Hello , let me see if I can help. I just have to mention that we are not doctors here, so we cannot give out any medical advice, but we can speak from experience.
The first period after a laparoscopy tends to be a bad one. In my case, since my regular periods were already a bloodbath, the first one was just as bad as the regular ones. My surgeon also warned me to wait at least 6 months to feel any benefits from surgery. During that time, it is normal to experience pain and discomfort as our bodies will still be healing, and yes, this will take months.
Regarding pain relief I am attaching a few links which I hope can help.
https://endometriosis.net/living/flare-ups
https://endometriosis.net/living/pain-management
https://endometriosis.net/living/4-ways-pain
Please feel free to use our archives, by writing whatever keyword you are looking for in the “Search” field, on the top left side of our website.
I’m in the UK so, I can really say much about opioids, but I can tell you that, in the US, there has been a change in the availability and access of opioid-containing pain medications to patients living with chronic pain. I am attaching some information on this, and how to access pain-relief under these circumstances:
https://endometriosis.net/living/opioid-prescribing-guidelines
https://endometriosis.net/clinical/pain-meds-access-opioid-crisis
Regarding talking your employer, I believe it is really important to be upfront about endometriosis. Make sure your manager understands endometriosis and how it impacts your daily life. I am including some experiences from our advocates, on how they managed this:
https://endometriosis.net/living/work-accommodations
https://endometriosis.net/living/work-career
I realise I’ve given a lot of reading to do, I hope that’s OK. Please get back to us if you have further doubts - Jessie (team member)