Surgery is something most, if not all, Endo sufferers experience at one time or another, if not multiple times. Since surgery is the only definitive* way to diagnose Endo, it is a very common part of the Endo journey. Even with the best surgeon, surgery is unpleasant at best.
With 3 surgeries under my belt, I’ve compiled a list of some tips to help you have the best post-op experience you can. I know there are Endo Sisters out there who have had more experiences than I have, or have had slightly different procedures done; I encourage everyone to add their own tips in the comment section. Let’s share the knowledge!
Remember: you should follow the advice of your doctor/surgeon before following the advice here. I’m writing based on my own choices and experiences, and what was right for me is not necessarily going to be right for you. Be safe, and communicate with your doctor/surgeon.
· Taking a stool softener when you get home from the hospital may help ease post-op constipation. Constipation can result from prescription pain medications, eating a lot of carb-based comfort foods, being inactive, and not drinking enough water. Also, with a laparoscopy, the incisions in your abdomen might make it difficult to contract your muscles as usual to have a bowel movement. I recommend a stool softener instead of a laxative because I don’t like the cramping that often comes with laxatives – use whatever suits you best and what is ok to take with any other medications. Check with your doctor/surgeon, and also your pharmacist, to make sure you’re taking something safe.
· Once you are allowed to remove the bandages from your incisions, check your incisions every day. Report any discolouration, foul odors, inflammation, or other odd symptoms to your doctor immediately. Don’t mess around with a potentially-infected incision. If you cannot see all of your incisions yourself, be sure to have someone check for you. Your immune system will naturally be a bit weaker after your surgery, so it’s extra-important to be on guard for infections.
· Prepare your comfort items the day(s) before your surgery: Heating pad, sweat pants, favourite snacks, duvet – whatever you’re going to want to help you relax. Make sure you put them in a reachable place. The last thing you’ll want to do when you get home is to try to pull things from cupboards and closets.
· Do some food prep before your surgery. This will cut down on what you have to do when you’re dealing with post-op pain, and will help you make good food choices. For example, you can hardboil a few eggs – if you leave them in their shells, they’ll be good for a week or so. Make some soup or stew, and put individual portions in your fridge/freezer. Breakfast cookies, trail mixes and casseroles are also great options.
· Listen to your doctor’s instructions. As women, we seem to be programmed to try to be superwomen – this will not work well post-op. Your doctor will give you activity guidelines, and it’s a good idea to follow them as closely as possible. Doing too much too soon can tear stitches, which can result in infections, and it can also set back your recovery. Be patient, and let your body heal at its pace. If there are things you absolutely must do, be sure to move carefully, and rest between activities.
· Don’t go overboard with anti-inflammatories. I wish I’d known this! After my last surgery, I was prescribed painkillers but had a life-threatening reaction to them. The doctor told me to take acetaminophen, but I decided ibuprofen would be better – BIG mistake. The damage to my stomach lining was horrifying. It took ages for my gut to get back to normal. The gut pain was actually worse than the post-op pain. Not worth it.
· Stay hydrated. Dehydration, or even underhydration, is going to make it harder for your body to heal. Even though getting up to pee may be a huge, painful hassle, a delayed recovery and/or a urinary tract infection = bigger problem. Also, water helps prevent constipation (see first point).
· Topical muscle creams are awesome! Personally, I have a great love for A535, but you may like another brand better. It’s common for the surgical gas to settle in the shoulder/neck/back, and it can cause serious pain. Be sure to keep the cream away from your incisions (and any other open wounds) and follow the product instructions properly.
· Don’t let your diet get off-track. When you’re laying down all day, exhausted and in pain, it’s easy to snack on your favourite comfort food and not think about it. It’s tempting, but it’s not a great idea. As soon as your appetite allows, try to keep getting your fruit, veg, and whole grains. Your body will thank you for it! Good nutrition helps your body more than that bag of chips. Don’t clog up your inactive body with a bunch of garbage.
· Write it down. Keep track of your symptoms, your pain scale, any side effects from medications, what/when you’re taking anything, and so on. Bring this information to your follow-up appointments to share with your doctor. This information will also come in handy if you have any complications.
Good luck! Surgery can be scary, painful, and emotionally difficult; anything you can do to make your post-op experience even a little easier for yourself will help you out.
Remember to post your own tips in the comment section!
With peace & joy,
Cher
Cher
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