Recovery from a laparoscopy

I'm extremely anxious about my upcoming laparoscopy.  How much pain is there after a laparoscopy?  How long a recovery time should I plan off from work?  

[PrincessJam]

Hi There,

I was nervous too, as I have never had surgery like that before.  Everything went really well.  I had the most pain in my shoulder, from the air they put inside your stomach to make it "blow up" so they can see inside there.  I had to sit up straight when sleeping for a few days, but it got better after a couple of days.  
I took the vicodin and pain pills they gave me for about 3 days I think.  I had a weekend and a couple days off from work.  If you are able to take a week, that's what I would recommend.  I was really tired from the pain pills, and I couldn't imagine working during these hours as I work with kids and would always be on my feet.
Just remember that everyone is different and they heal differently.  You will do just great! I hope they find what they are looking for and get rid of everything (endo.) if necessary.
Good luck!!

[justscore]

In my experiences with Laparoscopies, recovery was no biggie.  Just rest, relax and careful not to overdo stuff!

Good luck!
Heidi

[blueeyes_jd]

same here... it wasnt bad at all!!! I would suggest taking some gas-x after your surgery to make sure you dont end up with the pain I had the day after surgery... because of the gas they put in you... I found this trick out AFTER I suffered through the pain... but other then that it was cake!! I think I was back to normal after a full week!!!  good luck!!

[ALSELM]

Thanks for all your support and advice.  The surgeon is performing the lap to confirm a diagnosis of endo and remove any exisiting endo.  Although I'm nervous, I am ready to get this over with.  Lately it feels like someone has been stabbing my abdomen and none of the medication that they've given me has helped.  Did anyone find the laparoscopy helpful?

Thanks!

[blueeyes_jd]

for me it didnt really help the pain... but it help me mentally... because I was worried about what they would find if anything... it just kind of eased my mind knowing what was wrong with me... now I might be back to square one though... :( from what I have heard from other people it has really helped them... so good luck!!! ;)

[PrincessJam]

It helped for the first couple of months, and then I did the Lupron which helped.  After a couple of months though I am slowly feeling some of the pain though.  I agree with blueeyes in the sense that it helped me realize what was really wrong with me after now knowing for so long.  I thought it was just part of my life and there was nothing I can do about.  Now knowing, I know I am not going to keel over and die with all the pain and that it's just the endo. flaring up.  You can get years of relief though after you get the endo. removed, which is great.  

[meggers0311]

OK I see that no one really answered the initial Q. So I'll ask because I'm curious and my hubby is getting impatient! haha How long after surgery does it take to feel no pain during sex? I have a laparoscopy 2 weeks to date. and I am still sore inside. Anyone know?

[Jennyrose]

I did answer on your other post, but I see the comment here about hubby. I don't want to turn this into a sex forum LOL, but if you are still sore, perhaps he would be okay with you providing a "gift" that doesn't involve intercourse. Can be just as sexy and you won't be worrying about the pain and he won't have to worry about hurting you. Sexy faces are great, ones in pain are kind of a mood-killer....