QuestionHi Angie,
I am really scared and a friend of mine pointed me to this web site in hopes of getting me some help.
Since the age of 13 I have had bad cramping with my period. I had my first GYN visit at age 16 because of this. Me and my mother were told I was having normal cramps associated with having my period. Of course I didn't know any better at the time. I am now 21 and was just told that it is possible that I have Endometriosis. I am scheduled for Laparoscopic surgery and possible laser surgery in a week. I am very scared and my doctor really didn't tell me anything about the surgery itself. Have you had this surgery? What is it? Will it hurt? And is it true that I will be back to work in a day or two?
Thanks for your help.
Jenna Mae
AnswerHi Jenna,
Ok, calm down...everything will be ok. The lap/laser surgery is the first step in finally finding out what could be causing your pain. This is a good thing. Your doctor should have went into detail about what will happen when you have this surgery. But then, not all doctors have good bed side manners.
The laprascopy surgery is to look around and take pictures of what is found. If the doctor finds Endometriosis (Endo) growths, he will use a laser to laser off the surface of the growths. By no means is this a cure, just a treatment method.
When you go into the hospital or surgical center you will first have to fill out some paper ork. If you are still scared tell the nurse. Most likely, they will give you something to calm your nerves.
You'll be taken into the pre-op room where you'll be asked to undress and put on one of the hospital gowns. Then rolled into surgery. The anastegiologist (sp) will come in and give you an injection and probably tell you to count backwards from 100. After you say 99, 98...you'll be asleep.
The doctor will make two (sometimes 3) inscions into your abdomin. Usually belly button and right at your pubic bone or a little below. They'll blow your belly up with gas and use their little instruments to look around inside. If Endo is found they will laser off some of the areas where Endo is found.
When you wake up your feet will probably be cold, so take a pair of bootie socks or something. You'll be really fat from the gas they use to blow up your belly. Everyone's pain is different when they come to. If you have pain make sure you tell your nurse that you are in pain and they will give you something to take the edge off. Some women have no pain from the surgery at all.
After you fully come to...when you are talking sensably and can walk they will release you to go home. Your throat will hurt from the breathing tube do have lots of easy stuff to swallow. Most likely your arm will hurt from the gas. You'llhave some pain meds so when you are really uncomfortable take one. You'll want to be laying downstairs if at all possible and if you don't have a bathroom downstairs...lay around on the same floor as the bathroom. Have different things in that area to occupy you. TV remote, magazines, a book you like....things like that.
You'll most likely just lay around for 2 or 3 days. You'll deffinately be out of work for those days. Some women are back to work after those couple of days...other women are off for a week. Or right around a week. You won't be able to do much bending or sitting for a few days because of the gas still in your belly and your incsions.
You won't be in extreme pain, but there will be some discomfort.
It really isn't bad at all. Think of it as a mini vacation where everyone waits on you for once.
Any other questions, please write me and let me know.
Sincerely,
Angie
Ps....my middle name is Mae also.
