I had the same chest pain and that is from the breathing tube they put in you during surgery. I thought i would be back to doing normal stuff by now but the stitches still ache and so I am taking it easy. It's frustrating at times but how are you doing right now? How long did it take you before you were able to move about?

[1sweetpea]

I had my lap procedure done one week ago today and I have no pain at all. I made myself walk around the house to help gas escape faster and believe me it helped. My bellybutton is still sore but as long as I don't lift anything heavy I feel fine. Every one is different however so LISTEN to your body and do not rush YOUR healing process.
Best wishes and hopefully speedy recovery...

[Slactivist]

Wow. It is so interesting to read everyone's post-op experiences. I had a laparotomy to remove an endometrioma about 7 weeks ago and wish I had been more prepared. The initial gas pains in the rib cage and shoulder were bad from the CO2 that they pump you up with. I had some stabbing pains, too, like some of you have said a few weeks after surgery. I think I strained a muscle at that time from pushing myself too hard. I went back to work only a week after surgery, which I regret, and have tried to slow down a bit. I just keep reminding myself to not feel guilty when all I want to do is lounge around in my sweat pants and read. Also, my first period after the surgery was very painful and long with the bleeding lasting longer than 5 days and the pain and diarrhea/irregular bowels lasting a few weeks. And to think that some of you have been through this procedure several times. To hell with anyone who tells you that your pain is normal or that you should be over it by now!

[kristene]

I had my lap surgery 10 days ago and I felt back to normal about 5 or 6 days after.  I felt totally fine, no pain..until TODAY, I have a sharp pain in my lower right abdomen, right where my large cyst was.  I guess it's my ovary hurting, but Im wondering why it just now started.  If it was still healing from the cyst removal, wouldn't it have hurt this whole time?  At least I know Im not the only one, after reading all the replies.

[tasteslikechicken]

I am 6 days post-op for my laparoscopy and am in a great deal of pain. I had my procedure done on Friday and was back at work Monday morning because I am unable to take any time off. I am having a real hard time, and talking to the nurse I found out they did some pretty extensive surgery in my abdomen clearing out endometrial lesions and scar tissue, cysts, etc. I also had a D&C and hysteroscopy. She is very surprised I am working. Hard when I don't have a choice. Anyhow, I had one incision site in my navel and another just above my pelvic bone straight down from my navel. I had my gall bladder out laparoscopically as well, and I don't remember having so much pain around my navel after that surgery, but then I had other pain that was much worse so I probably didn't focus on that.

I had a lot of gas pain the first night, in my chest and shoulders. I was told that moving around helps with that, and having had the same problem the last time and having it last for nearly two weeks, I went on Saturday for a long walk at the park where we were hosting an easter egg hunt. That did it for me, that night and Sunday all the gas pretty much was out, and that was nice. Now I am just having the constant ache and pinching pain in my navel. I may be having other pain, but I am not noticing it since this pain is taking the front seat here. I hope everyone has resolution to their pain. As for me, I think I am going to try to take the afternoon off and rest and see if that helps at all...

I also had many problems with urinating and bowel movements after surgery. In fact, I didn't have a BM until I used a suppository to go on Tuesday. I didn't have a full one until Wednesday morning. I can tell you that this is VERY normal after surgery. If you feel the need to go and nothing else is working for you, try glycerin suppositories, they will help.

I just wanted to give my account for anyone else experiencing the same problems.

[louie78]

Hi,

I had a laparoscopy for endo on the 25th of March 2010 and then 3am that morning I was vomiting and couldn't pass gas or BM and had intense pain in my upper abdomen. They rushed me to the main hospital as I began having some tests and thought they had perforated my bowel. I then went through the ordeal having a 2nd laparscopy in 72hrs. It came to light it was an infection (which they drained) and luckily they investigated and hadn't perforated my bowel. They are not sure where the infection came from but maybe when I had an HSG done 3wks earlier I had a reaction with the dye through my tubes and the infection was spread when doing a wash out during the operation??
My bowel is still not back to normal and I'm struggling to function as normal but hoping it will all work itself out soonish. My platelets are still high but I heard this is normal? Also, I have achy joints and legs and headaches :(
If anyone has been through anything similar I'd be interested to hear if you
went on to have a normal pregnancy or your health in general went back to normal?
Cheers, Louise

[msimpson]

Same here... 4 weeks post Laparoscopy for endo and hysteroscopy for polyps... i sit at a desk during the day and sitting up right causes the most pressure or pain for me... feels tender like light cramping and almost like a full bladder feels when you really have to go.... only way i know how to describe it. But at the end of some days i go home and lay flat to take help the pain and take 800 milligrams of ibuprofen...

[Slactivist]

I totally recommend using the pain tracker and menstrual cycle tracker, btw. They have helped me notice trends, especially in my irregular bowel movements. They haven't been the same since my surgery on February 17.

[skepticalpeach]

It's normal to have a hard time having a bowel movement after a lap. I'd give it some time.

[pjcoach]

I had an laproscopy on March 26th.  My left ovary was removed along with scarring tissue from a previous hysterectomy.  Now, for aboutt 1 1/2 weeks I'm experiencing pain in my Left abdomen only when I go to the bathroom.  I have to push in on my side muscles to lessen the pain.  Any ideas?

[sarahane6]

Hi there hmcupelli I have just come across your post after searching on the internet. I had a laparosopy 6 days ago. On the fourth day I started to et the same horrible ache in the right groin area that you describe and just wondered if you ever found out what this was or if it just disappeared by itself?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Sarah

[warmup]

I had a laparoscopy and a hysteroscopy last Tuesday to investigate the cause of my infertility.  I am 38 years old.  The doctor was gone when I came out of recovery so I don't know exactly what he did but the nurse told me everything looks good...whatever that means.  I was prescribed Tylenol 3 for the pain and was reluctant to take them because I have a pretty high pain tolerance to begin with.  However I took one when I got home that afternoon, one before bed and another at 11:30 the following morning.  That was the last one.  I felt fine physically other than I had to take it easy moving around because I felt bloated and like my stomach muscles were loose and I didn't want to pull something.  I am a little overweight so with that extra weight in the front I just wanted to be cautious.  The day following my surgery I still hadn't had a BM so I went for a 2.5 mile walk that evening...moderate pace (took about 50 minutes).  I believe that the combination of the anesthetic and the codeine in the Tylenol 3 contributed to my constipation.  I returned to work again on Friday, again feeling fine but still bloated from the constipation and all the fibre I had been eating to try to make things move.  And believe me I ate a LOT of fibre!  Finally on Friday I purchased a stool softener and after taking 2 of them, on Saturday I was finally able to have a small BM.  It has been getting progressively better since then so my advice for the constipation is to try a stool softener WITH some fibre and just give it time.  Don't force it.

As for the pain, I have a small incision in my navel and another above my pubic line.  The lower one has cause me no problems at all.  The navel incision does feel like it is pulling a bit but is otherwise healing nicely.  However in my lower right abdomen I do have a dull sensation of muscle pulling or similar to what it feels like when you press on a bruise.  There is no bruise in that area so I am just assuming that it is just the muscles moving back into place.  It's not a debilitating pain or anything, I am simply aware that it's there.  

I was back to normal activities on Sunday, gardening, mowing the lawn, doing some carpentry work....for all intents and purposes I am back to normal.  Still a little careful not to lift anything over 50 lbs yet though.

Maybe I was just one of the lucky ones.....

[goaliemomt]

I had laparoscopy surgery 4 days ago to remove a 5cm cyst.  I thought I was doing fine until today.  I am spotting and also have  very bad ovulating type pain on the cyst side.  Anyone else have pain like that.

[kpowers24]

I had surgery June 10 of this year for endometriosis on my uterus,which is covered inside and out,drained a cyst for the second time and cleaned out my pelvic area. I stayed in bed rest for the first 2 days and has been up on my feet since then. 4 days after my surgery i started getting terrible leg pain in both legs,achy sharp pains, i think i'm over doing it i really haven't had time to rest,my pelvic area  hurts and my stomach is still a little sore,is this normal?,what should i do now/

[fringepod]

I had my lap 6 days ago and really wish I had been better prepared for the recovery--I know it will eventually be fine, but wow, totally not what I expected.  I thought I'd be good to go in a couple-few days...the gas pains were crazy intense and the main thing at first, but now that's subsided and I am left with a very painful lower abdomen and crazy back and leg cramps when I walk--I went out last night for a walk and got to the point where I could just barely move and was seriously considering calling for a taxi it was so bad, stopping me in my tracks every ten steps--it was as if I were 95 years old!  If I am just sitting, then the pain is generally bearable, still quite sore and occasional strong twinges and feeling like I've got a very full bladder all the time, but walking, man, the abdominal pain really flares up and the leg pain/numbness is crazy and totally unexpected and I don't really get why it's happening in the first place...anyway, just thought I'd share for others my experience thus far--it will get better, we just need to really take it easy with ourselves--minimally invasive or no, it's still surgery and can involve more recovery time than we bargained for and the best we can do if we're not one of the lucky ones that are fine a couple days is just listen to our bodies and chill out if we need to and not feel guilty for being "lazy" :)  To speedy recoveries for all of us.

[jenny11131]

i had my left ovary as well as a 10 cm cust removed on june 14. the pain is still here. my stomach is so swollen...and constantly feeling full. its hard to walk..and my back is constantly hurting. my shoulder (mostly the right) is painful too..i hear its from the gas that is releasing. ***** being blown up with gas!!! my actual cuts are ok...hurts..but its the swolleness that is getting to me and my back aches. i guess it all just takes time...good luck to all

[amina09]

I have 2 cysts in my right ovary and I am scared of having laparoscopy done the dr says that it should be ok because they are only little (3cm) i don't know what to do need some advice from people who have actually had the procedure.

[moomanoo]

Hi everyone.
I have been having alot of pain for about the last 3-4 months. It is on my left side, inside where my ovary is, and on the outside also (there are like swollen glands in pelvic region), in my groin and down my leg. It feels at times, like it is being stretched. Some days are worse than others, and no pain medication I have taken has worked. Most days it is even painful on walking. Some days it is so bad, I feel like crying.
I went to a GYNO on June 18th, and had an internal ultrasound done. They found a cyst on my left ovary, and a cervical polyp.
She said I need a hysteroscopy and laparoscopy done, and at the same time, they will put a dye into my fallopian tubes to see if they are open, and check for endometriosis and adhesions. I have alot of wind/gas/gurgling, and get constipated alot, more so since these problems have started. I have IBS, and thought it was just a mixture of IBS and cyst pain. After reading alot of these posts, I am wondering if I have endo/adhesions, involving my bowel.....as pain is worse if I need a BM, and not as bad after doing so. Pain is also pretty bad when my period is due.
I am waiting to get an appointment with a another GYNO, in my town, so I can book the operation. And I am fast running out of patience waiting, I want it over and done with, so I can find out what is wrong, on top of what I already know, and hopefully be pain free. I don't understand why I am waiting, in pain. And the more I think about it, and the more I read about all the possabilities, the more worried I am getting.
Does anyone have any advice or suggestions?

[skepticalpeach]

I'm so glad you found a doc who is willing to help you. Just trust that the doctors would not let you wait for the surgery if your body couldn't handle it. If your symptoms change or get worse call your doc right away and see if they recommend that you go to the ER. Try not to let your imagination run. I had to wait for my surgery and the things that went through my head were awful! Thankfully my doc gave me some heavy pain meds so I had some relief from the pain while I was waiting. A lap will help you, but don't expect it to cure the problem. I really hate to be the one who is a realist, but it's important to know. Endo grows back and cysts can grow quite frequently. Many women with reproductive problems have had several surgeries for it. Good luck and be patient!

[me0000]

I had lap sx 5 days ago. I had a cyst removed on the left ovary and edno repaired. 2 days before sx the rt cyst burst.  i got my period 1 day before my sx and a uti from the u-cath they placed a few months ago at the er when all this started.  Stairs are painful as well as reaching i.e washing my hair and stretching.  I have my engagement party in 5 days and I don't feel upto even driving around the block, as I passed out many times just waiting weeks to have sx. I am terrified to have sex with my fiance as he thinks in 2 weeks it is all over.  I am terrified of feeling the pain I was having and that It's going to come back.  Does anyone else feel like this?

[smelz343]

Hi, I have just had my LAP 6 days ago and have been told I have severe endo and will have to have another LAP in the near future to get rid of it as the first LAP was just an investigation. I am still in pain and have found the recovery quite hard. I couldn't eat or pass wind. I have been feeling nauses ever since my op and have throwin up a lot. I still have the constant pain around my belly button area.

It has been very helpful reading all of the comments because i wasn't to sure when I should go back to work, but I now know to take it easy and wait for the healing process.

Has anyone found it easier to get pregnant after the surgery?

[moomanoo]

Hi everyone.
Just an update from my previous post on 18/7/10.
I am going in tomorrow to have my laparoscopy/Hysteroscopy done.
Will keep you updated, when I get back on here...............

[nnn830]

It makes me feel a little relieved by reading all the comments here.
After 3 and 1/2 weeks from laparoscopy (due to ectopic pregnancy), I thought I was finally getting better, and then three days ago suddenly I started getting severe lower back ache and stabbing pain on the side of surgery. The pain is so bad that I even could not drive home from work today. Sitting up and pushing gas was too hard. But my OBGYN told me it's a normal pain after surgery, and she could not do anything about it. She said it may come from scrar tissues on my ovary, which I did not hear about until today. Since I had already read all the comments here before I talked to my doc., I expected the doctor's response, and just asked her to prescribe me of a painkiller, because Advil did not help relieve the pain at all.
I thought that maybe I would get pain around surgery area every once a while, but not this stabbing pain + severe lower back ache with numbness on my leg starting after a few weeks of surgery.
I guess I have to take it slow, and only hope that it will go away soon. It's too bad that people, even a doctor, cannot really understand or explain the cause of pain. My blood work looks good and my surgery area from outside looks good, so basically I am recovering alright. But I have these pains !!!

[moomanoo]

Hey there, It's 2 days after my lap and I'm still feeling pretty ****** today, but I'm bored, so I thought I'd get on here for a bit......
I can't believe how sore your stomach is....And the GAS, oh the gas, no good at all, had me in tears a few times.
They didn't let me out of hospital for 6 hours after I woke up, as my blood pressure was extremely low, and my arms and face were so pale and pasty. Didn't really get any colour back until the next morning.
I didn't find out much from Gyno after op. He came and briefly spoke to me, and said he would talk to me more in my follow up appointment, (which is on Wednesday), as he didn't think I'd remember much any way.
I am quite disappointed (and so is my partner) about what we were told though.
All I can really remember is that he said, they didn't find anything that would be the cause of the pain, that my ovaries were quite small (what does that mean? Is it bad?) and that they had a bit of trouble cutting into my stomach (near belly button). He didn't mention the cyst or the polyp. Although, I do remember he did say when I come back to see him, he wants to test me for some other things?????, he suspects I won't have them????, but will check anyway????? I will be so pissed off, if I go back to suffering the same pain again, and he is going to say, "sorry, can't find a reason, deal with it...." It must be something, I am not imagining it.
The only thing I can think, if it is to do with my bowel, and sciatica????

[Jmarie537]

I has a laparoscopy done 3 weeks ago due to a ruptured ectopic.. it took me about one week to be able to walk, bathe stand/sit on my own. Today (9/1) I am feeling a cramping pain on the left side, whic is the same side they removed my tube. Just wondering if anyone else has felt this way. Nowadays if I feel any pain I get nervous! Thanks!

[mich75]

i had a lap 2 weeks ago to the day. was feeling great immediately after, my stomach swelling from Stage 4 endo was dramatically reduced, but since ovulation, i am in crazy pain. i also have a fever. Dr says it's fine since "i am probably not in as much pain as i was." but it is different, more acute pain. is this normal? i had pain so acute this afternoon that i thought i might pass out.

[kimshaver10]

I too had a laparoscopy done 14 days ago (it was the 3rd one I have had)  They didn't find any endo this time but severe adhesions and my uterus and overies we attached to  my abdominal wall.  I am still having a lot of pain, my incision in my belly button got infected and I am on antibiotics and my pain meds still.  I am having horrible pulling and stabbing pain around my belly button and on either side of it, it is so bad I can't stand up right.  I am a slow healer but I didn't expect it to be this bad.  I feel like something is wrong inside me but maybe it's just the healing process.  If anyone else has had these problems please help!

[erae]

I had a laparoscopy done last Thursday, October 14.  I have mild to moderate pain in the abdomen area where they removed endometriosis adhesions, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long the difficulty breathing lasts.

I also still have the pain in my shoulders and sternum area from the CO2 trapped in there, but my biggest concern is that when I lay on my back, it feels like someone has placed a ton of bricks on my rib cage area and it's really tough to breathe.  It doesn't feel like my lungs are filling up with air and I have to breathe very deeply just to take in a short breath.

Any advice?

Thanks so much!

[Chelle1981]

Hi all!!
I found this forum after searching "severe bloating and pain after laparoscopy"...
I had my lap 3 weeks ago due to eptopic pregnancy and had my right tube removed. I had 2 weeks off from work and went back this week, although the pain is minimal and bruising seems to be going, my belly looks like I am 4 months pregnant and the wind pains I am suffering with are severe!!... I don't have the answer but just reading all your comments has made me feel alot more "normal!"...
If my post (along with all these others) helps anyone feel that they are not alone then... job done!
Good luck & speedy recovery to us all x

[tender1968]

Hi all,

This forum is great- helpful in making one feel less alone with one's experiences.  Thank you.

I had laporascopic surgery two weeks ago today for a very large uterine fibriod.  There were some complications during the surgery (mainly hemmorraging), and I ended up with transfusions and four days in the hospital.  My surgeon also said something about possibly "bruising" my intestine?

For the past week now, I have felt as if I have had terrible stomach acid.  The first day and a half this was combined with intense gas pains and some vomiting (admittedly after eating way too rich food way too soon).  Since then it has mostly just been my abdomen constantly feeling tender and often feeling a little queasy, waking up early in the morning with what feels like bad stomach acid (keeps me up for a few hours), periods of quesiness/mild naseau, sometimes a bilious taste in the back of my throat.  I'm also thirsty a lot, and tend to run a very low fever in the evenings.  And I have diarhhea.  

My surgeon thinks that my stomach has been upset by combo of NSAIDS/antibiotics/rich food too early, and that it should all settle down with time.  Still, for the past week I've done nothing but eat bland foods, I sit upright for at least five hours before trying to go to bed, I end up spending the second half of the night propped up in an arm-chair (to stay upright and minimize acid feeling pain), and yet in continues.

Has anyone else experienced abdominal problems of a similar sort post surgery?

Thanks so much.

[Jamie1420]

I had this surgery for a cyst in my R overy and endometriosis on the other. I am 6 days after surgery and suffering. I cant walk without pain, I am still bloated, have tightness in my ribs where they meet in the middle of my chest, I had severe nausea even today, My belly button looks like chopped hamburger meat with about a 4 inch dark colored bruise. I get grumpy because of the pain, and emotional over the whole thing. I am a single mother with a 7 year old! Then I read some of these ladies comments and felt better. Looks like we all suffer similar post op expierences! Heat packs or a heating pad has been my best friend, I still sleep alot, and try to walk daily, despite the pain, I am a nurse and know this aids in a speedy recovery! I will post again in a few weeks, and see where were at LOL

Good Luck Ladies, May God Bless All With a Speedy Recovery

[stace237]

hi everyone,

i had a laparoscopy on the 11th nov for suspected endo my doctor had gone by the time i woke up and the nurse wasn't very helpful, i waited to speak to another doctor and all he said was that my ovaries are larger than normal and there was some cysts found i dont know what this means, does anyone else??? as far as i know nothing was removed and ive been told i will be able to talk to my doctor in a follow up appointment in 3 to 6 months, is this the normal time to wait??? also its 2 days after my op now and im experiancing sharp stabbing pains in the incision in my side and sometimes it feels like its burning, the incision made in my belly button seems to be healing ok has anyone else had this pain??

I would appreciate anyones comments
thanks

[momo161]

thanks to all for your posts, it helps understand that i'm not the only one suffering that long.
i had a laparoscopy on Nov 1st, they found endometriosis and a dilated intestine but nothing was removed not even the adhesions they found. OBG said, i will have to remove my uterus and one ovary, and clean up all the adhesions caused by endometriosis. I'm now almost 3 weeks after laparoscopy and still feel very weak, abdominal pain and back ache, even if nothing was removed...i don't feel this is normal, i was back to work after 2 weeks, and it s now my 2nd day at work, i still feel i need more rest, and feel not normal to have this pain..

anyone had same condition as me? do you recommend to remove uterus and ovary? i want know how long does it take to recover from hysterectomy and oovariectomy especially when you have a kid who need you and your time!!!

please advise
HOM

[jgibney01]

I had a lap. surgery done in June 2010 when I was 18, it was a quick spur of the moment decision to have the surgery to look for endometriosis. Growing up I had lots of period pain, cramping during a full 7 day cycle leaving me unable to go school. I tried numerous birth control brands to try to help with the cramps and heavy flow. After about three years of uncontrollable periods i started having severe pain with bowel movements. This is when my Dr. decided it was time to go in and look. We booked the surgery for 5 days after my visit with her. When I woke up from the surgery I was really out of it, I'm also very sensitive to medications and going under, I get really nauseas. I had an incision in my belly button and one right above my pubic bone. It took me about 3-4 hours to actually get out of the recovery room and when i went to the bathroom it looked like I had an extremely heavy period, they told me this was normal. The next week was extremely brutal I couldnt get in and out of bed due to being unable to use my stomach muscles which they cut straight through. My boyfriend had to physically lift me out of bed escort me everywhere. I walked hunched over for a bout two weeks after surgery. My belly button ended up getting infected even with the amt. of antibiotics I was on, leaking out yellow liquid. Now 5 1/2 months later I have been on Lupron every since. I suggest to everyone not to use Lupron, it puts in into menopause and gives your severe hot flashes and mood swings. They have also pinched my sciatic nerve while injecting one of the shots.

TO STACE327: I find it very unusual that your Dr. didnt come to see you in the recovery room. Mine was right there shortly after I woke up and showed me pictures on the endometriosis before she took it out and asked me a lot of questions on how I was feeling. I have a follow up one week later, and then a few weeks after that. I have also seen my Dr. every 2 months since the surgery to check up on my Lupron and progress.

[emaleigh36]

After reading all of these comments I feel like I can offer some words of advice:

I have to have a laparoscopy about once a year to clean up my endometriosis. Before this I also had my gallbladder removed so I'm no stranger to abdominal incisions.

Your doctor will tell you that you should be back on your feet in a few days. Plan on NOT being. If you are, great- I was up an about day 4 after my first lap but after the 2nd it took closer to 2 weeks.

You are not going to feel like yourself for about a month. If you don't need the painkillers, don't take them. I'm blessed to have a very non-addictive personality, but my body did become dependent on them and it made me sick as a dog when I quit taking them.

Remember that you just had surgery- they cut you open and some of you had things removed- you're body doesn't just bounce back from that even when you aren't hurting, you're still healing. My job is physically demanding so about a month after my surgery I decided to build my endurance back up. I got on the elliptical for five minutes the first day, ten minutes the second day, 15 the next.... even though I felt like I could do a little more I didn't because I didn't want to over-do it.

As far as the stitches go- that's a pain. I'm severely allergic to the adhesives they put over the stitches and got 2nd degree burns from them (FYI, over the counter allergy cream a few times a day and it's all better). It's been nearly 6 weeks since my surgery and I still have a lil bit of the stitches poking through- they WILL go away though. They just take a while.

Something else to watch out for is of course infections, but I ended up with a yeast infection in my belly button from having it covered up and all that jazz. If you have an odor coming from there, it's most likely a yeast infection. A q-tip with hydrogen peroxide a few times a day will clear it right up. But make sure to clean it well or it will come back.

We're all in the same boat here- I feel for every one of you. It's misery having to deal with what we have to, the surgery is just the cherry on the top. The most important thing we can do for each other is to understand and support each other, even as strangers. Too many people do not understand the agony that we experience and the more we can educate others, the easier it can make someone else's life.

I hope some of my "expertise" helps with some of your questions. I was lucky to have someone close to answer all of mine and I just want to pass it along. Please pay it forward

[gnirlinda]

I had a lap done over three months.  At this juncture I have had severe pelvic pain on my left side with pain traveling down my left hip and leg.  I was operated on due to an incorrect ultrasound done on me indicating a 6 cm adnexa solid mass tumor.  I am completely pissed off.  Not only was I operated on for no good reason.  The doctor completely left off that these laps are causing pain after the operation.  These laps are touted as being quick and fast recovery.  I am telling you that it is not that simple.  I was a very energetic hyper person who loved to exercise.  I am in fear that I will have to suffer with this pain for the rest of my life.  Please everyone make sure whoever operates on you does these procedures all the time.  Additionally, go get a seperate test done at a different institution with a different doctor.  I think that doctors are operating out there on woman who do not need these operations.  There are many outpatient facilities that need funding and I think woman are easy targets.  We are so scared of the word cancer that all we have to do is hear the word and we go and get hysterectomies done, etc.  Cysts appear on ovaries and come and go - it doesn't mean that you need to remove all your ovaries, uteris, etc.  They say that having all that removed is great - what a joke.  Do not let these doctors operate on you unless your absolutely sure - I no longer trust doctors anymore.  I was also put on synthroid for 8 years and never needed to be placed on that medication.  Doctors have become like businesses and are pushing a lot of these pharmaceutical drugs.

[jakessle]

Wow thank you all so very much for your comments!!!  I just did a google search for 'pain 9 days after laparoscopy' and this site came up.  I'm really sorry that you have all had to go through surgery, pain, and sometimes difficult recoveries, but I have to say reading all of your posts made me feel so much better.

I had a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy on the 11th to remove endometriosis and a large uterine septum as well as uterine adhesions.  I had the same surgery about a year ago and had much more pain right after surgery than I did this time, so I thought this recovery would be easier.  Well, not so much!  I went back to work this week, on wednesday and only made it about half the day before I was in pain (pulling pain on my right side as well as general soreness all throughout my abdomen) and exhausted.  I had to go home and lie down.  Same thing thursday and thankfully I work for a school and we had a snow day today (friday).  I was really surprised at how much pain I was in and how exhausted I was, but now I feel like that must be pretty normal given my job is fairly active (I am walking more than I'm sitting).  I guess I need to give myself more time to heal and just be a little kinder to myself.  I was also relieved to hear that other people's bloated feelings lasted a long time.  I still feel horribly bloated and I also had a difficult time with constipation until about the 4th day after my surgery.

I hope your recoveries all go well and thank you so much again for sharing your experiences!
-Jessica

[ramsookss]

Hi everyone,
Reading all your moments have really helped me with some questions I have had and for me to realize some things are normal. I had my LAP on the 7th Feb 2011 to remove a ovarian cyst, fibroid and endometriosis. Woke up from surgery feeling very weak, dizzy and groggy. I had some spotting when i went to use the bathroom at the hospital and the nurses said that was normal. When i got home, wasnt able to move in and out of bed and walked and hunched over like a ollldddd lady. I was able to get around pretty well by day 3 but still had a very weak abdomen. And also i had what seemed like my period for like 4 days. It has completely stopped now. I also had very bad gas pain in my chest and shoulders causing me not to sleep well. I dunno, Am I the only one who feels depressed after this ordeal? I feel completely removed from the world and i know its not a normal feeling but its pretty hard to shake.

I drove and went to work today 11 days after surgery and it was ok. The sitting up all day caused some sticking pain in my belly button area.  I am worried about my navel, it looks dark and feels very crusty. It looks very weird and I am not sure if its infected. It isnt that painful to the touch anymore and its not discharging any fluids or have any bad odor ...but i am worried.

I have to go on 3-6 months of Lucrin to go into early menopause (i am 30) and then OC after that so as to never have my period again. My doc says, this will reduce the recurrence of the endometriosis. I have no kids yet, but he also said pregnancy reduces the recurrence. I am not lookign fwd to hot-flashes but its the best course of treatment since i want children.

Can i have some feedback on the crust navel and if its normal

[DawnRi]

I had a lap on Feb 17th to remove my uterus due to huge fibroids and polyps.  I too have something going on with my belly button.  I clean it out everyday only to find crusty blood in it again.  I saw the Dr. last Weds. and she said maybe a stitch came out and wanted me to apply pressure when it bleeds.  BUT I never actually see it bleeding. I am going to call tomorrow, I am thinking it should not be leaking anything at this point.

[babybiggirl]

first surgery ever...i just woke up my belly throbbing and stuff commin out of my bellly button...could someone please tell me if im ok...it stinks so bad..real red..and just freakin me out....please someone

[BrookeES]

Don't worry...sounds like your belly button incision is infected, but you will be okay...hopefully by this time you have already gone to the doc, but if not, go right away.  Definitely infected and as long as you get on antibiotics, you should be fine.

I had my first lap March 11th.  Surgery went ok, but had a bit of nausea right after, pain and walked like an old lady!  So glad to see that many of you are having the same problems as me...

I ended up having Endo on the front and back of my uterus and covering an ovary.  Supposedly it was lasered off.  I only know this because the doctor went out and talked to my mom.  She has not yet spoken to me or shown me the pics - that will be in April.  I am only 29, but have been having awful periods since being a teen, and then started having spotting, pain by my bladder and craming (mostly around ovulation) about a year ago.

The first day I was able to maintain with the Lortabs, but boy, by day two, I was in hell.  I did not have a BM until day 4, and only after taking a stool softener/laxative combo.  Try that if you are having problems.  I am still having a hard time, however, and have not been able to pass gas, which causes much pain.

So much for an easy recovery, huh girls???  Went back to work on day 5, but can't say I was totally ready.  I am now having terrible lower left pelvic pain with bowel movements and laughing.  Has also been harder to breathe, and if I attempt stairs, am out of breath by the top of them.  Having pain and cramping that feels like a bad period and also feel like my middle upper stomach is all cramped up.  Headaches also are continuing, as they did before the surgery.  ALSO, as a previous poster mentioned, as soon as I have any urine building, it hurts and feels as if I need to go really bad.  It then continues to hurt in this area...doubt I have a UTI since I am already on an antibiotic for a previous sinus infection (which would also treat that)....

I am guessing this is all normal, but will probably give the doctor's office a call if it continues into next week...

Sorry to hear most of you are also having hard times, but glad to know I am not alone!  I would love to hear from those of you who are now further past the surgery and if it did you any good.

[CHRISTINA602]

I just had laproscopic surgery on the 18th and unfortunatley had to come back to work on the 21st.  I so was not ready, but had to choice. I am still in a great deal of pain. My belly button still hurts tremendously and hurts to move if I don't move the right way. The night of my surgery, my belly button bleed quit a bit, enought that it would trickle slowly down my belly if I laid on my side. I called the on call dr the next morning, but he never called me back and it quit bleeding. Now every once in a while, it feels as if my stitches are pulling.
This made my 4th laproscopic surgery since 2001 for endometriosis, not including the one for my hysterectomy 2 years ago. I have hurt more after this one then I have for any of my others. I think it because I had to come back to work so quickly.  I am just curious as to why after 2 years after my hysterectomy, I am still having endometriosis.  Is anyone else having this issue?  

[slowknight1]

I had my laroscopy one week ago and excision of stage 4/5 endometriosis. I still have pain and a pulling feeling on my right side above my excision site. The hardest thing was a mean secretary at my surgeons office who said I should have been back at work two days later. Stairs are the hardest I can only step on one at a time. I find bending difficult and still have bad nausea especially in the morning. Good luck to everyone on your recovery, every body is different. Good nutrition, rest and lots of water helps. I am rubbing pure coconut oil on my excision marks to make them fade

[annieg81]

hi im 29yrs old.god u poor thing havin to go back to work so soon it really annoys me when people say ya ur fine to go back to work after3days or so if they had it done they'd know ur not.i had my lap done a week today for endo was very sore after but it got better but in the last2days ive been gettin a severe pain in my left side and havnt had any bowel movenments since anyone no why that is?also i stil have my wounds covered as doc never told me when to take them off then i asked en he said sticthes will fall out but they havnt yet.how long wil they take to fall out.all the best with all ur recovery.us girls really have it tough them lads get away with so much.

[Triffany]

It is very nice to be able to read the real life experience of others.  I am 6 days post op from lap to remove a fair amount of endo from my uterus and 'cul de sac' area.  I was expecting to bounce back within 3-4 days, not happening!  I made myself drive today and I didn't last long.  The pain became strong again and it's hard to get it back under control.  This is my first surgery so i'm no expert, but i'm thinking that bodies don't heal as fast as we'd like!  Even at a desk job I only lasted for a few hours and I was shaky and exhausted.  I think I will be taking a couple more days to recover before trying again.

[KitEkat16]

Hi all.

Reading all these comments and experiences have made me feel like i am not alone.

I had a Laparoscopy and dye test done on 30thMarch. It was to investigate severe periods and my fertility and the possibility of endometriosis.I woke from the operation feeling groggy as you would expect, but had plenty of pain relief so wasnt really sore. Had to stay in overnight as i couldnt wee. I rested for a day, but was ok moving around, tummy muscles where very weak though.

I got signed off for 2weeks and now i have a slight infection in my belly button wound, doctor says its not severe enough for antibiotics, just to use a disinfectant, so i am using Savlon wound cleaner. My issue is that i have hyper sensitivity about an inch away from my belly button, even clothes on the skin there hurts....like a severe burning sensation, totally bizarre. I am still quite bruised but there are no bruises where this burning sensation is. I struggle to bend because of it. Has anyone else had this??

It makes me laugh when i read things that say you will need a week...maybe two....i'm almost 2weeks post op and in much more discomfort now than i was on day 2! My Dr didnt even come and see me, i have a follow up appointment for 22nd August!! Yes 5months after....nurse seemed to think it was likely to be because nothing was found, and all was ok. But still i'm annoyed he didnt bother to discuss things.

[kazc1]

4 weeks ago I had a laparoscopy for endo. Like most of the other people who have posted, I never thought it would take this long to recover and I am still in pain. The pain I feel is like a pulling pain just under my belly button and some pain in my left side (near the cut in my left side). It's usually not too bad and I am not taking pain killers for it, but it is constantly there. Some days are worse than others.
I have been back to the dr, but he can't find any problems. I have been for a couple of short walks, but I couldn't even think about running or very physical exercise yet. Sudden movements can cause stabbing pain in my left side. I also have pain when I empty my bladder, kind of like a pinching/pulling pain. Is this normal? Has anyone else had this sort of pain this long after surgery? How long can I expect it to last?

[MissBumblebee03]

Hey,I am the same 5 weeks post op and still in pain on my left side both front and back. it is lots of short stabbing pains that cause a lot of uncomfortableness. I was thinking I may need to go see my doctor again but after reading this forum it seems that maybe this is just part of the normal recovery! This is my second Lap that I have had. The first one was to look around and this was was to remove my endo and put in the merina. I have also started bleeding been 6 days now whilst its not heavy it is rather annoying and I'm kind of over it! I too like everyone think the doctors need to reconsider what they tell patients as recovery is way longer than you are lead to believe. I teach so I had the last 4 weeks of the term off and then another 2 weeks off with the holidays. So thankful for the 2 weeks as I have really needed them. I also go a UTI and kidney infection and had to go back to hospital for another 2 nights. This I blame on the nurse who had me getting up too early and removing the catheter too early, and it having to be put back in. I am so over feeling like crap! I am also still finding I get tired easily and still not ready for much exercise considering I am super fit and an avid gym junkie.

[tina996]

Hello everyone, I would like to share my experience of having lap last week, on the 20th of April. Well, to start of with, I'm in agony, and would never go for another laparoscopy again. I have been cut at my bellybuton and just above pubic bone, but those wounds cause me no problem at all. The pain I'm experiencing is from the CO2 gas. I felt it under my ribs after I woke up after the general anastetic. Then it seemed to move about all my abdomen cavity, mainly on the right side and behind my stomach. It was so severe that I was not able to move at all, not even turn to my side, and each time I took a breath in it felt like I was stabbed.... Well, my lap was done to investigate the severe pains I'm suffering, those are labour-like pains which last nearly 3 weeks out of 4 every month....I live on strong painkillers. Nothing was found, and I feel very down because the cause of those horrible pains are not known. After my lap I was kept in hospital overnight gasping for each breath. was given morphine and codeine with co-dydramol, but pain was still there. next day I could sit up and after walking about a little, they decided I can go home. While at home, I took painkillers, but by Friday night the gas pain was so severe, that my partner had to take me back to hospital. Again, they did all the tests, gave me morphine and valium, and doctors were surprised that I still had those gas pains so intense... I was there till morning and relesed home. Well, today is Monday, I feel slightly better, I can breath while sitting up, but suffer dreadfull pain while lying down. Its my shoulders, and upped abdomen. Been drinking lotsa pepermint tea and carrot juice... also, trying to move about, but the pain is gross!!! please, can anyone advice me how long it taked for the body to absorb this CO2 gas..? is it going to be fully absorbed? Why they couldn't make a little hole to release it when I was in hospital...I feel that mighta help. thank you for reading it, and I wish us all a very speedy recovery from pain and discomfort, regards, Tina.

[kazc1]

Hi, Thanks for your reply.  I hope you are feeling better. I'm feeling better this week. Still some pain with my bladder, which is still the same as last week!! I'm doing some more exercise now, but just walks. It sounds like you had a pretty hard time. Perhaps you should see your doctor (especially if you are still bleeding) for peace of mind. If I still feel this pain in another couple of weeks, I'll go back to mine again. Good luck with your recovery everyone!
Tina - my gas was painful for about 4 - 5 days. I hope yours didn't last too long!

[jules_s]

I had a lap for an investigation which revealed endo which they removed 7 days ago. The first few days I felt groggy and didn't do too much but was able to move around like off the sofa and out of bed but nothing involving bending. 2 days after I was able to go out for a little bit and walk around the house. The pain got really bad on day 5 when I started to get a stabbing pain in my left hand side and what felt like really bad period pain the pain then got worse so I called the doc's today (day 7) and they asked me to come in to be checked out After examining my abdomen  it appears there is no infection and I need to take more pain meds and laxative to counteract the constapation that the pain meds cause and rest.

I too thought that I should be back at work by day 6 so had meetings in my diary which I have had to cancel as I am in too much pain to sit in meetings and at a desk all day and my doc has signed me off so I will be going back 11 days after the op and hope I will be ok as I have a one hour drive to work

Thanks for everyone's comments on here they have been really helpful in making me realise that recovery takes longer than they tell you and that pain can get worse later in recovery. The doctor I spoke to didn't tell me any of this. I guess we all take time to recover and need to make sure we give ourselves enough time.

As for gas it does go eventually I know this from a previous key hole surgery but it can take a long time.

[Emz1990]

Hello Ladies,

I hope you are all well. I am 20 years old and had laparoscopic surgery done on friday, today is Monday and I am feeling ok considering. i am having 2 weeks off work which is nice because even if i do feel so much better after this week i feel it is important for  your  mental side to recover too.

My anxiety levels are quite high at the moment and feeling a bit depresed, i suppose its because i built myself up for this operation for months and finally having it done is good but dosnt feel real and i still feel on edge. But i have suffered on /off with anxiety all year so it may not be a problem for some people. I went to the nurse at my surgery to change my dressings and she said they are healing fine.

I had a 6cm dermoid cyst removed on my right ovary. The doctor said it had teeth and hair in it, i asked if i could see it and she said no but she did take a picture of it. I wentinto surgery about 9 o'clock and can rember them injecting me in the hand but cant remeber from then on. I woke up i the recovery ward, my hair soaking from sweat i think and in quite a lot of pain and felt sick. But the morphene sorted that out and befor i knew it I was in the day surgery ward with my worried mum sat by my side. The nurses who prepared me for surgery and looked after me befierly in the recovery unit could not off been better they were so lovely but i was not too impressed with the nurses in the day surgery... i suppoese they were busy?? I had four instersions one above in my belly button, one above my bikini line, one over my right ovary and another over my left to check that was ok. The surgeon visted me and told me the procedure couldnt of gone better. She said 'i went perfect'.  

I was fine for about 2 hours after surgery then it started to hit me the pain and sickness i was shakeing and lightheaded and stressy. My throat was dry and when i tried to eat it wouldnt go down so well. They wouldnt let me go until i had gone to the toliet so i drank loads of water and that made me feel a little more sick. Eventually i went and then the nurse came to see me to give me my notes so i could leave and to look at my dressings, The one above my bikini line was seeping my pants were soaked at the front and my dressing was peeling. It was caused from the sayline stuff they used to wash the wound so nothing to worrie about,

About 4pm i left the hospital in a wheel chair and could not wait to get home. I slept straight away and then got woken about 6pm by my boyfriend. I have been sleeping very lightly since it and sometimes cant sleep at night but thats probley my anxiety. My boyfriend helped me move around pushing myback when getting out of bed and my mu getting me drinks and beling there to fluff my pillows. The pain from the surgery was bad but wasnt agonising. I am eatting fruit, soup and had mash potato and carrot yesterday and drinking green tea with honey in, apple juice and lots of water. I am taking Diclofenac sodium 50mg 3 times after meals (so i have to eat something even though sometime i dont want to). I was taking 500mg of paracetamol but then switched myself to Co-codamol becuase the pain i got from the trapped gas on my ribs and my sholder/ top arm was the worse pain ever and i have broken stuff befor. But that last for about 3 days and I'm hardly getting it now. My tummy feels achey (achy) and very bloated at the moment and it hurts when getting out of bed a little now. I went for a poo yesterday and it felt painfull but  know it will get easier, I have been makining my-self move around as much as possible because i am scared of getting bload clots. I went shopping with my mum today after seeing the nurse to get some salad for lunch i had to stop after being in there for only 5 minutes becasue i felt really weak and ligtheaded so i waited in the car. I thought was fine and feeling great but then it hit me. It is important to give yourself time, now days life is such a rush and things need to be sone straight away but sometimes exspecially after a operation and pain you need o relax and treat yourself kindly and let other people who care help you were they can. I am ver lucky my mum and my boyriend and sisters where and are around to look after me.

Sorry for a my many spelling mistakes and a very long post i just had a lot to say. Good luck to anyone who is going to get this procedure done and take care. xx

P.S i am going on holiday with my boyfriend which i booked way befor i knew i needed this for a week in corfu in june the 6th and today is the 16th of may i hope i am well enough but sure i will be but i am nervous.

[mrsg471]

Hello,

I had a laparoscopy a month ago.  Am very glad I found this forum.  I was in really bad pain after the operation.  I also got a UTI after the op and the pain when emptying my bladder was excruciating to the point it almost made me faint on occasions.  I think this may have been to do with the catheta.

The gas pains under my ribs and shoulders were terrible and I could hardly stand up and get out of bed for a couple of days.  It wasn't until about 2 weeks after the op that I could walk more comfortably and I had a lot of stabbing pains.

I still experience slight cramping pains when I need to go to the toilet.   A full bladder seems to hurt more than usual.

It helps to read that other people have been through the same thing as I was worried I should have recovered from the op sooner.  

[lizzie68880]

I had a laparoscopy and a hysteroscopy on may11 its been 1 week, I had endometriosis on the left ovary removed and some on the uterus. Biopsies were done. will get the news in june when i see my Dr.. I was operated at 9:30am, back in the room where my boyfriend was waiting around 2:00ish, I was groggy, nauseaous, and vomiting the whole night, stayed overnight. Went home the next day in the afternoon. Was walking haunched over like an old lady, really bad headaches for 2 days.. pain in the incisions, which are on the left side, under the navel, in the center of where the pubic hair starts. I had pain for 3days in my shoulders and back from the trapped gas. Couldnt have a bowel movement. Was taking Naproxen, and Supeudol, but made me very nauseous and groggy, So Im just taking Advil. I'm a single mom of 2. supper has to be made etc.. I get little help. I have manage to finally eat a little bit more than crackers and soup. Still  in some what pain.But, no energy. Good Luck to all! :)

[swalshable]

Hi all, I had my ovarian cystectomy 4 weeks ago on the 9th May and was allowed home that evening while still in agony....as soon as I got home I knew I had a kidney or bladder infection and was painfully in and out of the loo weeing all night. The next day my gp changed my pain meds to tradol and to get any relief I had to double the dose recommended, he also gave me antibiotics for the infection. I was called back 5 weeks early to the hospital last thursday and was told that they had burst the cyst(which I knew) and that they have to go back in to remove the ovary, appendix and some of my stomach lining, I'm terrified, don't know what to do and am still in pain mostly in the evenings and so tired. I am very lucky that my husband is able to care for me and our 5 kids, the funny thing is I am officially his carer as he has diabetes and MS. Good to get all of this off my chest, good luck all. Sue.

[swalshable]

Hi all, I had my ovarian cystectomy 4 weeks ago on the 9th May and was allowed home that evening while still in agony....as soon as I got home I knew I had a kidney or bladder infection and was painfully in and out of the loo weeing all night. The next day my gp changed my pain meds to tradol and to get any relief I had to double the dose recommended, he also gave me antibiotics for the infection. I was called back 5 weeks early to the hospital last thursday and was told that they had burst the cyst(which I knew) and that they have to go back in to remove the ovary, appendix and some of my stomach lining, I'm terrified, don't know what to do and am still in pain mostly in the evenings and so tired. I am very lucky that my husband is able to care for me and our 5 kids, the funny thing is I am officially his carer as he has diabetes and MS. Good to get all of this off my chest, good luck all. Sue.

[anm10]

Wow, it's so good to know you're not alone! I had a laparoscopy a little over two weeks ago for a ruptured hemmorrhagic ovarian cyst on my right side. They cauterized the cyst but did not remove my ovary. (Sorry for the long post -- hoping it will help someone, since so many of your posts helped me.)

Post-op I was exhausted to the point of not being able to keep my eyes open when the surgeon came in to talk to me. The anesthesia can take awhile to wear off - my breathing felt really shallow the day after my surgery and I couldn't really feel it when I peed. It wore off after about 24-36 hours, but just know your body can feel really strange post-op. I had a headache for a week.

I came home a little over twenty-four hours after surgery. I had pain in my pelvic area and abdomen, which I expected, but a few days after surgery I also developed pain all down the back of my leg, in my back, and in my ribs, all on the right side. The doctors said this wasn't anything to worry about, but the leg pain was bizarre. There was no way to get comfortable. I found that after about a week, when I was able to walk around more, it started getting better, though it still comes and goes.

I went back to work after a week and a day, though I probably should have taken a few extra days beyond that. I am still having pelvic pain -- minor dull aches and the occasional sharp pain, usually with movement like bending over. Lifting heavy things is no good. I developed bruising around my belly button today, more than two weeks after surgery but, again, the doc said that is okay. And I also have that pulling sensation in my bellybutton. Yuck yuck.

I also had a small amount of vaginal bleeding that started a few days after surgery, increased a week after the surgery for about a week, and has now tapered off again. Apparently this too is to be expected.

I lost a lot of blood because I waited about six hours after the rupture before going to the hospital -- I thought the pain would eventually go away as had happened with previous ruptured cysts I'd had (turned out to be a bad assumption). Not everyone who has a ruptured cyst will have significant blood loss, but if you do, expect to be a little dizzy for a week or so, and weak and tired for several weeks. I get out of breath if I TALK too much at work (yes, just from talking!).

My surgical team was really good and they did give me lots of post-op information (much of it I forgot/wasn't awake enough for, but fortunately my fiancee paid attention), so I'll share that here in the hopes that it will help someone:. They said:

-- Expect abdominal swelling for a few weeks, and your belly may not look or feel normal for a month. You'll probably get occasional pains for about a month.
-- There will be lots of gas in your abdomen from the surgery, and it may be painful. Walking and time are the cures.
-- If you had a lot of bleeding with your cyst, you will still have irritation and pain after surgery since they can get much but not all of the blood/fluid out. You can have pain in your belly, pelvis, shoulders, back, ribs, etc. until your body reabsorbs everything, which can take weeks.

My two cents is to try to walk around once you feel stable and like you can stand, but don't push yourself! It may take awhile to get to that point. The first week was really tough for me. Like everyone is saying, I was shuffling around like an old lady, and just walking to the end of my city block was a big, exhausting challenge. Remember, doctors do this every day, but we don't! It's still surgery, and it's still traumatic for your body. Line up help from family and friends so you don't have to cook, clean, or otherwise lift a finger before you are ready.

Wishing all of you healing and good health.

[anm10]

One more thing I meant to mention in my last post -- I do think this sort of thing can take a psychological toll on you. Some people mentioned that in their posts and I agree -- I was pretty weepy after my surgery, sort of randomly, and just kept replaying everything in my head. Actually, I still find myself doing that, more than two weeks later. My surgery was unplanned (emergency), and plain and simple, I was pretty scared before going into surgery. Everything happened really fast once I was in the ER, and I think my brain is still trying to process all of it.

Plus, afterwards, once you are "better" (or at least walking around and back at work), there's still plenty of anxiety, with all the random pains and worries and what-ifs. I usually just search the internet and scare myself, but it's good to have outlets like this with people sharing and to know that other people have gone through similar experiences. I've also just been trying to rest and do a lot of deep breathing and positive thinking. It does get better!

[Suzanne627]

Thank you all for your comments regarding Lap surgery.  I had a Lap done a week and a half ago and still have pelvic pain.  I am taking 2 pain killers a day.  My doctor did prescribe anti inflamitory pills to take a week after the surgery but they don't seem to be helping yet.  My surgeon removed a cyst from my ovary and endometriosis from in between my bladder and uteris and said I had a inflamed pelvis.  Since I have been in pain since December 2010 and it is now June 24, 2011 I am having feelings about getting a hysterectomy just because I am so sick of this pain.  The reason why it took so long for my Lap is because the doctors miss diagnosed me with interstitial cystitis which is the sister disease to endometriosis and the reason for the IC diagnosis was because I was having symptoms of a bladder infection without the infection.  My first surgery was in February, they did a cyctoscopy and extended my bladder to test for IC.  The test was negative which I was greatful for because there is no cure for IC and 40% of people with this disease cannot work.  I have been on sick leave since January and am looking forward to no more pain but sometimes I feel like it will never happen.  People keep telling me that I need to believe that I will recover and I am trying hard to be positive but it is just hard right now.  I hope this information will help.

[trek81]

I'm so thankful I found this webpage. I had laparoscopy and laser treatment to remove endometrial cysts last Friday and I'm still very swollen. No pain really, but just A LOT of discomfort. And constipation from all the painkillers is not helping the situation at all. The doctor told me that I would be able to go back to work the Monday following the procedure and I thought something was wrong with me because that certainly was NOT the case.
Even though the incisions are small it's still a significant procedure and it will take anywhere from 2-3 weeks (or maybe more) for real healing to occur. Thanks for everyone's comments here. They've been a huge relief to me and I'm sure others.

[cubs2010]

This forum is super helpful, thanks for all the posters!  I myself thought I would be up and at 'em at least by day 4 and I am now on the 7th day still struggling from the lap and endometriosis was treated, apparently, it was all over the place.  I find that the incisions are doing okay, for sure a heavy bloat feeling is still taking place. I am tempted to try on clothes but too scared to try and don't want that to upset me!!  More of my problem is a nausea feeling still taking place and SUPER tired.  I was hoping to work some this weekend, I do massages but feel that it may take too much out of me to do as it is physical.  I am also super emotional, whether it's due to surgery or now knowing some obstacles that are headed my way for baby making, I am not sure. Either way, tears come at the drop of a hat. So, I feel a bit down and not myself and know I need patience but it's hard to stay in bed all day!!  I had not seen much about emotions, I am guessing I am not the only one????!  Speedy recovery dust is sprinkled your way!

[jem82]

Reading this thread has put my mind at ease so much. I had my second (much more invasive) laparoscopy two and a half weeks ago and can't believe the chronic pain and discomfort I'm still in. It's so comforting knowing you're not the only one suffering with this problem - sometimes I feel like I'm making a big deal out of nothing and keep how rubbish it's all making me feel to myself, it's annoying when you can't see the problem so people don't realise how painful and exhausting it can be.
I also can't fit into any of my clothes - does/did anyone else have this problem and if so how long before the bloating/swelling goes down? Did anyone also suffer from pins and needles down their legs or numbness?

[jem82]

ps - cubs2010 I've been crying at people winning money on the tv, you're certainly not alone!

[womanwhoworries]

I had my surgery last month.  
4 days after:  Very sore, used a cane to help me get out of couch.  I was able to get out of bed by myself!!!!
Week 1 :  driving but hard to get out of car, seat belt a bother
Week 2:  moving around, but sore
Week 4:  was my best week!!!
Week 5:  if I sit too long, I feel like an old lady walking around, but then I'm back to normal.  Pulling pain and soreness still.  I'm only allowed to lift 5lbs.  I do everything around the house, but try not to bend at the waiste, rather I squat if needed per nurse.  I still take ibrophen when needed.  I can sleep on my stomache and sides, but when I wake up am very sore!!!!  So I try to sleep on my back.  That's all we can do, outside incisions look very good, but after a 3 hour surgery, its going to take a while to heal.   Still a little difficult to get in and out of cars, I baby myself, because when I don't, then I'm sore at the end of the day.  I also have to roll on my side to get out of bed still.

[womanwhoworries]

Forgot to mention, my surgery was to remove uterine fibriods.

[missymiss210]

I just had a solid mass removed from my right ovary, thank god the lap went well and they were able to keep my ovary and everything else. The incision sites hurt like bruises but they are not that intense. I only took the prescribed pain killer for the first 24hrs then switched to tylenol only before bed time so that i can sleep. I dont like taking pills. I find this helps and avoids the complications of taking the stronger drug which makes you feel worse (dizziness, nausea, etc). I am at the end of my 4th day and i can finally walk down the stairs with some kind of normalcy. However, the pain from the CO2 gas that they pumped into me has been the worse thing from this surgery. If anyone out there has any remedies that work and can take this pain away ASAP that would be great! I have been using heating pads, drinking hot stuff to just relieve the pain. I admit it is better than it was 2 days ago but it makes sleeping hard since I can only lay on my right side and will wake up with numbness on that side. I think if anyone is going to get this surgery get someone who is specialized. I had to do a lot of research to find my surgeon and i love him. So far so good it looks like im healing but im still concerned about this CO2 gas stuck in me since you cant heal without getting good sleep. I hope everyone heals fast and quick so that they can go back to their normal lives. I know i want this all over with :) God Bless

[wildrose44]

Hi there
So glad to read your comment - this forum is fab - makes me feel like Im kind of normal.  
Im four weeks tomorrow after laparoscopy for removal of endometriosis.   Im still in pain on my right side, lower abdomen and lower back.   I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me until I read some of the comments in this forum.  I just want to feel like me again.   I have days which are not so bad then like today not so good. I take brufen and painkillers when I need them.    I am sore when I get out of bed.  I feel like I have period pains every day!  Anyone else like this four weeks on?  Maybe because my period is due tomorrow - I just dont know.
This was my second lap the first was fine no problems but this time there were adhesions and scarring -  when will I feel better?

[trek81]

Last week, I had my first period since the lap (Lap performed 6/17)  It was a bad week to say the least. Two days before my period came I was in pain and I had nausea like nobody's business. I felt like I couldn't keep anything down. My period was normal as far a bleeding, but the pain the first two days was terrible. I had to start taking the pain pills again. Once my period passed everything was back to normal. I felt much better.
For those of you who've had 2 or more lap procedures, how much time passed between the procedures? Months? Years? Was the pain just as bad the second time around? I can't believe this is something I just have to manage!

[onemorequestion]

Hi ladies, I had my lap. 7 days ago for removal of an endometrioma and of endometrial deposits. I found this thread when googling RE the tugging pain I'm getting around my navel. I have internal stitches on the navel incision, and they seem to have been pulled pretty tight: the scar is a big indent and hurts/pulls when I stand straight. Did anyone else experience this and have it resolve without intervention?

Other than this the pain has been manageable and I was up and running in a few days without painkillers... or so I thought! Back in bed this weekend with an awful cold and general weakness/pain. My advice to others would definitely be to take it easy even after you feel over the worst of it, as I reckon I pushed it too hard (mainly to get rid of the gas pain which - agreed - is far worse than they imply - "expect some pain in your shoulders: this will be from the body absorbing the gas" - ha, *some* pain alright...)

Best wishes to all - the experiences related here have been very helpful to read x

[cupcakenj]

i'm 52 yrs young and had a Laparoscopy 3 weeks ago.  My left tube, left ovary, ruptured cyst and access were removed.  I still have pain on my left side (especially walking up stairs) and within the past week pain around my belly button.  Sometimes the pain doubles me over (noticed it happens after I eat).  So happy I found this site and see others are having the same symptoms, I thought I was alone.  I'm still working from home and can't do much without getting tired. I am a very active person that is now getting frustrated.

Anyone else around my age.  How long will it take for me to get back to exercising and playing golf?

[mrenee20]

i had LAP on March 4th,11 due to abd etopic pregnancy since then i have had a stabbing pain like someone is sticking a metal bar in my vigina (vagina) i dont know what it is it only happens every now and then also during intercourse i have a pain on the side my doctor did surgery on and it feels like he is just tearing my right side a part i know this may sound nasty but i am really worried considering this was after surgery

please comment if you have ever heard of this

[jo1076]

Hi

I had my laparoscopy on 28th Jul 2011 and am experienceing the same pulling sensation on my left scar on abdomen.  It's when I tense my tummy or pull my tummy in - the scar seems to actually go in?!?!  Is this normal?  I'm really worried I'll have an indentation on my tummy??

Thanks

[snowbear1982]

I had my 2nd lap on 04/08/2011 for removal of endo stage 2 and adhesions to appendix scar and ligaments.  Last op was18/08/2010.  DR told me the pain was due to blood in tummy from ovulation irritating endo.  Am laid up on the sofa bored as hell as used to working 10 hr days but even doing washing up is shattering me.  I have a good day wtih no pain  and then for no reason have a bad day.  As a rule i do not take any medications for pain etc does anyone know anything that will help allivate the pain without using drugs?  I have coped so far but just want to feel normal again.  Op was more agressive this time so still sore.  I finally feel like there are people out there who understand that this horrible thing affects everyone differently and makes me feel alittle more normal.

Also does anyone know how long it take for the surgery glue to stop itching it is drivingme insane! (had stiches last time)

28 yr old femlae x

[snowbear1982]

Hi - also forgot I have PCOS which has been treated by boring through both ovaries - has anyone else had this surgery and did it help to increase fertility?  My husband and I are looking at starting a family in the new year so curious tohear other peoples point of view

[tmariet]

Just had my lap for a cyst removal and a d n c about 10 hours ago.  Lil cramping but most of my pain is in my rib cage and hurts to take a deep breath.  I  am nauseas and have neck an shoulder pain.  Why???  :*(

[snowbear1982]

The pain is the trapped wind and the nauseas is a combi of the gas, general aneth and not having eaten before the op.  Keep well hydrated and try and have something like toast and jam or something that will make you feel like you have eaten without making you want to be too sick.

[SIQ]

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this post. I have just had my laparoscopy and hysteroscopy on Friday and am in so much pain. It's very comforting to hear that others have experienced similar things (not that I want you guys to be in pain), but nonetheless it is a comfort to know there are so many other women in the same boat.

Can I just ask, did anyone go through diagnostic laparoscopy, only to be told they found nothing?

[salamander76]

I had a laproscopy two weeks ago to remove an 11cm intramural fibroid (amazin the surgeon could do it!) and he ablated some endemetriosis he found.  I was in pain the first week and have had continuing pain though it has lessened in week two.

I had four incisions, the two major ones being the belly button and bikini line.  Above the bikini line one i have a lump.  Has anyone had this lump as well? Going to get stiches taken out today - will update.

tmariet - you are no douby better now but for anyone else out there who is going to have a laproscopy peppermint tea really helps the gas pain.  I was in so much pain and gaffawed at my nurse when she suggested it but it really worked!!!!

hugs to all xx

[whitle]

I'm so glad to read this, because I a laparascopy to remove endometriosis and also had a nerve clipped in the tail bone, and that was a week ago and I'm in much pain. I'm glad to see its not something I'm doing wrong. I hope everyone gets better soon :)

[shellngypsy]

Hi
Can anyone answer my question.I had a laparoscopy to remove an ectopic pregnancy and my tube removed 5 days ago..i am very swollen which i expect is normal,my problem is though that my vagina is extremely swollen and hard.It is not sore but i am beginning to wonder if its normal.Its not just underneath but the whole thing...hard to explain but the "footy mound"part is sooo swollen.
I just called a local gp and even he is unsure...its saturday night and i dont know if should be taking myself off to hospital or not!
rgds michelle

[cdj1970]

Hi.

I am 41 years old and was having dull aching pain in my lower left abdominal region and my left lower back.  After several exams, I was told that there was a 5mm cyst in my right ovary that was the cause of the pain on my left side.  I was told that the only way to know if it was cancer was to remove it through laparoscopy.  Really?  The doctor ended up removing the right ovary and the mass was benign.  I thought that was unusual because my right side NEVER hurt.  I had my lap surgery on August 18, 2011 and my menstrual cycle started later that night!  OMG!  I had to wear a pad, so for the tampon users out there, you can understand how disgusting that feeling was.  I had so much trouble to have a bowel movement and after 10 days, I am still having difficulty with normal bowel movements.

Whenever I have to urine, I have pain when relieving myself.  There is an ache and a burning sensation on my left side.  Although there are many pains being experienced, I am STILL having the pain that caused me to go to the doctor in the first place.  I have incisions around my belly button as well as about 4 in out from the middle of my belly button on both sides (not sure why those were necessary) and some other abdominal incisions.  I have been wearing dresses because I cannot have anything on my waist due to the swelling.  I can't wait to be back to normal because I HATE wearing dresses!  

I drove for the first time 3 days after the surgery and it was excruciaitng!  Getting into and out of the car was difficult and the seat belt was unthinkable!  I think I hit every bump in the road and making right turns was painful.  I had to drive on the interstate and was driving like a 200 year old!  I came home and rested and tried to not drive around unless necessary.

I have never cried so much in my life.  EVERYTHING makes me cry.  The day of the surgery, I was so afraid that something would go wrong.  My mother died on September 15, 2010, and I am still grieving that not to mention a nearly 2 year relationship ending a few months ago!  I had just started training for a 1/2 marathon a few weeks prior and was scheduled to start P90X the day I got the call (Monday, August 15, 2011...11 months since my mother's death).  I was DEVASTATED!  I had set some fitness goals and now they are on hold indefinitely!  UGH!

I hate to have gone through this surgery if that pain in my left side still persists.  Has this happened to anybody (after surgery to remove the right ovary, the pain in the left side still persists)?

BTW...reading these has been extremely helpful!

-CJ

[Venti]

I had my lap done for pelvic pain 9 days ago.  The pain was always in my right side.  I have had cysts repeatedly on the right ovary.  The surgery was to remove my right ovary/tubes and appendix.  The surgeon found adhesions on the right side as well, and removed those.  
I recovered from surgery well, no nausea and the pain was managed before I was sent home that day.  Urinating was EXCRUTIATING the first two times at home.   It got better each time I used the bathroom.   I was in bed most of the time the day of surgery and ate just a little bit.  I really recommend being vigilant about getting the bowels working.  I am still struggling to get things working normally.  
Day two I walked a half mile very gingerly but spent most of the day on the couch.  Day three, I took a few naps but was up a lot more and felt less tired.  I did find that when the shoulder pain was bad it helped me to lay completely flat in bed, no pillow.  But others say being upright helps them.  
I was driving by day three and ran some errands and had lunch out with a friend.  
Each day I felt better and now, day nine, I feel great, almost normal and wishing I didn't have any restrictions.  
Oh and I did have bleeding starting the second day and it lasted for a week.  As a tampon person it was awful and gross for me to use a pad for so long.  
I'm still a little painful on the right side where all the work was done, but it's hardly noticeable.  I don't have any pulling and my belly is still a little bigger than normal.  Oh, and per others experience I had cough drops on hand to help with the sore throat from general anesthesia the first couple of days.  

[ttss88]

Hi all,

I had surgery back in May (12/5/11) and was in severe pain for at least a week. I drove about 8 days after and almost passed out at the shops. I went for a short walk and struggled for five days after. Ended up three weeks off work (ecpected 1 - 11/2). I had some sort of obvious pain or discomfort for at least two months, especially just under the belly button. I had three other scars which were for instruments to move organs etc, not much pain around those. Felt week in the core muscles for a long time, it was really weird that stairs and any sort of abdominal excersice relly took it out of me, even though it was fairly natural prior!
My Lap was for endo, it was under the ovaries (on the walls not ovaries themselves thank god) and on my colon and bowel (they couldn't remove the bowel endo unfortunately).
Now though, I'm getting some pretty serios pain, especially deep in the abdomen when I sough or am standing for too long. Has anywone esle expereinced this post laparoscopy and hysteroscopy with D&C? Is it normal? (4 months + later)

Oh and for bowel movement pain, I found a couple of sachets of benefibre - the tasteless, blend in to water as though it was water sachets helped heaps as it was excruciating for me after endo was removed from the colon!

Cheers!

[snowbear1982]

SO a quick update.  I went back to work after 3 weeks off from Surgery to be greated my the day from hell, so handed my notice in was not prepared to put up with it any longer.  Had my follow up on Monday with Surgen.  ALl looking okay and have to go back in 5 months after keeping a diary.  He explained that stress may have been a contributing factor to me feeling so S****y - go figure, and that I amy see an improvement when I have a less stressful job.  Bowels have now settled down and I am starting to get the zest for life again, all be it in a slightly slower way than before.  Asked about blood work as still tired and he said to keep eye on it as thyroid and anemia were normal levels.  Still get tired but am working of getting fit again!  Turns out the right ovary was not free moving and his letter had a typo - it was securley adhered to the previous apendix scar and part of bowel, small endo removed not too worried about as it was near last lot in left hip side and should not cause any more issues.  We'll see

Muchos love to you ladies out there still dealing with this and hope your all starting to feel better. xxxx

[butterflyfreedom]

i just had a laprascopy done last wed ive had the most painful gas stuck in my right shoulder since then its now mon idont know what to do to get rid of it but its more painful then the stomache is fro the surgery have taken gas ex every day its not working does anyone hace any helpful tips on how to get rid of the gas in my shoulder blade pleaseiam in alot of pain heat doesnt even work as soon as i get uo from laying down it shoots right back up into my shoulder

[Smiles17]

Hi
I'm 17 and recovering from a horizontal laparotomy to remove an 12cm cyst from my right ovary along with my appendix. It was a scary experience!! Its been around 6 weeks since surgery and my scar and pelvic area is really beginning to hurt, it gotten significantly worse in the last few days. I'm starting to become worried as my cyst was only a simple fluid filled one and this could probably happen again. Could something like that grow in 6 weeks already?

[unicornkari]

I HAD EXTREME PAIN IN MY SHOULDER FROM THE GAS AFTER SURGERY,IT WAS HORRIBLE!! I THOUGHT IT WOULD NEVER GO AWAY,IT WAS SO BAD I TOOK 4 GAS X EVERYDAY AND TYLENOL . BUT I ALSO HAVE A HISTORY OF SHOULDER,BACK AND NECK PAIN SO IT CONTRIBUTED TO THE PAIN..

[originalsinner]

I was diagnosed with endometriosis via laparoscopy last year. My experience was not great, I had some sort of mini fit when coming out of anaesthetic I don't know what it was and the surgeons said it was probably confusion or something or even a mild reaction. I had to stay overnight and it was a long and miserable night. I got discharged the next day and my boyfriend took care of me. Later that night after taking codeine I had another "fit" of some description, my boyfriend said my eyes rolled back in my head and i stopped breathing. He was beside himself, the poor thing! Back to hospital again, the doctors said it may have been a reaction to codeine but I've never reacted to it before. I got discharged again and apart from extreme shoulder pain, abdominal pain, bloating etc. I healed relatively well.
I am scheduled for a horizontal laparotomy in 3 weeks time to remove the endo they found last year (after changing my surgery 4 times on me) I finally think this one may go ahead. I'm pretty anxious about it, as is my boyfriend after the events after the last surgery but am also very eager to get it over and done with finally. The last year has been extremely hard as I am in the final year of completing a psychology degree and have been almost constantly sick since the last surgery but I am determined not to let it stop me achieving my dreams. My endo went undiagnosed for 7 years, not through a lack of trying on my part, male doctors just didn't want to acknowledge it.
I know how hard this disease is not just physically but psychologically and plan to do my thesis on endo. I empathise with your pain, and know how isolating this disease can be at times when it feels like you're trapped in a body and no one understands, but thanks to great websites like this we are able to see we are not alone. Stay strong ladies!! P.s if anyone gets severe stabbing pain in their wrists and ribs I'd be interseted to know as these are two symptoms that I started getting since the last surgery but never had before. Just want to know if they may be endo related so i can add them to my long list of symptoms, or something else.

[Natyque]

I think you atares to drive too soon. With my prior laps it took me 2 weeks to recover & be able to drive. All women are different & recover different.  How long did your doctor tell?  My doctor told me not to resume regular activities until at least my post up visit.  You might want to give your dr a call. Good luck

[vix34]

I am so sorry for all you ladies have been through .
I had a laporotomy back in June due to an ectopic pregnancy .They tried a laporoscopy first which didn't work.Whilst my surgeon was in there he also found a cyst on my left ovary so the long and short of it is my left falliopian tube was removed and part of my left ovary. I was very close to not being here and had to have a major blood tranfusion whilst i was in surgery.It took a long time for me to be back to being mobile and "normal" I was off work for 4 weeks and should have stayed off longer its four months on and i am mostly healed although i still cant do too much ab exercise!!! I still get very uncomfortable when I ovulate each month and my periods are very heavy now. But on the plus side the bloating has gone and my scars are healing really well although I will not be wearing any more high cut bikinis this summer! I just wanted to say listen to your body and not to what people tell you is the expected recovery time everyone is different. If you want to cry cry if you want to rage rage hell i dont think i have ever been such a wreck in my whole life!! I did go and see a physcologist reccomened by my doctor .She was fantastic but each to their own .It really helped me . It does get better !!!! big love to all out there xxxxxx

[clairbear28]

i have had my second lap done due to cyst on both my ovaries they said it can take a full 12 weeks before im feeling better, the past few days ive been getting pain on both sides i hope the cyst havnt come back again.

[alyssa22091]

i had a laparoscopy done in June! i had a cyst removed and other things! but i still feel like i did before, kind of!! I still have annoying cramps, esp. weird feelings in my legs that are so ANNOYING! im afraid a cyst formed again or maybe he didnt get everything! I am losing it cuz its really affecting my life!! I guess its time to call the GYN again!

[justbeingme0102]

i just had a lasparscopy and it will hurt for at least 4 weeks, can really asume to regular schedule till 6 weeks.   It takes time. this is my 3rd one . and they all hurt like it was the first time. its all about time, dont try to rush it, you will end up with an infection!

[bossbird]

7 days after keyhole surgary for adhesions i have pain where the adhesions were removed which gets much worse standing - i have to go away with work in 6 days and im hoping the pain will settle by then

this is my 8th abdominal proceedure

any advise

[Mizu1811]

Hi everyone
This has been a great forum.  I have just had my second lap on 3/11/2011, my first being 3years ago.  Anyway, gynae told me they have removed the cyst and my fallopian tubes from swollen and there were adhesions left from previous surgery.  I thank God this lap surgery is better than the last, the previous I had infection and had to be hospitalized for another eight days.  This time round, they did not give me any antibiotics as I have a list of antibiotics which I am allergic to.  It was though lots of prayer that I came out well from this surgery.  I stayed in hospital for two days and was given two suppositories twice a day to ease the pain.  The bloated stomach was terrible.  But once gas could be passed out, the tension in the abdomen eased a little.  Day 2, the pain went to the shoulders and neck and I had sore throat due to the tube they inserted during surgery.  Guess the suppositories really helped and the pain minimized.  Today is Day 5 and I managed to go for a short drive on my own.  There is still acute pain spasmodically but bearable.  I am praying that the endo will never come back.  They will be removing my stitches in 2 days time but of course, I am allergic to the binder they gave me and has rashes.  Have given up wearing it.  There are patches near the plaster they put on my wound due to allergy but as I have no oral medicine, I just apply calamine on it.  Will update again after my appt with gynae on Thursday.  I am given hospitalization leave for a month.

[vicky1970]

Oh how I feel your pain.  I too am a runner ( 10 K's, 1/2 marathons, etc. )  I lost my precious mom April 2007 and sometimes it still feels like yesterday.  I miss her so much.  I have suffered from endo for way too long.  I just met with a specialist yesterday to discuss treatment options and possibly another lap surgery.  Hang in there.  God bless u.  I'm so sorry you are going through all this.

[Lehaha]

Hi! I am 12 days post op from a lap removal of cysts on each ovary, an adhesion from my c-section, and my appendix. Up until today I have felt pretty good. I woke up this morning with a stabbing pain in my right lower abdomen. It is piercing and goes down into my groin and right leg. I also seem to be running a low grade fever. About 100 degrees. I was never given any antibiotics pre or post op. Oh, and as an added bonus, I have had bad diarrhea. I'm about to call my surgeon!

[Blowe2009]

Has anyone experienced these gas pains a month or two after the surgery? Mine stopped for awhile, but now I have severe pain in my left shoulder and rib - it's been going on for several days now. Anyone have a similar experience?

[Scruff22]

Hi Everyone,
Today is the 8th day after a lap procedure to remove (stage 3) endometriosis, a polyp at the entrance to my fallopian tube and unstick my bowel from the wall of my stomach.  Im from New Zealand, but I'm sure the procedure and recovery is the same world wide.  Feeling much better, but still very tired (thank goodness for afternoon naps!) Will be going back to work on Monday, I was lucky enough to take a full 11 days off work.  My advise to everyone is to rest as much as you can, but make sure you move around as much as you can too to help relieve the gas pain.  I found using heat packs on the front and back of my shoulder really helped.  My bowel movements aren't quite back to normal yet (alternating between constipation and very loose) but Im hoping to drink more water and get some walking along the beach in this weekend to help that.  Now I am hoping that this procedure will help us to conceive, and ongoing have more manageable periods.  All the best to you all.

[Elr1981]

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let you know how my first lap went, hopefully I'll be able to help someone else. I'm 29, hubby and I have been ttc'ing a year and a half (I'm healthy with no medical probs), I went for all my gynae check-up and we decided end Oct to go to a fertility clinic, we could not understand why we have not fallen pregnant.  SHOCK when I found out I have endo, which my gynae failed to pick-up.  Doc said it's in the pouch-of-douglas, and a big nodule.  Had my first laparoscopy & hysteroscopy 15 Nov, am back at work today.  The op was not as bad as I expected!  There's some pain, but it's way more uncomfortable, I drank my meds as prescribed, had one suppository (twice a day) and two pain meds every 4 - 6 hours.  I struggled with constipation, I had a bowel prep the day before op, so I ate a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, drank fruit juices and loads of water, got a big bag of dried prunes too.  By Saturday morning I had my first BM, and felt loads better!  I have two posts on my blog if anyone is interested in the advice/tips I have?  http://www.****.blogspot.com

Today I just have a bit of swelling left, a funny pulling sensation by my belly button, some gas or water left inside because when I lie on one of my sides I can feel it "swooshing" inside, so I just press a cushion to my tummy area, makes it feel more stable, the only bad thing is that I have back-pain.  I just took two normal pain-killers, not the ones prescribed, and it already feels better.  I get tired quicker than I used to, still walking a bit bent, I just can't do everything as fast or as much as I used to.  But I know that the body takes time to heal itself, so I'll just be patient.  Feel free to ask me any questions if you want.  And GOOD LUCK to everyone ~ it's amazing to see the support on here.

[Tren101]

Hi, I have 24 yo 13 days post operation,
I had a laparoscopic surgery for my gall bladder.

My experience is the next, I got a discharge 2 days later after the op, at 5th day all my body was totally cold and got cold sweat for 2 nights, certain days I have a inner heat around my belly, I don't know what starts it. I can walk with normality except when I feel pain in my wounds. The last week I vomited 3 times, 1 was green bile and 2 were yellow bile. I'm feeling like a reflux all these weeks. I had a medical revision programmed 1 week after my operation and commented these problems to my medic he acted like I shouldn't have problems, so, he wasn't helpful. These last 2 days I got diarrhea and pain in the wound near my navel. Finally there are days when I'm better but ending bad and feel some of those said problems, especially pain in my wounds.

[Aussie1968]

I had excision of stage 4 endo a week ago. Recovered really well, up and about within 3 days. Went back to work on day 5. All good. Day 6 I woke with pain in my right hip and glute muscles! Am seeing a Physio today. Has anyone experienced post op muscle pain?

[JaneP22]

Hey...please could you let me know, if you have fully recovered, how long it took.  I had a cyst the size of a tennis ball removed from my fallopian tube 9 days ago and have been experiencing excrutiating stabbing pains in my bladder area and when I pass urine. Does anyone have any advice or positive feedback for me?  Normal pain killers don't seem to work and I am worried that they have damaged a nerve.  Thank you.  

[Datsenaa]

I had a small dermoid cyst removed four days ago. They also discovered both active and old endometrioses. The pain today is the same as the day I had the surgery. It kid of freeks me out. During the surgery they found that the rectum intestine was bleading, but couldn't find a hole so it was stiched up and given some antibiotics in case it had leaked. have any of you experienced some minor complications like that? I'm afraid the pains come from a bleading rectum instead of the surgery itself.  

[wozz]

I had a lap 2 days ago for stage 4 endo. It was really bad and parts of my colon and rectum were attached to my uterus. I have been complaining about pain for years, but stopped moaning cause I was constantly dismissed by doctors. Anyway, post op, I feel really good. Quite swollen and bruised so I am using an ice pack which really helps. I have a very poor appetite and haven't had a bowel movement yet. I am spotting a bit and have sharp pains which I am sure is the gas that is still in my system. I walk as much as possible, which really helps release the gas. Really-the ice pack is amazing! It really works!

[Glister]

I had a LAP on Friday, for a tubal, I ran out of pain meds yesterday(day 5) and ended up with a low fever and sleeping for about 13 hours. I am still Having a good bit of pain in my lower abdomin (abdomen), and that pulling feeling in my belly button. I thought about calling the Dr. Today and asking about more pain meds, but then I slept until 4 and they were closed. I thought by now I wouldn't be in pain. Also I was due for my period a few days ago and have not yet gotten it, I thought make that has to do with some of my cramping...not sure?

[DeeDeeMan]

Hi I had a laparotomy done 13 days ago to remove an ectopic pregnancy. they also removed one of my fallopian ttubes.  i was sore for 5 or 6 days and had alot of gas which went when i started to walk again.  had trouble with bowel movements but took some prune juice to help me. It worked.  still have a swollen belly and a little pain when i empty my bladder.  get tired after doing very little.  

[swats24]

Its my 4th day after Lap for endometriosis. I must say, am recovering well. i am able to sit on my own, though for short periods. my bowel movement is irregular, but normal. but pelvic pain is chronic and belly button is dead! i cant stand for more than 5 minutes and can not even sit. any exercises for me?

[Faithhelps]

I am 6 days out from lap procedure. My doctor told me that I could resume regular activities (including rigorous exercise) day 3. I waited until day 5. Did a weight class, spinning, and core training. I feel great and completely off pain meds. Did not take anything above 600 mg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours the first 4 days.

Constipation was the primary issue, but after I stopped taking the ibuprofen, no problems since. After reading the experiences of others, starting to second guess working out this evening. Because I feel fine and have no restrictions will workout again, but maybe just do one class.

I am 42 and in great physical shape. Maybe this is why my recovery is going so well. I had an abdominal myomectomy 10 years ago. While I was off work for 6 weeks and under more restrictions, rate of recovery process surprised my doctors.

[soniaa123]

I am 2 months post op from open cut surgery taken overian cyst out.  I'm recovering well however I'm bleeding off and on right on the  incision.  even though my Stitches were dissolvable sutures, I'm still bleeding off and on from small part of that area.  anyone knows why and how to stop it??!

[emzi92]

I had key hole surgery for my appendix removal 2 weeks ago and I'm still in a lot of pain I keep feelin sick and cnt stomach any food really! I'm startin to get worried! Dunno whether this is normal or not! Plse let me knw!

[Randidsmith]

I had a partial hysterctomy wensday jan. 4th,this year. I was feeling fine till my shoulder,neck and ribs hurt. It has got worse. I feel like I cant hardly breath. I heard it is just the air from the air they used and to walk it out. I have tried walking it out and it isnt working. What do I do? And how long is it suppossed to hurt?

[34yrold]

I had a laparoscopy for endometriosis and ovarian cyst on right ovary. This was a month ago. A week ago I started to go to the gym and just walk on the machine. I am trying to take it slow, but I was prescribed Lupron for six months and I am worried about the side effects. Especially the bone thinning effect it has. Therefore I am taking calcium and the doctor said I need to exercise a lot. But at this time, I still don't feel good enough to exercise. I keep getting pains (pinching) and sometimes cramping, in the pelvic area or the ovaries. I am glad to read your comments, and know that I am not alone. I have stage 4 endometriosis and the doctor says Lupron is my only option. I had my first shot 19 days ago, so far I have not had any side effects. But I am worried about what I have read online and have a long way to go. I welcome any feedback you may have. Regards,
I am 34 years old.

[34yrold]

I had a laparoscopy for endometriosis and ovarian cyst on right ovary. This was a month ago. A week ago I started to go to the gym and just walk on the machine. I am trying to take it slow, but I was prescribed Lupron for six months and I am worried about the side effects. Especially the bone thinning effect it has. Therefore I am taking calcium and the doctor said I need to exercise a lot. But at this time, I still don't feel good enough to exercise. I keep getting pains (pinching) and sometimes cramping, in the pelvic area or the ovaries. I am glad to read your comments, and know that I am not alone. I have stage 4 endometriosis and the doctor says Lupron is my only option. I had my first shot 19 days ago, so far I have not had any side effects. But I am worried about what I have read online and have a long way to go. I welcome any feedback you may have. Regards,
I am 34 years old.

[Poohtop]

I had a cyst, ovary & tube removed. 3 weeks out. Went great, back to work in 5 days-desk job  thank the Lord. First week was a little rough. But left docs off today. 3weeks 1 day post op....he has released me & ran my first mile & did my first full minute plank...to celebrate. Can't wait to get back to the gym in the am.  Hang in there ladies...it does get better.

[ajbLA]

it's good reading these stories. I'm the first woman in my family to have endo or anything of the sort and the whole experience has torn me apart, uprooted my entire life and at times stolen my will to live.

I'm 21 years old. ever since I got my period around the age of 14 they have always been extremely irregular and painful to the point where I had to skip school and work. also in the past few years I experienced at times severe pain during sex but just like the periods I thought nothing of it.

in November of 2011 I began having severe stomach pains. I had just gotten off a lot of psychiatric meds I had been on for at least 6 years.. throughout my teen years I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder among many other similar things but I was determined to live without medication. I was on Lamictal (which one of the side effects was worsened period pain so I chalked it up to that) as well as Prozac, Buspar, and Klonopin. I was actually doing well off of the medicine until all of this started.

after many frustrating hospital visits, my local hospital informed me I had a 4cm complex cyst on my left ovary, and they basically told me to wait it out. after going back time and again, they told me to start taking Loestrin 24 Fe immediately. the cyst ruptured around the end of November. they told me that my body should absorb the fluid and it should be fine.

in December 2011 I was still in a great deal of pain and could not move around much without getting exhausted and listless.. I could not walk, so I lost my job and had to move back in with my parents.

around the end of December I finally went to a specialist in Houston, after being aggravated with the "wait it out" responses of my rinky dink local hospital. he put me on Glumetza (a diabetic blood sugar medication) and progesterone.

after I started taking those medications, everything became much worse. the specialist suspected endo with a touch of PCOS, and my lap was done on January 10 2012.

it's been about 5 days and in the past 30 or so hours I have developed nausea (for the first time after surgery) as well as stomach cramps, muscle weakness, headache, and constant fever just below 100. I don't know if I have an infection, or if this is from discontinuing a prolonged use of painkillers, or what the heck is going on.

I have 4 incisions, 1 in navel, 3 along pubic line and they all look fine and not infected.

I am on Lupron injections for the next 3 months, because they removed my stage 1 endo on the ovaries but could not remove the endo from the uterus. I am also again on the Glumetza and progesterone.

I have been doing ok except for now I feel as if I'm coming down with the flu or something.

this has been going on for so long that I can't remember what it's like to feel normal or good or not in pain. it has completely broken my spirit and I am at my wit's end.

is anyone else taking those same medications?
what do you think is the cause of starting to feel ill 5 days post op?

thanks all.

[nehaanurag]

hello guyz
i just had my lap on 10th of jan 2012 and was doing fine till yesterday noon... but then i started to get pinkish and brownish discharge as if i m gonna have my periods... with it i felt great pain in my lower abdomen, thighs and back... even certain painkillers like brufen hardly made any difference... is it normal to have disturbed periods and unbearable cramping after lap... for how long does it continue... m highly disturbed... plz help!!!! :(

[jjammy]

Yep, same symptoms for me.... Did the doc tell u anything? How much time before it went away?

[nehaanurag]

awww... i must admit, its hard to go through all such mental trauma (apart from the physical ones).. doc says its normal... m due for my next periods on 10th feb... i guess that will end my problems to a certain extent and will stop the black/brown discharge after they my periods... pain is excruciating... the probable reasons can be 1) after effects of anesthesia ... 2)when u start ovulating, ur ovaries which are already sensitive post-surgery, pains a lot... doc's kept me on OveralL  (contraceptive pill) for 2 mnths to minimize ovulation... painkillers hardly make much difference... m using hot bags to reduce cramps... i hope the best for u

[starry562]

help!!! i had a laproscopy done nov 21 for a ruptured hemorrhagic cyst- they had to irrigate the blood out.  it is now Feb and i have been sooo sick since the operation- i think i caught a stomach flu soon after and then i started aving nausea and horrific acid burning in my stomach- now my stomach remains soo queasy, i have no appetite and it is hard to eat- burning and aci reflux went with alo vera juice but if i eat one wrong thing my stomach is in the throws of pain.  the gastroenterologit says there is nothing structurally wrong and that it is a post-anesthetic reaction- but between the cyst that came in october and this i j just want to feel well again!

[achilles2]

Find an endo specialist. This happened with someone else I know-- the doctor (not an endo specialist) did not get all the endo because the cyst burst and she had endo and adhesions everywhere. When that cyst burst it spread endo everywhere and if your surgeon was a general ob/gyn I seriously doubt all the endo was removed.
To find an endo specialist near you contact the endo association:
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/

I hope this helps,
achilles2

[nehaanurag]

my surgery was done by an endo-expert in one of the best women hospitals here... the endo was removed successfully... there were no complications... actually i began with my contraceptive pill quite after some time of my periods... that's y i was having brown spotting... anywaz, i had my periods on time...the first 2 days were seriously bad because of all the pain and heavy flow... but after 2 days the pain will slowly subside... keep some painkillers and hot water bottle with u beforehand...

[achilles2]

A hot water bottle is not a good idea as it will increase inflammation. The best is a cold pack. I found it works a lot better.

[achilles2]

Oops I miss read that. Did they tell you to use a hot water bottle for right after surgery to help with getting the gas out. If so that is the best option. I was thinking for cramps assoc with endo. If it is cramps then use a cold pack.

[jjammy]

I am going through the same , pain attacks as soon as my pain killer wears off... Doc saying its normal, it's been 4 weeks since my lap, bad periods followed by this pain is depressing...
Just wondering how long did it last

[jjammy]

Thanks ... Am seeing my doc Tom, in bad pain

[onelove0918]

I had this proceedure done 3 days ago the pain is getting worse to severe i cant even move.i had a bad infection cut out and cysts and scar tissue removed. Is it normal to be in pain that it hurts to breath? Also bleeding with vaginal clots.

[Jojohez]

I had my Laparoscopy on 27th Feb, I went to see my GP who referred me for an ultrasound scan, the results of this scan identified cysts on both ovaries so I was the referred to a Gynaecologist, the first Gynae I saw in December said surgical intervention wasn't necessary and scheduled me for a follow up ultrasound. I arrived  for my ultrasound and was lucky enough to see a senior consultant who advised that he did in fact want to perform surgery as the large cyst on my RT ovary showed an echo, he said that he was almost certain this was an indication of Endo and he would like to take a closer look, so a date was set for my Lap, I arrived at hospital and my doctor came to see me prior to surgery to explain what was to take place, I asked if he was going to remove both cysts LT and RT and he said he was more concerned about the RT but would obviously take a good luck at both. Anyway in I went and after approx 2 1/2 hours I was in recovery and then back in my room.

My surgeon came to see me to explain things were not as straightforward as originally expected and that both ovaries were as bad as each other, the ultrasound had only picked up a small cyst on my LT ovary when in fact what had happened is my bowel had fused to my womb and LT ovary hiding what was really there. So he had to free my bowel, take away 2 large cysts from each ovary and laser way my Endo......phew, bless him he was very proud of his work and even showed me the photo's to prove it, not that I had any idea what I was looking at I was that high from the anaesthetic and pain relief...lol

Very interesting and informative though to say the least!

Well anyway I had to stay in overnight as my BP was extremely low and to be fair I felt rough, they put me on an I.V for pain and to hydrate me and also oxygen for about 24 hours until my BP stabilised.

I came home on the 28th early evening with lots of tablets, antibiotics and pain relief.

I haven't really experienced bad gas as others describe or maybe my pain tolerance levels are extremely high? I was already suffering from severe pain in my RT shoulder pre-op which was probably referred pain?

Anyway it's now day 4 and I have had my first BM which I had to take senna to do as I was struggling big time, also passing gas was a bit of a worry as it gives a strange feeling of discomfort, all thankfully getting easier now, can manage the stairs and have been keeping myself mobile by walking around the house for short intervals, all I can manage to be fair....today I have an uncomfortable pain in my LT kidney area? Not entirely sure what this is? Had a rubbish nights sleep and woke up with it, aches when I move even whilst lying down....

Other than this I was feeling quite good until I changed my dressing earlier which made me feel dizzy and nauseous, so I have just had more pain relief and have taken myself back to bed.

Anyone have any idea what this is?

I have my follow up appointment in 8 weeks time, so will update then if not before...

[shlapine]

I am 46 and had lap done 5 days ago, removal of ovarian left cyst, was told I can go back to normal activity after 2 days....walked like an old lady and could not bend until today but had to go back to work, mostly desk work but 1hr commute by car one way and some stairs to climb to get there made me feel exhausted, had some pain in belly area and back tonight and had to lay down right after I came home. Look like 5 month pregnant even though I hardly eat. Don't know what to wear to work tomorrow to feel comfortable but still look ok, unfortunately very stylish environment, would look strange in sweatpants, just miss to wear my skinny jeans, but it seems as I would for a while:(((, so helpful to read all of your stories and feels great to not be alone, since dr's seem to be way off with recovery!

[Jojohez]

Think that is due to the fact that most of the doctors concerned are MEN!!! lol get well soon x

[Peridot02]

Hi, I am new to this site so firstly hello!
I had a lap & dye 8days ago and have bad swelling in my abdomen which is getting worse, I look 5months pregnant! I have also gained 8lb in weight even though if anything I have been eating less & healthy food. Has anyone else had this? I went to the dr but he said try senna, which I have and it's worked but the swelling hasn't gone down at all and my weight is still going up.I work hard to keep my weight down so a half stone weight gain is a big deal to me, I don't know how to get rid of it as I already stick to a low fat/ no sugar 1200 cal diet, anyone got any advice? The first couple of days after the op my tummy was only slightly swollen and my weight hadn't changed. But around day 4 my tummy seemed to be getting more swollen and my weight started to go up, I then developed a lump above my belly button which is painful and sore, I have been put on Flucloxacillin as well as the diclofenac in case it's an infection. Other than that I'm just very very tired!
I can't believe they tell us this op is minor and will only take a couple of days to recover from! I'm sure for some lucky ones it is the case but it seems not for me!
Any advice from those that have had any swelling, weight gain from a lap and dye would be great. I just don't know if I should be worried or just sit back and wait for it to go back to normal on its own.

[tararara]

Wow this page is brilliant. I had a lap 10 days ago for suspected appendicitis, turned out the pain was from a 6cm dermoid cyst on right Ovary. I do not respond that well to general anaesthetic as have low blood pressure. It took me almost 6 hours to wake fully. I was cut on both sides, navel and just above the pubic line. I couldn't urinate after so had to have a catheter fitted, I ened up staying in hospital for 4 nights as i was struggling so much with the pain and lack of bowel movements. On the final day I was given suppositires, which worked instantly. Water works and BM have not been normal since i've been home. I havn't dared to drive and I am really only managing to get dressed if I have just had pain killers. I have children, so life has to go on, but i feel like such a big baby as cannot seem to function
xx

[tararara]

Wow this page is brilliant. I had a lap 10 days ago for suspected appendicitis, turned out the pain was from a 6cm dermoid cyst on right Ovary. I do not respond that well to general anaesthetic as have low blood pressure. It took me almost 6 hours to wake fully. I was cut on both sides, navel and just above the pubic line. I couldn't urinate after so had to have a catheter fitted, I ened up staying in hospital for 4 nights as i was struggling so much with the pain and lack of bowel movements. On the final day I was given suppositires, which worked instantly. Water works and BM have not been normal since i've been home. I havn't dared to drive and I am really only managing to get dressed if I have just had pain killers. I have children, so life has to go on, but i feel like such a big baby as cannot seem to function
xx

[Syasdnil3]

Jojohez,
Wondering how you're felling a few weeks on. Your storm seems very similar to mine but I'm going in next week. Am so happy I read these stories! Although scary I feel I was so naive about the recovery and so much more prepared now!

[onlyoneovary]

I had right ovary removed 27/3 but stomach still really bloated and can't fit into clothes.

Did you get any replies about how long this lasts?

[onlyoneovary]

I had right ovary remove 27/3 but stomach still really bloated and can't fit into clothes.

Did you get any replies about how long this lasts?

[Klinne]

As of yesterday I am two weeks post surgery. This is my second surgery for endo. The first was done eight years ago laporscopicly. At that time I had a six plus cm mass in my left ovary as well as bits of endo throughout. That surgery involved an insition on my belly button as well as three insitions in my pubic line. The surgery I had done two weeks ago was done robotically. Again I have four insitions but this time they are much higher on me stomach. The belly button is the highest. The other three insitions are spread across my stomach, below my belly button but above my hip bones. This time I had a four cm mass on my right ovary. During surgery the doc removed the mass of endo as well as quite a bit of endo from everywhere else (the outside of near by organs, the salad sac area). He also found that my left ovary was attached to other organs by what he called old endo or scar tissue. He left it bc he was afraid that if he tried to free the ovary  he would end up having to remove it. Also, the left tube is blocked. the right tube is clear. I guess we know why we have been trying for two pluses years to get preggers and have been un successful. I tell you all of this to say that If given the option have the surgery done roboticly. The amount of gas left in my abdomen with the second surgery was far far less. After surgery I was walking slow, very slow but did not spend days hunched over like last time. All that said I am still taking some pain meds. I teach 2nd gr so I scheduled surgery the first day of spring break. Friday, april 6. School started back the 16th. I took half days everyday this past week. I felt like I was starting to need less and less pain meds but the last few days I have had stabbing pains on my right side. I have also started spotting so I think the extra pain my be due to the fact that I am about to start my period. If this pain continues I worry I will not be able to put in full days next week like I plan to. If I had a desk job this would not be a concern. Teaching 7 and 8 year olds I rarely get to sit down. After my last surgery they put me on progesterone injections so I never really had a period. I was wondering what other people have experienced pain wise with their periods after surgery. 

[mgck34]

i had my lap 1 week ago, i am still experiencing severe bloating and some discomfort and can't fit into my jeans. leggings are all i can fit into. some websites advise taking anti-inflammatory med such as ibuprofen, so i'm going to give it a go. good luck

[Haleyah81]

I had laprascopy done on May 3.  I am still hurting now.  Stairs are a bit painful, I do one step at a time and I move slowly.  Bending over is painful and it feels odd to do it.  I just started to bend over today.  I got my period yesterday and the pain is pretty bad in my pelvic area and my right side is quite sore but then again that is the side I had my larger cyst on.  My back is cramped since my period started and I am very tired still.  I tried to drive 2 days ago and I found it was too much.  Because you clench (tense up) and have to use those muscles when you drive, it hurts and I had to return home and rest the muscles.  I suggest not driving for about 8-11 days after surgery and if you have to, try to only go short distances.  Going to the washroom was soooo painful! Bowel movements were near impossible so lots of fibre is a good idea.  I think the doctors are way off when they say it will only take about 3 days to recover.  Its been 6 days for me and I am still not even close to 100%.  Tomorrow might be a better day but getting my period made the pain come back bad :( I have a pain that is also itchy (if that makes sense) under my belly button on my right side.  Its a weird pain.  Does anyone else have that? Its itchy but yet sore too.  The incision is IN my belly button not where this pain is?!

[Haleyah81]

Also, I am very very emotional.  I have noticed that today.  I can cry for NO reason at all!

[achilles2]

You're doctor is nuts to think it only takes three days to recover. Due to my job of stocking shelves my doctor wrote a note for work and I had three weeks off. If I was not doing physical labor my doctor would have still wanted me to take a 1-2 weeks off. It takes 3-4 days just to get the CO2 gas out of the system. I hope that you recover soon.

achilles2

[tonyas_id]

aimwade, I am on day 3 after my lypo, D and C and drilled my ovaries removed numerous cyts along with endometriosis.  I did leave the house today just to go eat and regretted it due to felt dizzy.  I have been unable to have a bowel movement which has now caused me to start getting a bulging hemroid.  So I am in the same boat as you hope you have a speedy recovery.  

[Saigy]

I had laparoscopic appendectomy on May 4th and all seemed ok until May 8th, when I started to feel sharp and heavy pain on my lower LEFT side (under scar) when I move.. Now I can’t walk normally (I don’t know why but it’s easier to walk only when I hardly press on that area under scar), and I absolutely die in pain when need to sneeze or laugh.. I feel like getting hurt with knife in these moments... Also i feel sharp pain in the end of urinating.. im dealing with this for a 5 days now and its absolutelly not getting better.. I want to cry, but i cant due this pain.. Im really depressed now..
Any advise?

[anamary]

Yes i totally am, its been 6 days today since i have had lap surgery, they took  biopsys of my ovary utereus and bladder. I was doing ok and then last night had sharp pains in my stomac and right side. Frustrated and dont want to look like a whimp to anyone ya know. Anyway i feel your pain.

[butterfly61]

I too was wondering if this is normal.  I'm 7 weeks post-op and very discouraged about sharp twinges of pain on each side of my navel and even lower.  The pain will linger for a while and then return a few days later.  I still don't exercise, I am trying to take into account that my surgeon had to scrape my uterus off my abdominal wall, so maybe that's why it's taking me so long to heal?  Are you still having pain?

[butterfly61]

I too was wondering if this is normal.  I'm 7 weeks post-op and very discouraged about sharp twinges of pain on each side of my navel and even lower.  The pain will linger for a while and then return a few days later.  I still don't exercise, I am trying to take into account that my surgeon had to scrape my uterus off my abdominal wall, so maybe that's why it's taking me so long to heal?  Are you still having pain?

[butterfly61]

Hi.  I am 7 weeks post op and was wondering how normal the twinges and soreness in the ab muscles are.  I am trying to take into account that the surgeon had to scrape my uterus off the abdominal wall.  It was embedded in one place that caused a bulge on the outside of the abdomen.  It's miserable sitting around, especially on days when there is little pain. But I know as soon as I lift 5 pounds, I can count on being in bed the next day on painkillers.  My pain is also on both sides of the navel and lower abdomen, but seems to move to different areas.  Also getting muscle spasms at times.  Are you feeling any better now?

[MariaaLeeza]

I Just had Sergery (surgery) and I'm 17, I'm able to walk around since the day I got out of the hospital. It says not to have intercourse but I did the next day. I got my right ovary and philopian tube removed, my right arterie tied,(my cyst of 8.7 cm torn it), and my left ovarian cyst all removed. I'm not the type to sit around all day. I have to move and work!! Thanks.

-MariaaLeeza.<3

[Codielou]

I had my first laparoscopy done on the 6/6/12. It was meant to be two weeks prior but was cancelled until then which wasn’t a bad thing as my gyno was able to do it himself. I had to be at the hospitals day surgery at 11am for check in, I knew the surgery was going to be around 1pm as that is the time they offered my gyno so I was surprised when I was put in a bed straight away. I laid around getting a little nervous until around 12:30 I was taken around to get the last minute questions before going into the anaesthesia bay. My gyno came in and told me if he found endometriosis he would be closing up and we would come up with a plan. So it was just exploratory as well as another d&c and hysteroscopy – I had both done 5/5/12 as well due to unstoppable bleeding since October – I have PCOS and VWD as well. I woke up a few hours later in recovery to a nurse lifting my legs to see how bad I was bleeding; I passed back out and didn’t wake up until 5pm back on the ward.
I was in agony! I was only told endometriosis was found, I would find out more at my post op appointment on the 14/6.  As my gyno had left the anaesthesiologist who was looking after me came to give me more pain killers. I had to stay until I was able to go to the bathroom, which they were shocked as I DIDN’T need to go AT ALL. I had three bags of fluid and still didn’t need to go. Eventually they agreed after two hours of sitting around I could go home but if I didn’t use the bathroom by midnight I had to go back. I went home, took more pain killers and went to bed, was woken up by mum to try and use the bathroom which I did just before midnight and went back to bed to sleep it off.
I woke on the Thursday in agony, extremely swollen and bruised. I got stuck in my bed! My mum ended up making me go down to their house two hours away to recover. Spent the day in bed taking endone, penadaine forte and nurofen together to try and get some relief. Friday I woke up in agony still and planned to spend the day in bed but my dog ran away so I was walking slowly down the stairs to go and help my mum look for him (in the car) when I fell down the stairs!! I screamed bloody murder. So back to bed doubling up on the pain medication until Thursday 14/6 when I went back to see my gyno for post op appointment where he said significant endometriosis was found. He rang a different hospital where he is at two days a month for theatre as it has the equipment he needs to remove the endometriosis as well as ovarian drilling. I am having it done on July 31st as well as inserting another mirena. I have to stay overnight at least, then will have to go back to my parents house so they can look after me as I cannot drive for 6 weeks my gp has warned, after the last one I have been told three weeks, not fun having no independence when you have lived out of home since you were 18 (almost 21 now).
He put me back on metformin, which I have been having major migraines on top of the pain of my abdomen. 16 days post op I am still in agony, I spend all day drugged up on pain killers in bed.  Only 39 more days of waiting around to go through it again, just want it to be over, I had to stop going to university and working as I couldn’t handle it due to the pain and bleeding.

[shellsers]

Hey Kristine,

This sounds just like me! I had a laparoscopy for moderate endometriosis 11 days ago. After three days of bed rest I went back to work and felt great. Doctor told me I could get back to working out a week after the surgery, which I did. One week ago (5 days after surgery), I started to notice slight pain that seems to be coming from my right ovary. It would throb for a bit and then go away, so I didn't think much of it. However, every day since then it has only gotten worse and worse, and today it is almost constant pain. It varies between a dull ache to a surprising stabbing pain that takes my breath away. It definitely hurts worse if I apply any pressure to it, but it hurts even when I'm not touching it at all or doing anything to trigger it. Not sure what it is, but I have an appointment with my Obgyn next week so I'll find out what he says and post it.

[Supermom594]

Hi, glad I'm not alone. I had a lap, hysteroscopy, and appendectomy June 22. I am 52 years old and was surprised to see how young some of you are. I had fibroids/polyps and cysts removed from my uterus and ovaries. I love that I only have 4 small scars to worry about. I stayed on pain meds for the first few days. If anyone knows someone having this surgery I would strongly recommend they go on a soft diet days before the surgery and remain on it for at least a week afterwards. I took dulcolax on the second day after my surgery, one per day, will take another tonight. This helped with constipation. It will be loose, but it will at least empty the colon out and keep from giving you extra pressure on your other internal parts. I had a problem with my bladder being squished in between the swollen parts of my body, but made sure I kept drinking lots of water. It took a while to pee and was a narrow stream, but I just had to be patient letting it empty itself out. The pain pills were awesome, but I tapered off of them on the third day, seeing my limit, it was 7 hours and the next day 10 hours. I take one at bedtime if I need it now ((5 days later) and I use ibuprofen to keep swelling down. I am having lots of pressure under my rib cage today and a sharp pain on my right back side, my neck is a bit sore on the right too. I never did have the bad shoulder pain. I walked around the house the second day after surgery. I had surgery Friday and on Wed I went to do a cleaning job. I took my time and was careful. I was tired when I was done, but expected that. I think eating yogurt (getting that bacteria back in my stomach), jello, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and pudding helped move the gas along because it moved through my colon and pushed the gas out. I won't be touching my durabond bandages until they come off by themselves of I go to post op. I had a great doctor--patient and careful. Just hope this solves my initial problems. Speedy recovery and don't forget to eat light! and those pain meds add to your gas pains.

[carol5555]

I had lap surgery one month ago to have my left ovary with cysts removed,Dr. couldn't do it that way as i had too much scar tissue from previous surgeries,he had to do a laparodomy to complete the surgery ,i'm still in quite a bit of pain where they went in with the trocar (camera) on opposite side. Think it will just take time.

[zee19]

I had a laproscopy on 1st May 2012 and 2 and a half months later I'm still in pain. They removed it from my bladder, tubes that go from kidneys to bladder, ovaries and the muscles behind the womb. They also removed adhesions from my intestine which was stuck to my abdominal cavity wall. I reacted badly to morphine and stopped breathing in the recovery room. Nurses were all great. They only kept me in overnight and was discharged the next day. They offered 2 types of treatment afterwards - a temporary menopause for 3 months or take the combined pill back-to-back for 3 months. I choose the latter. I've put on loads of weight since the operation nearly 18lbs!! Mainly due to inactivity and being on the pill makes me so ravenous so that and the pain has made me so depressed. I only went back to work last week and only part time at the moment. I just can't get through the day without ibuprofen, paracetomol and co-codamol its ridiculous. Is anyone else is so much pain so long after the op? I feel like I'm the only one and very alone. I really want to exercise to shift the excess weight but going up 2 flights of stairs causes pain  and i'm so out of breath.

[Melysl]

I am doing my laparoscopy tomorrow. After reading all the posts here I am a bit scared now. I only take leave up to Monday and will be back to work on Tuesday. I wonder if I could drive and work now.
Thinking of all this pain after surgery I wanted to cancel my booking. but I know I can't do it. Please good luck to me.

[YB1826]

Has anybody had something odd after this surgery done? I had larposcopic in 5/31/12 and now having lots of pain on the same site but this time it's not a cyst but fluid outside the ovaries so frustrating no doctor can explain what going on!!!! Need help

[ShaysEndo]

I keep reading everyone's posts, however they are so detailed around having Lap's for everything BUT endometriosis so I'm having trouble comparing and hoping someone can help me out.

I am getting married 9/15 and my fiance and I want to try having children right away and over the past month my pain has become so severe that I have passed out on my bathroom floor and it comes anytime, even when I'm not on my period.  My fiance was scared to touch me.  

SO I called my Doctor and made him schedule a Laparoscopy.  I had it on Thursday morning and when I came out of the sleep and overheard him say Endometriosis I could NOT stop CRYING because after all these years I felt validated and like I wasn't CRAZY! I finally had an answer.  So he just "Cauterized(SP)" all of the endo he found.  To my knowledge, nothing was removed.

I don't feel like I was well prepared for the aftermath and it doesn't seem like my fiance paid the best attention to any postop directions.

It is now Saturday night and ever since the surgery I haven't had any pain around the (3) incisions or in my abs.  My only pain is in my chest and neck, it hurts to hold my head up. I also keep getting headaches.  I tried to get a shower today and my fiance had to carry me to the couch mid shower because I was overwhelmed with a burning pain in my chest and was almost begging to go to the hospital because I literally couldn't breathe.  In reading it sounds like this is a result of the gas, but I've also read this should be gone by now.  My mom and friend are very concerned for me and I'm not really sure if I should call my Doctor or just ride it out because I've never had surgery and have no idea if this is normal or not.

HELP!?!?

[Gracie07]

I had the same procedure done for the same reasons on 18th August 2012 and felt similar to you when I heard that my consultant had treated severe endometriosis.  The diagnosis gave me so many answers.

However I too was unprepared for what happens post op as I didn't really think they would find anything to treat.  I expected to be fully recovered within days!

Ialso haven't had pain directly relating to the surgery but have had relating to the gas and what I think can be referred pain in your shoulders.  Soon after the op sometimes I couldn't fill my lungs with air without it being too painful but found that strong painkillers helped.  I also had severe pain when the air has been moving round my insides I guess trying to find a way out.  The pain was so bad, unexpected and sudden that I was almost begging my husband to call for an ambulance.  This was last night and thankfully today is much better but I am going to see the consultant tomorrow and will check with him then.

I would suggest that if you are unsure to contact your doctor as it will put your mind at rest.  We weren't given many post op directions apart from that the more I rest the quicker I will recover and he signed me off work for two weeks.  He also said that I would find it difficult to work due to being so uncomfortable sitting upright because of the gas.

Hope this helps.

[Gracie07]

Hi I am new to this website but please see my comment below which I meant to address to you!

[Shez2hot]

Hello. I had a golf ball sized cyst in my right ovary removed one week ago. I still get pains in all three incisions but mainly my belly button and where my ovary is. I'm able to wear jeans (unzipped) but still a bit painful. But does anyone's belly button look the same? Mines is not completely healed but it does not look like it is healing they way MY belly button looks like. It really saddens me when I look at it. Also, how long is the surgical tape supposed to be on for? I'm sure the doc told me but I was way to medicated to remember. Well I'm walking better but very slow. If I walk any faster my belly button really starts to hurt! Sorry I'm full of questions right now but everyday since my surgery I've been up and down stairs … I have no way to avoid them..can that cause damage to me right now?

[dianedp]

I know this is late, but I had a great deal of pain for a week after my only successful laparoscopy (to remove scar tissue for endometriosis). Before that I'd had a tubal and an exploratory lap. A couple of years after the successful one, I had another, but my pain turned out not to from endometriosis. Each of those was easy to recover from.

Anyway, I think it depends on how much was done during your surgery (my "good" surgeon said all the scar tissue had glued all of my pelvic organs together. (No wonder I hurt so much.) I was also give prescription painkillers and was able to rest most of the time, and I think that improved my recovery time.

Anyway, I hope you started feeling better a long time ago!

[Tinkeve]

Hi I had a lap a couple of days ago they removed a 12 cm cyst in my right ovary people keep telling me to walk and walk but when I do I feel like something's moving. Is this normal?

[JJ554]

Hi, I had a laparoscopy 3 weeks ago and they found minor endometriosis. I have recovered as I can move normally now. However, when I sit upright (on a chair, back flat against the back rest) I get severe lower abdomen pain and now when I need to go to the loo, I have a sore lower abdomen pain.

Please let me know if any of you'll experienced this. Cause I'm hoping it goes away.

This website is really useful if you going in for a laparoscopy: http://www.totalwomanhealth.com/laparoscopy.php

[catherine242]

I had a laproscopy 4 weeks ago to remove a 15cm ovarian cyst, along with my left ovary and tube. The cyst was adhered to my bowel, womb and bladder, it also ruptured during surgery, requiring lavage with 5 litres of saline. The cyst had 2 parts, one part endometrioma (which ruptured) and the other part dermoid which contained a lot of hair.

I hadn't had too many symptoms prior to surgery but now realise that I had accepted bloating and constipation as 'normal for me' (I'm 48). But on the morning of the surgery I had a vaginal discharge, kind of milky while / pink which smelt absolutely foul and rancid - I never had that before in my life (or since) and wonder it was a sign that the cyst was starting to rupture by itself. I didn't know that I had endometriosis nor that I have an enlarged right ovary. I had a period at the due time after surgery, a little bit heavier than normal but nothing too unusual.

I was in surgery for 4 hours and the pain afterwards was excruciating. I was on morphine, paracetemol and nsaids all at the same time and still it was so painful to move my ribcage to take even tiny breaths that they had to put me on oxygen. I couldn't sleep, read, do anything it was sooooo painful. The nurse said it was the gas and told me to sit up, that helped. it also got a lot worse if I had a hot drink.

I had a drain for 36 hours and a catheter for 48 hours. After 3 nights in hospital I was allowed to go home on crutches but needed constant care from my partner who had to do everything for me including bathing and dressing me. I was advised to try to be active to aid my recovery and avoid the risk of thrombosis but could only manage 2-3 hours out of bed just sitting before needing to go back to bed. I couldn't cope with visits or even phone calls for the first week.

4 weeks on and I'm still on painkillers, off work, can get out for a short walk each day but experience rib / shoulder / diaphragm pain (from the gas I think) as well as abdominal / pelvic pain / tugging sensation / stinging / aching. It's a slow recovery and has required a lot of patience and thankfulness that it hasn't been worse.

Seems like everyone has different recovery times depending on how complex the surgery but as my consultant kept telling me 'it's a big operation' and my nurse said 'listen to your body'

So I will be patient a while longer and look forward to the day when I can finally wear something with a waistband again :-)

Good luck to anyone who finds themself in a similar position, I would say give it time, don't try to do too much, catch up on your reading / movies / emails etc while you're out of action and above all be patient and try to stay positive.

Love and peace
Catherine xxx

[lsabug]

Yesterday I had my ovaries and tubes removed as a preventive measure since I have breast cancer premenopause. I had no idea the pain of the gas and the nausea would be so great but it was utter hell. I am in good physical shape and still I couldn't keep anything down, it was hard to even get the pain meds to stay down because I would throw up every time I got up to walk. A heated water bag really helped relieve the pain in my shoulders and laying down would calm it down. I had the worse headache from caffeine withdrawal since I hadn't been able to have a cup for the past 24 hours and couldn't keep it down. The Ricola honey herb lozenges helped relieve the sore throat from tube when I was under anesthesia. Today it's been a lot better although now I'm really starting to feel the pain in my abdomen, I don't know if its gas in there or the pain from the removal and incisions. I was reading an article on one of the medical sites and was really shocked that they said you could go back to regular activity within less than two days. I can't imagine working at my desk, right now I'm laying down and my laptop is sitting on my thighs. One recommendation, do get a prescription for nausea when you come home. I tried peppermint tea but couldn't keep it down. I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a lot better than today, still feel the pain in my shoulders but at least I can eat vegetable soup, grapes and drink apple juice.

[bisbybabe]

I had my lap 4 days ago for extensive endo. The nurse on the ward ran through everything with me and I was discharged 2 hours after coming round from surgey. The pain in my shoulder (due to the gas) was more painful than anything else which luckily lasted for only 2 days with the help of peppermint tea and just keeping mobile.
I did have to go back to my doctor as my one of the incisions was bleeding. I had 4 altogether and none of them were stitched, they were all left open. I had some steri strips put on them and had it all re dressed.
The bruising is just coming out now. Very painful and like most of you have said cannot walk, sit, stand for any length of time. Back is a killer but I am trying to live without the painkillers as much as I can.
As for bleeding. If I rest and don't do too much, I am not bleeding. If I do too much lifting (light) and bending then I do see fresh blood. But I am waiting for this heavy bleeding they said I would get.
I was aware, I think as most of you, that we would be back up and back to normal within a few days. How very wrong and I think that the information given to us ladies needs to be made more acurate.
I am not due for a follow consultation for 3 months but have an appointment with my doctor for a few days just to put my mind at ease.
Thank heavens for forums sites like these. Good luck to all of you

[dinkytinky]

I think I am in the same boat! I had my lap for adenomyomectomy adhesiolysis and  resection of RV endometriosis five weeks ago and I still find it difficult to sit up staright or  do any sort of housework. On top all, I have been on my period for the last two weeks despite the HRT. fatigue, light headedness is part of my day. I used to work and study for 18 hrs per day and now I am a couch potato not being able to do anything. Miserable as hell!

D.

[akampf]

Hi everyone,
I had a laporotomy for 10 cm dermoid cyst removal 7 years ago and now I have been TTC for the last 2 years without success. DR is going to do a laparoscopic surgery in December to see if it is endometriosis. I am a massage therapist and work with the elderly.. so dressing and transfers.  I can't decide how long I will need to be off of work.  Any thoughts or suggestions?  
Thanks

[SStacyD]

I had a Lappy on November 7th of 2011. I would say the worst part for me was the CO2 they use to inflate your belly. They removed a cyst from my right ovary and a cyst that had ruptured in my cul-de-sac. However, here I am over a year later and still having lower right abdominal pain .....

Please click on my name to see my profile and read my story. Any suggestions or opinions would be a great help. I am at the end of my rope here ....

Hope you all were able to find some relief. Take Care!

Thanks so much for reading,

[Lolap2007]

I had a Lap done and 25% of my Fallopian tube removed due to a ectopic pregnancy 12 days ago, and I still feel the tugging pain and can't drive or be out and moving for more than a couple hours at a time. It does get better each passing day but I find that my abdomen is still swollen and still a lot of bruising.

[Gina4567]

I would like to share my experience...today is 4 weeks post op what doc said surgery was for difiticulitis turned out to be endometriosis...after first 3 days of gas pain from co2 I had 3 long weeks of sharp pain in rib cage area that would travel the to abdominal area. If I can sleep it would be sitting up with tons of pillows....now 30 days later I have shortness of breath and pain when I urinate....no infections test results all normal dr said part of post op...does this seem right???

[katty131]

Hi ladies, I am 8 days post op. I had laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriosis + D & C.
Pain has been pretty horrible as the hospital only gave me panadol & Nurofen for the pain. I couldn't sleep at night nor could I get comfortable. I rested as much as I could up to day 5, as I was told I would only need this time off from work. At day 7 I went to the shops to do some Xmas shopping for my workplace secret Santa and after about an hours of walking I was ready to pass out from the pain! I could barely lift my legs to walk I was in that much pain around where my ovaries are. My poor mother had to walk back to car and drive it down to the other end of the shopping centre to pick me up because I just couldn't move. Now at 8 days, still hurting , will be seeing my doctor tomorrow to make sure everything is normal. The nurse from the day surgery said I just over did it walking around. I'm glad I didnt go back to work so soon, I would have dropped like a sack of potatoes before I was finished!  

[va11eygir1]

I had a lap to remove my gall bladder a couple years ago and was raring to go 4 days later. No complications, nothing!
This time tho, I'm wondering wth?!?
I am only 3 days post lap for endo. Day 1 was bad, totally out of it and slept most that day. Day 2 was better, I got up to eat and sit vertical and shuffle around a bit. Day 3 was pretty good, considering. Up and about, swept my floor and helped feed the kids and put them to bed. Even went visiting a few doors down!
But, alas, I over did it and am right this minute paying for it. My back, hips and right leg hurt and my incision sites are painful too. I also have new pain...sharp stabs thru what I imagine to be my uterus/cervix and I have vaginal discharge that I don't recognize :-/  My Lap day was pretty quick and it was difficult to get info from all the different nurses. I have to call on Monday to see if the gyno gave me a D&C as well or what. I'm not sceduled for a post op appt for 4 weeks. Something doesn't feel "right" if you know what I mean.
Good luck to all of you and I'm glad to have found you :-)

[ashlinrocks]

I had surgery five days ago pain is still sharp its now2013 pain the same even after all those blogs were typed good luck to all two weeks is accurate i hope im in pain wish it would go away this site have me insite all so

[ashlinrocks]

I had surgery five days ago pain is still sharp its now2013 pain the same even after all those blogs were typed good luck to all two weeks is accurate i hope im in pain wish it would go away this site have me insite all so

[Andrea73ca]

I had laproscopy performed for my endo 5 days ago. On the third day of recovery, I started to get lower back pain, severe enough to make me grumpy and miserable. I know your post is a few years old, but did your back pain ever ago away? I never had this bad of back pain before surgery so that is why I'm concerned. Thanks

[ceebee272]

The pain you describe is not from the 'breathing tube'. It is most likely due to the CO2 they used to inflate your abdomen during the laparascopy. After the surgery, some pockets of CO2 may get trapped in the free spaces of your abdominal cavity. (Gas rises and since CO2 is a gas, it will too.). This gas exerts pressure under the diaphragm and surrounding rib cage area. Pain in the neck and shoulders can occur; this is caused by referral pain from the gas below. Most CO2 is broken down by the body absorbed within a few days after the surgery.And after any kind of abdominal surgery the intestines become sluggish. This leads to bloating, abdominal fullness and pressure. Walking will help your intestines to return to their normal, efficient pattern. Keep in mind that if you should experience excessive rib pain, changes in breathing or difficulty taking a deep breath, chest pain or you cough up bloody mucous, this may be a sign of a very serious post op complication and you need to call your doctor immediately.

[lolowalsh107]

hi there I had a lap done 5 days ago read a lot of your comments they were helpful the 1 walking like a 70 year old women that's me at the mo..im anoid that the nurses in hospital didn't give me any info just threw a post op leaflet at me I haven't needed to take any painkillers but I don't know if others find this but im finding it hard standing up straight don't know if its physical or just me thinkin im gona pull myself but because of that iv now got an aching back pain its so irritating iv found myself having little cryes and aswell the stitches I have at bellybutton andnickerline have protruding stitches not sure how they are gona dissolve if its the body heat that dissolves them im back to work tomowow and still not healed I now only 5 days but im just fed up I cant do anyting my son has to put on my shoes as I cant even bend down :( :(