Laparoscopy for Endometriosis
I’ve had two surgeries for endometriosis, and have had many ask what to expect! Here’s some info on that from my last surgery!
My symptoms of endometriosis had come back (very bad period cramps that were everyday, even when not on my period, hip pain, pain during intimacy, pain going to the bathroom). I had made an appointment with a specialist and talked about my symptoms, and she wanted to do surgery and see for herself how bad my endometriosis was.
Before I had surgery even scheduled, I had to have an ultrasound done, where they took external and internal pictures. Internal ultrasounds are very painful for me, but they have to be done 😅 After this, I had to get some routine blood work done like CBC, urinalysis, and a CMP! After all that came back normal, it was time for surgery!
I wasn’t able to eat after midnight the day before surgery. It was rough because I was so nervous, but also so hungry and just wanted to eat! I had to get labs done to make sure they had my blood type and make sure I wasn’t pregnant.
Surgery felt like a 20 second nap! They used the Davinci But I woke up in a recovery room and had to urinate before I could go home, since they took a biopsy off of my bladder. It took a while, but I was finally able to go, and then able to go home! I was given a binder for my abdomen, and then my husband gave me a pillow he brought from home to put on my abdomen for the ride home (it was about an hour.)
Recovery wasn’t too bad for me! I kept the binder on for about 2 weeks, kept my incisions clean and dry, took Tylenol and ibuprofen for my pain, and went to my follow up appointment to see how bad it was (where I was diagnosed with stage 3 pelvic endometriosis). Worse part of it all was coming home and literally urinating every 30 mins due to how much fluids they gave me during surgery and recovery 😅, so the first night wasn’t fun. But my pain had subsided after a few weeks and I felt great for a solid 8 months!
I’m currently taking medications to help with my pain, so we shall see how much longer I will need to take these, and then I can talk about items to have on hand for surgery!
Laparoscopy is a common procedure used to diagnose and treat endometriosis, a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Symptoms include severe cramps, pelvic pain, and discomfort during intimacy, which can significantly impact daily life. Before surgery, important steps such as ultrasounds and blood work ensure patient safety and readiness. During the procedure, minimally invasive techniques, like those utilized with the Davinci system, can lead to quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgery. Post-operative care is critical; patients are advised to keep incisions clean and manage pain with over-the-counter medications. Coping with the aftermath of surgery can be challenging, particularly with hydration needs and frequent urination. Understanding these factors can empower women navigating their endometriosis journey. Support groups and healthcare professionals can provide valuable insights and emotional support, ensuring individuals don't feel alone in their experiences. With ongoing research and advancements in treatments, many find relief and regain their quality of life after surgery.
