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Infertility
4510heather
member
My Lap Experience (long)
4510heather
member
in Infertility
Hi Ladies -
You were all so helpful to me before my lap, so I thought I would share my experiences for all of those who will be having a lap soon.
My lap was last Friday (9 days ago). The surgery itself was much more extensive than they expected - they discovered stage 4 endo that was covering my bowel and both ovaries. I also had endometriomas removed from both oavries (one 6cm, one 2 cm).
The day of the surgery I had pretty severe nausea because of the anasthesia, but I ate small snacks throughout the afternoon. I was pretty sore and getting up from a sitting or laying position was uncomfortable. I also had the shoulder pains. I took my pain meds every 4 hours, and at no point was I in any significant pain. I was uncomfortable, but it wasn't so bad. I also took gas-x and laxative per the doctor's orders, which I think helped relieve the pain.
The day after the surgery, I was still uncomfortable, but I walked my dog (well DH had the leash, I went with them) 2 miles. It took 50 minutes because I was so slow, but at least I was moving. I was uncomfortable, but not in pain. Other than the walk, I just lounged around all day.
By Sunday I felt well enough to get up and do some work around the house. Not a lot, but a few loads of laundry, etc.
I returned to work on Monday, with no problem. I was moving slowly, and wore looser fitting dresses the first few days. My shoulder pain was gone by Monday. By Thursday I was wearing slacks again (with bandages over my incisions). Also by Thursday I wasn't taking pain pills during the day any more. I took them at night all week to help me be more comfortable sleeping.
I felt good enough at the end of the day on Wednesday to go shopping at IKEA and did a mega shopping trip to Costco on Friday. Again, I moved a little slower than normal, but I was never in pain, just a little uncomfortable.
On Friday, the doctor cleared me for all activities, he just warned me to ease into everything. I started running again this morning. My incisions still hurt when I ran, but I was able to run/walk for 10 minutes and then walk at my normal speed walking pace for 30 minutes (normally I run for 30-40 minutes).
I still hurt a little when I sit up from a laying position, like you feel after doing a hard ab workout. Otherwise, I have no pain.
I would definitely recommend the gas-x and laxatives - I think it really helped with my pain management. I also didn't hesitate to take pain pills the first few days (I took them every 4 hours the first 72 hours). Also, my doctor said I have recovered so well because I got up and moving (although slowly) as soon as possible.
After hearing stories here and other websites I had freaked myself out about the surgery. It really wasn't that bad at all. My husband said he thought AF was harder on me than the surgery and I agree. If I had to pick surgery or the cramps, etc, that have always come with AF, I would pick surgery. I was expecting the worst, but found that recovery has been a breeze.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my story for those of you doing a lap soon to maybe ease your worries. I hope this helps! Good luck!
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Re: My Lap Experience (long)
Good Luck with everything!!