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Nervous about Laparoscopy

I am having an operative laparoscopy soon for removal of an ovarian mass and possible treatment for endometriosis. I am starting to feel nervous about the procedure. I know it is minimally invasive, and pretty routine but it would be nice to hear about the experiences you've had. Were you nervous? What happened when you got to the hospital? Were you in pain afterward? I had a heart procedure done when I was little, and it took 6 hours, and I think that has just freaked me out. I would really appreciate hearing some of your all's stories. Thanks for the help. - Chelsea
6 Responses
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119341 tn?1232563757
I've had 1-Leep 2-Laporscopies and 2-C-section. And I was nervous for all of them. It's natural to be scared. You'll go in they will put an IV in, and if you ask they can give you something to relax you. They will take you to surgery. They use gas to air up your tummy, some people have major gas pain in their shoulder's after the surgery. Make sure you get up and walk afterwards (as soon as your able). Walk hunched over holding the belly. Try to work the gas out. Keep something to suck on too. Peppermints. Burping the gas out tastes nasty. If it gets to your shoulder raise your arm, or try lying flat on your back. Also maybe try some GasX. I don't mean to scare you more, but the gas pain scares alot of women because they are not told before. I know after my first, it scared the bejeezes out of me. I thought something was majorally wrong. Bring a pillow so if you have to cough or sneeze you can hold it to your stomach. It helps. They will give a RX for pain meds. Fill this ASAP. For the first day you will need something for the pain. Everything will be fine. Keep us updated.
Helpful - 0
459871 tn?1206533441
Hi Chelsea,

I had my laparoscopy about 5 weeks after hysterectomy. It was pretty comprehensive and 4 hours long. Mostly my complaint was how puffy my stomach was :) I couldn't get into my jeans for weeks! Don't forget, it is surgery and there will be recovery time. I was on pain meds for about 4 days but overall it wasn't so bad. I did exercises in the morning and at night and tried to go for a small walk every day until I could go for longer walks. Best thing to do is listen to your body, feed yourself healthy food and exercise and be positive.  
Good Luck!
SuperKim
Helpful - 0
418165 tn?1295753981
After you have the laparoscopy; is it so painful that I'll need pain meds. or is it just uncomfortable? My doc is talking about doing this and I'm getting nervous.
Thanks,
Jen
Helpful - 0
242604 tn?1328121225
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi There,

I would reccomend going to google and typing in laparoscopy. There are many excellent sites that go through this surgery in detail and post op care.
best wishes
Helpful - 0
242604 tn?1328121225
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Chelsea
good advice from Sara!

most scopes take 1-2 hours. It is usually a day surgery.  
more later
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey.  I was also nervous before my first laproscopic.  The doc removed my ovarias through lapo a few years ago and I had lapo last month to diagnos the ovarian remnant syndrome.  It is a little painful afterward.  You'll have a few incisions and the doc has to cut through some muscle so that hurts a little.  But after a week or so you should be feeling pretty good.  Even when you start feeling better DON'T do anything.  You'll be tempted to go out and excercise or even do some housework, DON'T!  Take it easy for as long as your doc says.  Don't worry about getting to the hospital.  They give you some really good drugs to calm your nerves.  Take care and good luck! Endometreosis sucks!
Helpful - 0

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