Questions about laparoscopy
I've been having extremely painful periods since high school, 6 years now. Back in May of 2019 I was diagnosed with PCOS. After more research I discovered PCOS does not typically cause drop to your knees and try not to pass out, radiating pain. I went back last Thursday, February 2020, and saw my NP, she confirmed my findings on PCOS. She did a pelvic exam and didn't feel any thickening, my period ended a week before. She scheduled me for another Ultrasound, and mentioned that I may be sent to an endo specialist in my area to have a laparoscopy.
I guess my first question would be even if they don't see anything on the ultrasound related to endo will I still be sent out for the laparoscopy? My next would be how long would I have to take off work for the laparoscopy? I work in a dog kennel, I'm on my feet 9-10 hours a day walking/being dragged about 6-7 miles a day. It's physically exhausting. I have a feeling I'll be sent in for the laparoscopy, but part of me is absolutely terrified. I know these questions are on a case-by-case basis, so I understand getting nonspecific responses. Personal experiences are extremely welcomed.
Hi Avicc - Everyone is different and has a different experience, but I can share mine with you. From my understanding, a doctor actually is NOT likely to see anything on ultrasound. Mine was not and I was sent for a lap which revelead stage II lesions. For me, it took about a week to recover (at the time I was a trial attorney, in court on my feet all day). The first few days were roughest - I had a lot of bleeding that was a little scary. But I was back on my feet at work full time by the end of the week. I recommend that you bring a pillow with you so that when you ride home, you can put the pillow between your abdomen and the seat belt so it doesn't irritate the lap incisions. Since they do insert gas into your abdoment, you'll have a LOT of bloating (I couldn't see my belly button for a few days!). I suppose it could be different depending on how many lesions/how severe the endo is. Hope this helps!
Hey Avicc,
I had a pelvic ultrasound that came back clear prior to my laparoscopy and was diagnosed with stage 1 lesions during the laparoscopy. I think my recovery time post surgery was a bit longer than average. I took a week off of work to recover, but wish I could have taken more time as I still felt exhausted and painful one week after surgery. While I returned to work one week after, I was not able to return to all of my normal work duties for at least a few weeks. I also work a job that requires quite a bit of manual labor and was told by the doc that I should not lift over 20 lbs for 6 weeks following the surgery. It probably took me about a month post surgery before I felt fully physically capable again.
Just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience dear
. How have you been feeling? -Kimberli (Team Member)
Hi
, hope you are doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with you in hopes it helps!
I had numerous ultrasounds, and endometriosis was never found on them. For most women, that is the case. The only way to confirm + truly see endometriosis is through a lap! Which is how they ended up finding mine.
I have only had 2 surgeries, + they were both totally different. My first surgery was only really to receive my diagnosis and was done by just a reg gyno- I was up and moving around after a week.
My second lap was done by an endo specialist and was excision, it took me a full 2 weeks to recover.
Surgery recovery differs for everyone like you said, as everyone has a different case + experience. They usually say though about 2 weeks though.
I would say if you are working with dogs, who jump, and pull and everything, I would definitely let your incisions heal fully. Just to be safe!
I know how scary going into surgery may seem. Rebecca already said it but I agree with her, bring a blanket or pillow or something to cover your belly from the seat belt so it does not rub and irritate your incisions on the way home! You will want to make sure once you are home, you are walking around a lot. Nothing crazy but moving around to get that gas they pumped in during surgery, out.
Please know we are here for you and if you have any other questions, we would be happy to help you best we can <3 Sending you good thoughts and hugs. -Kimberli (Team Member)
