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Elizabeth
Topaz Member (30+ Posts)
Joined: 20 Aug 2007
Posts: 43
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| Recovering from Laparoscopy |
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Here's an article I wish I had read before last Tuesday, when I went in for my "lap." The videotape suggestion is one that I might have considered, had I known to ask.
The article is currently at:
http://a.s.e.faqs.tripod.com/altsupportendometriosis/id2.html.
Full text below.
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Anne's Laparoscopy Tips
This page is provided as a courtesy. Site owner is not responsible for content. Please contact alt.support.endometriosis directly by visiting your newsgroup reader to ask questions or make suggestions concerning this document. Thank you.
Important: Please remember, this FAQ is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Many members of ASE ask what to expect during and after a lap. Longtime member Anne DePerty has been kind enough to share with all of us her Lap Tips document. Thank you, Anne!! In addition, several members of ASE have contributed their own input to further provide tips to make the surgery and recovery easier for all of us. Thank you to everyone who contributed!!
"This is a document I put together in August 1997, while recovering from my second laparoscopy. I've compiled a list of things a lap patient can do to make the experience a little less unpleasant, both before and after the surgery. This is based on my personal experience, some tips I've picked up from the newsgroups and some really terrific recovery-room nurses, and doctor's orders. Any additional helpful hints and suggestions would be welcomed.
Many of these hints can apply to other minor (!) abdominal surgeries done on an outpatient basis.
If your doctor's orders conflict with these hints, by all means, follow what your doctor says! I'm not a medical professional, just a patient with some experience.
Advance planning--------------------
If you need to minimize time missed from work, try to schedule your surgery for a Thursday or Friday so you have the weekend to recover. Clear your calendar of any major engagements for at least two weeks afterward to allow lots of relaxing and napping. Your doctor will determine what time in your cycle is appropriate for your lap, depending on its purpose, and whether other procedures (hysteroscopy, HSG, tubal ligation or reversal, etc.) are to be performed at the same time.
Engage a responsible adult(s) to drive you to and from the hospital on the day of the surgery, and to spend 24 hours with you after you return home.
Your Pre-op appointment--------------
Discuss with your doctor exactly what is to be done. This is the time to ask all your questions, including if and how endometriosis is to be treated, whether diseased organs are to be removed, etc. Put your wishes in writing, and be very clear! You don't want to wake up and find that your DH has authorized a hysterectomy if you want to bear children in the future! Indicate your preference in drugs also; if you want to start trying to get pregnant immediately, you won't want a shot of Lupron before you wake up!
Discuss all medications you are currently using, and whether they will have any effect on the anesthesia. Ask for a Rx for post-op painkillers so you can fill it in advance.
Ask if you can get a videotape of the procedure (if you want one). This can be pretty gross or pretty fascinating depending on your viewpoint, but it really helps you to visualize and document what's going on inside your body, and it can be invaluable if you end up changing doctors in the future.
Confirm with your doctor's office that insurance pre-approval requirements, if any, have been met.
If you think you'll need a sleeping pill for the night before surgery, request one now. The doctor will prescribe something that won't conflict with your anesthesia.
The Day Before-----------------------
Eat light and healthy, and drink lots of fluids. You won't be allowed any food or liquids after midnight, so you may want an evening snack to prevent that starved feeling in the morning, especially if your surgery is scheduled later in the day. Your doctor may ask you to do an enema in the evening to clean out your bowel. If more severe endometriosis is suspected, a full bowel prep may be required. Follow your doctor's instructions - and buy moist toliet wipes!
Go grocery shopping for "instant food" so you won't need to cook for at least three days. Microwave dinners, cold cuts, fruit, juices, and canned soups are all good. Avoid anything too spicy or greasy, your stomach may not tolerate it. Be sure to have saltine crackers and ginger ale in case you have nausea after the anesthetic.
Buy maxipads and panty liners; all they have in some hospitals is the old-fashioned maternity pads with the belts, and you'll probably be more comfortable with your favorite brand.
Pick up some Chloraseptic or other throat lozenges. Intubation may leave you with a terrible sore throat. (Clear this with your doctor first!)
Fill your painkiller prescription and leave it in a safe place.
Rent a few videos to keep your mind occupied while your body heals. Nothing too funny, though - you don't want to be laughing hard the first day or so!
Clean your house - you won't be doing that for the next few days. Put fresh sheets on your bed or sofa, wherever you think you'll be spending time. Make sure you have two or three clean, loose-fitting outfits (no snug waistbands!) ready to wear when you get home. Satin pajamas or nightshirts are especially good, because you can just s-l-i-d-e right out of bed with minimal effort.
Choose a soft, loose-fitting garment to wear tomorrow that's easy to put on and take off. Wear comfortable flat shoes that slip on. Bikini or low-rise panties are better because the waistband won't rub on your belly button after the surgery.
Pack a "hospital bag". Include: your insurance card; a blank videotape; a pair of clean socks to keep your feet warm during the surgery; maxipads; reading material, in case you're stuck in pre-op for awhile; a paper lunch bag and tissues, in case you feel ill on the ride home; a small pillow, to hug against your belly in the car; a case for your eyeglasses, if you wear them; and anything else you'll need that day. Plan to leave your wallet and valuables at home.
Remove nail polish. Remove and secure jewelry and contact lenses.
Go to bed early and get a good night's sleep.
Surgery day------------------------
Wake up early and take your time bathing and dressing, so you won't feel rushed. Don't bother doing anything fancy with your hair - you're only going to stuff it into a shower cap anyway! Don't wear any makeup, lotion, perfume, hair spray, or deodorant.
Arrive at the hospital or surgery center at least an hour before your scheduled surgery time. You'll need to fill out more forms and consents before you go into pre-op.
In pre-op, you'll be offered a tranquilizer; they can add it to your IV. To minimize drug interactions, you can refuse meds at this point. It's all personal preference. Your anesthesiologist may order something to prevent nausea. Again, it's your choice. (Warning! Liquid Zantac is a taste sensation I never want to repeat. Think bug spray.)
When you wake up in recovery, the nurses will offer you something to help you wake up, and once again you can accept or refuse it. (I accepted it once, and the only way I can describe the sensation was like cold water pouring on my brain - NOT pleasant!) You have the option to just sleep it off. One member of ASE had a great suggestion: bring a tape of your favorite relaxation music and record your voice telling you gently to "start waking up". At the appropriate time after the surgery, the recovery room staff turned on the tape (she was wearing earphones in her case) and started the music. She woke up to her favorite classical and new age tunes that she plays when she's feeling a lot of stress. She said, "I had an amazingly easy wake-up, no sickness at all." Great idea!
You won't be discharged until you have urinated, so you may be in recovery awhile. This may be difficult if you were catheterized during the surgery. When you do go into the bathroom, let the nurse help you. You may think you can walk, but your knees can turn to Jell-O without warning. If you feel nauseous, waving an alcohol pad under your nose can help. Ask the recovery nurses for a few to take home with you.
For the ride home, recline your seat partway. Hug the pillow gently against your belly to soften road bumps. Have your paper bag and tissues nearby in case you need to vomit.
Recovery at home------------------
A laparoscopy usually involves two to four tiny (less than inch) incisions: one through the navel, where the scope is inserted, and one to three on the lower abdomen near the pubic hairline, to insert the tools used to manipulate your organs. The lower abdominal incisions usually heal quickly, and they cause very little discomfort. My experience has been that they itch more than they hurt. Your navel area will be tender and swollen for a week or so; avoid clothing that may rub. Follow your doctor's instructions on cleaning and dressing the incisions, and watch for signs of infection.
For the first 24 hours, spend as much time as possible lying down or sleeping. Lie in whatever position is most comfortable. If it helps to keep your knees bent upward, prop your legs with pillows. Ask for assistance sitting up at first - those stomach muscles are very shaky right now. Keep a full glass of water with a flexible straw within reach so you won't have get up or call for help every time you're thirsty. Leave the TV remote control within arm's length. Ask your DH to rub your shoulders, brush your hair, paint your toenails! Feel pampered!
You'll probably bleed (like a period) for a couple of days, then spot for several more days.
Your pillow will become your best friend. Hugging it helps support the incisions if you prefer to lie on your side. It also helps if you cough (if you've been intubated), sneeze, laugh, or get the dry heaves.
The amount of surgical pain and cramping you have depends greatly on how extensive your surgery was. Use your painkillers and/or a heating pad as needed. You may also have rib and shoulder pain from the gas used to inflate your abdomen. The gas will also make you belch A LOT. It will take a few days for the bloated tummy to go back to normal. Peppermint is useful to help ease the gas.
If you feel up to it, walk around the house a little bit. Try not to overdo it, or you may end up exhausted or lightheaded. The best way is just a little at a time.
Start with liquids and slowly work up to a normal diet, as your stomach will accept it. Room temperature foods are tolerated more easily than hot or cold foods at first. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies can help control nausea. To prevent dehydration and constipation (common side effects of both general anesthesia and narcotic painkillers), be sure to drink lots of non-caffeinated liquids and include some high-fiber fruits and vegetables like prunes and spinach.
You can usually shower the day after surgery. Have someone stay in the bathroom with you in case you need help.
If you need to be out in public, carrying a cane can be a visual clue to other people that you need special treatment. It may convince them to hold doors for you, or be less annoyed that you're walking slowly.
Returning to work------------------
It's up to you and your doctor when you return to work. If you have a sedentary job and you're feeling well, you may be able to return within 3 or 4 days. A more physically demanding job or more complicated surgery may require longer recovery time. Your first few days back, take it easy. If you start feeling punky, leave early.
If your job requires professional attire, try to avoid pantyhose for at least a week. The waistband can be irritating on your navel. Wear long, loose dresses without waistbands and knee-highs if possible. They'll also help conceal your bloated tummy.
The most important thing is to take it easy, and don't push too hard. A laparoscopy is a major surgery, and it can knock your feet out from under you. Your recovery will go smoother if you take care of yourself and don't try to rush it."
1997-2000 by Anne DePerty and contributing members of ASE. All rights reserved. Information in this document may be duplicated and distributed as long as copyright information is attached and use is not for profit.
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Elizabeth |
Fri Nov 02, 2007 11:54 pm |
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Alegre
Regent Member
Joined: 23 Jul 2007
Posts: 255
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This is glorious! Thanks so much for posting this. I wish I had had it before my gallbladder surgery (which was also laparascopic).
I'm sure this will help people!!
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Love in Christ,
Alegre |
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Tue Nov 13, 2007 1:22 pm |
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Sandi
Pink Quartz Member (0-10 Posts)
Joined: 20 Jul 2008
Posts: 9
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I have had three laparoscopy's and all three times my worst complaint is the air bubbles the procedure puts into your system. They have to blow your stomach up with air so they have room for the scope, but they cant get it all out. It takes 24 to 48 hours for the air to reabsorb into your blood stream.
So I have found that in those first few days you should plan on lying flat with only the exception of a quick bathroom run.
After my first surgery I tried to shower late that night and what a mistake!! The air in my system rose up when I stood or sat up straight . The air got trapped in my shoulders and neck and it was very painful. It took a few hours of me lying down to get the air settled back down.
I dont know if this is a common occurrence or a personal situation, but either way I wish the doctors had warned me not to stand and what would happen if I did.
Hope this helps someone planning for surgery.
Sandi |
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Sun Jul 20, 2008 11:43 pm |
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nicole
Topaz Member (30+ Posts)
Joined: 20 Jun 2008
Posts: 37
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Hey everyone,
I have one lap recovery question as I'm getting ready for my surgery next week.
I live in a house where, in order to even have a sofa to sleep or lie down on, I'd have to climb a flight of stairs (the first floor is a storefront). And my bed is on the third floor. I'm thinking that climbing those stairs the first day or so after surgery might not be the best thing to have to do? Am I right in thinking that I'd do better to stay at my mom's (where I can at least ride up an elevator) to avoid this, certainly at least for that first night? |
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Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:38 pm |
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nicole
Topaz Member (30+ Posts)
Joined: 20 Jun 2008
Posts: 37
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While the initial article here is good, some things about my lap experience were rather different - perhaps things have changed through the years or different hospital/doctor practices one to the next.
So here is my advice from my experience with having a lap and recovering from the removal of a cyst and ovary.
PRE-OP PREP
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"Bowel-prep" seems a mandatory step these days for a lap, especially if there is any chance (as there was for me) that they might find cancer and have to change plans from a simple lap to a full hysterectomy. If you have to do a bowel prep, plan on the following...
2 DAYS BEFORE SURGERY: Eat well but mild, easy to digest foods. Soups, soft veggies, chicken or fish...not to be gross, but it's gonna be coming out quick the next day, and certain things aren't so fun to pass in a rush.
I was told to take two Ducolax tablets before bedtime that night, with the label saying they would take effect in "6 to 12 hours". Well, for me I was up and running to the bathroom in 4 hours, meaning 2am, and didn't get much sleep the rest of the night.
1 DAY BEFORE SURGERY: Was not allowed to eat or drink anything all day except for clear liquids, including broth and jello - and 8oz. of magnesium citrate in the morning, which was kind of gross, but boy, that stuff started to work before I'd even gotten half way through the bottle. By noon I was pretty well "completely flushed out" and felt much like I have when I've had food poisoning or a stomach bug, minus the fever and aches/pains. Needless to say, I would not plan on doing anything the day before surgery if you have to do bowel prep besides resting and relaxing. And drink
as much as you can
--water, salty broth, sugary fruit juices & jello. You don't want to be excessively dehydrated, and the more you can drink on this day the easier your recovery from surgery the next day should be.
At 8pm I had to give myself an enema - not fun either, but there wasn't anything left in the system to come out at this point anyway. I went to bed soon after that, as I had to be at the hospital at 6am the next morning for surgery prep.
DAY OF SURGERY
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Wear soft, baggy clothes to the hospital that you'll be comfortable in after the procedure. At my hospital, both pre and post-surgery prep and recovery takes place in two stages. At check-in, I went to a pre-op ward where the nurse went over what would happen today, asked me basic questions and stats, took another blood sample to "double-check" my type, and got me in my hospital gown and robe. My S.O. was allowed to stay with me through all of this, and then take my things before the orderly came in to transfer me to a gurney after about an hour to go to the pre-op room. This would later be the stage 1 recovery room.
Once there, a new nurse went over my information again, as did the residents and medical students who would be observing and assisting with my procedure that day. The anaesthesia resident started the saline IV in my right hand, then my surgeon and the anaesthesiologist came in to again go over the day's procedure, ask a few more questions (always be completely honest with the anaesthesiologist, as he/she needs to determine what will be needed to keep you under completely based on your activity/health/alcohol or drug use, etc). The O.R. nurse also came in to introduce herself and once more double-check all of my information, and then it was time to be wheeled into the operating room.
Once there, I was transfered onto the operating table (which was very narrow, my arms put on side rests). I don't remember much beyond then, being told I would be given something to help me relax. I remember falling into a very deep sleep after that.
The next thing I knew I was waking up with some sharp pain in my stomach, a burning in my urethra (from the catheter still in place), and I was shaking like a leaf. The docs were all talking very reassuringly to me and quickly wheeling me into Stage 1 recovery. What sucked was the shaking was making the pain in my stomach worse. They gave me something for the shaking, which then abated after a couple minutes. When it did, I indicated and was able to speak about how much the catheter was bothering me, so thankfully it was removed quickly (even if that hurt really bad when they were pulling it out). They gave me the news that they'd had to remove one ovary with the cyst, but other than that everything had looked good so they hadn't had to do a full hysterectomy, much to my relief.
I recalled my S.O., who is a doctor himself, telling me it was important to try to take and blow out deep breaths as much as I could, as that would get the anaesthesia out of my system faster, and the faster I did that, the faster I'd get to the recovery stage 2 room. Of course, deep breaths hurt a LOT, so I'd try one every few breaths, then rest, then try again. The main nurse kept saying the same thing, to breathe deep, and gave me some ice chips to help with my throat which was a little dry and sore. Eventually they started me on some kind of IV pain killer but I don't remember it doing very much yet. I knew the good stuff wouldn't come until the stage 2 room, so I just wanted to get there as soon as I could.
After maybe about an hour, if less than that, they told me I could go to stage 2. The ride in the gurney made me feel a little queasy, but I closed my eyes for most of it to help.
Then came the hardest part--I had to sit up and move from the gurney back to the bed/chair. At first i could not imagine moving as even lifting my head a little bit hurt. The nurse gave me a pillow to clutch to my stomach but it was still hard. I breathed deep and eventually just pushed myself to do it - letting out a loud yell in the process (as I would do several times the first day or so when moving), but that seemed to help. I was shakey again once I got in the chair from the stress/pain of moving, but the nurse got me an ice pack for my stomach, some crackers, cookies and soda (which tasted REALLY good right then), and told me I could have some pain meds as soon as I had something on my stomach. At that point my S.O. was allowed back, and he helped me get down some food so I could take a percoset.
Once I got my first pain pill, slowly I started to feel a bit better. The nurse sent my S.O. off to fill in my medicine scripts at the hospital pharmacy, and I was able to rest (though I couldn't sleep) for a while quietly. I knew I wouldn't be allowed to go home until I could pee, so I tried to drink more water, soda, and then a little hot tea. I was there maybe two hours or so, with the pain getting more tolerable, when I could feel I maybe was ready to pee - even if I wasn't looking forward to getting up and down again.
Getting up from the chair was as bad this time. The nurse helped me to the bathroom and left me in there with my S.O. as it took me about ten minutes to really empty out my bladder (it burned a bit at first from the catheter, and would only come out slowly for a while). I was lucky in that I wasn't dizzy or nauseous from the anaesthesia, but moving still took a lot of work. I went back to the chair (sitting down with another yelp), and rested just a bit longer before getting my release instructions, getting redressed, and then getting transferred to a wheelchair for the trip home.)
All in all, I went into the hospital at 6am and was on my way home by 3:30-4pm. The ride home wasn't too much fun, even with the pillow and icepack they gave me for the ride.
And I'll continue my thoughts on the home recovery process in another note... |
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Sat Sep 13, 2008 8:47 am |
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nicole
Topaz Member (30+ Posts)
Joined: 20 Jun 2008
Posts: 37
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My recovery notes
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5 days after my lap, here are my notes on how the recovery has been going.
On my first night home, I was feeling pretty shaky but did manage to eat a little bit, sit up with my mom and my SO for a few hours, but by 9pm I was finally starting to feel sleepy and ready to try to rest. I'd decided - wisely, I think - to spend my first night or two sleeping on my sofa instead of the bed. I found this worked really well because I could more easily work myself up from lying down to sitting up, and then standing as needed, with the extra support and backrest of the sofa vs. my bed.
I slept for a few hours but woke up around midnight with the start of the terrible gas pains. They were all over the place, from my stomach to my shoulders and neck. I took another pain pill and found the best way to work the bubbles around gently was lifting and lowering my knees, slowly, then getting up for a quick walk to the bathroom and back. I tossed and turned most of the night until the SO left for work and my mom came over to continue watching me. I took an ibuprofen which finally managed to knock me out enough to get some deeper sleep.
When I reawoke, I tried to drink some fruit juice but it was too harsh on my stomach; water and crackers were really all I was in the mood for. Mom made me some hot berries in syrup later, which went down pretty well. I spent most of this first day lying around, watching tv, and forcing myself to walk around a bit when the gas bubbles got bad.
That night I stayed on the sofa as I was still having trouble getting up from a lying position without assistance, but I slept like a log for the first time since two nights before my surgery.
Morning two and I was feeling a bit more like myself. I managed to get my own light breakfast of a bagel, but that upset my stomach. I waited for my mom to show up and cook me some soft mashed sweet potatoes and turkey - that went down much better. I was starting to get a little worried that I hadn't had even the rumblings of a bowel movement yet, but I was still burping up a storm and every time I ate my stomach and intestines were making all kinds of strange noises! That day I walked around the house a bit more including up and down the stairs once or twice. I also finally felt ready and in bad need of a shower - I had felt too shaky to try it the day before. It felt so good to get cleaned up at last.
Mom made me grilled vegetables for dinner and, for whatever reason, that knocked me out good - in a good way! I immediately fell deep asleep for like 3 hours on the sofa, then moved up to the bed and slept for another 5 or 6. My body, it seemed, was finally ready to start resting and healing properly.
The next day, day three post-surgery, I was by myself at last and kind of enjoying the time without everyone hovering around me. I spent most of it sitting up doing simple, brainless stuff like playing computer games and making bead bracelets. I still hadn't pooped, though, and that was getting a little uncomfortable despite trying to eat and drink a lot to get things moving. My pain was getting less, so I started cutting my percoset dose in half to ease off it gently. I took a short and very slow walk down the street and back home, maybe fifteen minutes worth, and that felt good though I'd wished I'd had a cane to help me get around.
By Sunday, the fourth day post-surgery, I could move around a lot more like my normal self and I *felt* like my normal self a lot more. The stomach still twinged every now and then but the worst of the gas bubbles had passed, I took a longer walk, and I could eat more (though I still didn't/don't feel like my "appetite" is back - I'm eating because I know I should, and I can keep the food down, but not because I'm consciously feeling "hungry".) My constipation was getting to be problematic though - I kept feeling like I needed to go - and go a LOT - but nothing but a little tiny bit would come out and I was trying hard not to push or strain. The SO told me not to rush it (he's a doctor himself) but it was starting to get really uncomfortable. I managed to cook dinner and stay up until the last football game was over, and then get to bed, sleeping more like my normal self.
This morning, day five, I woke up and the constipation pains were just getting too much to deal with. It felt like I needed to go every time I moved around, and nothing but gas would come out. Worried about developing an impaction or other problems from straining, I gave myself an enema knowing I needed the relief - and that sure did the trick! I felt like crap (no pun intended) while it was working - sweaty and shaky and I was telling myself maybe I should have waited and done this with someone nearby in case I passed out - but then I managed to "void" at last - and I feel like 1000% better!!! Now I've got to just try to keep eating things to hopefully get my colon back in shape and working properly again.
Next post: some general tips/pointers/advice I have after going through all of this. |
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:28 am |
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nicole
Topaz Member (30+ Posts)
Joined: 20 Jun 2008
Posts: 37
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My general pre- and post-surgery notes and advice
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* When getting ready for your surgery, leave 2-3 days worth of clothing out and ready to go for your recovery. Pick low-waisted pants and undies; oversized and well-worn, super-soft t-shirts or nightshirts, soft and warm socks. Leave them out in piles that will be easy for your helpers/watchers to find - and/or so you don't have to try to dig through drawers and closets to find something to wear that's comfy.
* A cane is definitely a good idea to have on hand, especially when/if you need to do any walking out in public after your surgery. As the original post suggested, it can be a good visual clue to give you extra time/space to move, even if for all other purposes you look strong and healthy.
* Try to move around as much as you can, even if you really don't feel like it. Walking and standing will help get those gas bubbles moving.
* A reusable cold/hot pack is a great investment. I slept most nights with the cold pack to help with my swelling.
* Keep a chart or log of the times you take your pain meds. This is especially useful if you're on more than one - so you don't take more than you need, and also so you can anticipate when you are due to take another.
* If you're on a narcotic pain med, plan to come off of it s-l-o-w-l-y. Do NOT go cold turkey once you start feeling better - I did that once and the withdrawl was almost worse than the original pain! So if, for instance, the first day you're taking a whole pill every 4 hours the first day, the next day try to go down to one every 6 hours. The next day cut your pills in half and take a half every six hours. The next day a half every 8, etc. Of course, adjust to your own pain management needs. Signs of withdrawl can include feelings of panic/elevated heart rate, mood swings, depression, anxiety, and crying over the smallest thing.
* Post-surgery constipation is NO FUN! Narcotic pain meds can cause it, as well as the shock of surgery to your system, changes in dietary habits, and dehydration. Before your surgery, you may want to buy a stool softener as well as a spare enema, in case you find you need them. After surgery, drink LOTS of fluids. Try some gentle natural laxative treatments such as adding lemon and honey to your water, or drinking apple juice.
* Remember that every person's recovery is going to be different, depending on your body and what exactly you had to have done. Last week a friend of mine also had a lap to investigate potential endometriosis. She was up walking around almost as normal the next day, while it took me 4-5 days to feel to a similar level of activity. |
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:41 am |
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estria
Pearl Member (125+ Posts)
Joined: 19 Nov 2007
Posts: 139
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Hello Nicole,
This is extremely helpful, thank you. I hope you will be back to your normal self very soon. Take care of yourself and all the best.
Estria |
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:51 am |
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nicole
Topaz Member (30+ Posts)
Joined: 20 Jun 2008
Posts: 37
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quote:
Originally posted by estria
Hello Nicole,
This is extremely helpful, thank you. I hope you will be back to your normal self very soon. Take care of yourself and all the best.
Estria
Thanks Estria!
Everyone here has helped me so much this past summer with sharing their own stories, so it's all I can do to help by sharing my own.
I also just wanted to add - the hospital staff where I was admitted was just SO wonderful and helpful across the board. I've heard so many "horror" stories and seen some first-hand, that it was wonderful to be treated by people who really seemed to take their time and listen to me, help me, and to even have a recovery/prep nurse who had had the same procedure herself so she knew exactly what I was going through. If it's ok to "promote", I had everything done at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, and I strongly recommend them to anyone else in the PA/Mid-eastern region who needs similar treatment. They were also very easy to work with given the fact that my insurance would NOT cover my procedure as a pre-existing condition, working out a self-pay price for my operation and services instead of having to pay what would have been the full billable amount they'd charge to an insurance company. And I never felt like I was receiving lesser care because of that. |
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:05 am |
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estria
Pearl Member (125+ Posts)
Joined: 19 Nov 2007
Posts: 139
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Hi Nicole,
I was wondering if you happen to know how long your procedure was ? I am curious to see how this new procedure compares to a standard lap. It is wonderful that you were given solid care and that you were able to work something out financially. You are living proof that a difficult situation can be turned into a positive one. I am sure that you have given hope to others in a similar situation.
The procedure you describe does not yet exist here in Canada (at least not according to my husband who is an anaesthesiologist) and am not even sure that many gynes are aware of it. I have also heard of a procedure in Italy where the surgeon goes in through the uterus. He claims that an incision in the uterus heals better and faster than the standard outer incision. They are always trying to find ways of entering the body through already existing orifices so perhaps someday surgical incisions will be a thing of the past. Here's hoping.
All the best !
Estria |
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Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:19 pm |
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nicole
Topaz Member (30+ Posts)
Joined: 20 Jun 2008
Posts: 37
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Hi all! A bit of a delayed response but I wanted to give a 2-month past-surgery update as well.
quote:
Originally posted by estria
Hi Nicole,
I was wondering if you happen to know how long your procedure was ? I am curious to see how this new procedure compares to a standard lap.
I'm not entirely sure, but I don't think it was more than maybe 2 hours or so? I don't know if it saves much time over the standard lap, it's more that it requires less incisions.
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It is wonderful that you were given solid care and that you were able to work something out financially. You are living proof that a difficult situation can be turned into a positive one. I am sure that you have given hope to others in a similar situation.
Thanks. I am really grateful that I was guided to the doctors I ended up seeing, and that I was able to get treatment at what may be one of the best facilities at least in the U.S. for such procedures. Whatever the end cost was - which probably is somewhere around $8-10,000 US when I finish calculating all the individual bills - was worth every penny to me for the peace of mind and the fact I was able to basically have everything from the initial possible diagnosis to surgery done in about 3 months.
Anyway, 2 months past surgery and everything has been going really well. Even my belly button, which had been looking pretty screwed up after surgery, is now almost back to "normal" - I only have a small bulge on the upper side which is shrinking pretty much by the day. My first period last month was kind of nasty, but this month even that's more back to normal - no headache, no bad cramping, flow more normal. It's a real relief to be past all of this now, though I'm going to be extra-vigilant to make sure I can protect the health of my remaining ovary from now on  |
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:23 pm |
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estria
Pearl Member (125+ Posts)
Joined: 19 Nov 2007
Posts: 139
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Hi Nicole,
Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that everything is getting back to normal. Unfortunately there is not much we can do to protect our ovaries except for maintaining a healthy body and mind. This is definitely within our power at least and it helps to prevent a host of other ailments too.
Wow, 10K, that's quite the bill but as you said you received excellent care which is actually priceless. Sometimes I wonder whether I wouldn't rather pay for healthcare rather than go through all of the red tape and hassle of our supposedly "universal" health care system (I say supposedly because those who can afford it, go down to the US and pay for their healthcare while the rest of us wait in line and have to maneuver ourselves through all of the administrative hoops). I guess if something were to really go wrong and I needed life saving surgery that would cost in the hundreds of thousands, I would be grateful for this system but otherwise ... hmmm ... in my case it is not so bad since my husband is in healthcare and can expedite matters a little (he is the one who set me up with my current gynecologist).
Anyway, take good care of yourself and come back from time to time and let us know how everything is going.
All the best.
Estria |
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Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:09 am |
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