I'm scared!!

[janelle77362]

I recently went to see my gyno at the recommendation of my urologist who thought I may have PFD. Well my gyno seems to think I have endrometrios (sp?) or something else going on that is causing the severe pelvic pain. I am getting a diagnostic scope on May 11th and at this point I am freaking out because I am so nervous. They preform this procedure by making 5 smalls cuts in the pelvic region and inserting scopes. I am scared because I don't know what to expect or how I will feel afterwards. Has anyone else had this? If so, can you share your experience? I am even more scared that they will find something serious and have to perform a major surgery...

[MerryBerryMoose]

I have had laproscopic abdominal surgery before (not looking for endometriosis though). Not sure if it's quite the same thing or not, but I would assume there are similarites. If you would like me to share my experience let me know. It was pretty quick and I wasn't in much pain after.

[leelee88]

The procedure you are talking about is not bad at all.. I was back at work in 2days.. Kind of sore but no pain..It will help the doctors determine whats going on.. Thats how they found I had endo..I have mine under control as long as I stay on birthcontrol..But when I was not on the pill I about died every month.. Another thing that can cause pelvic pain is PFD and therepy can help with that. Now if you are wanting to know if you have IC, There are differant test out there that will determine that..Well try to relax and do not let your nerves get the best of you...

[ICNDonna]

I haven't had laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, but I did have my gall bladder removed that way and it wasn't bad at all.

Donna

[GriffsMommy]

I had laproscopic surgery to remove a really big ovarian cyst. So of course it's not the same thing as what you're having done but I would imagine it's similar. I was sore afterwards but I'd take that over my c-section anyday which is the only other surgery that I've really had. I would take at least a couple of days of work and then them you made need more depending on how you're feeling just to cover your bases. You should be fine and at least when it's over with you will know if you have endo or not.

[Kara29]

Janelle,

You may want to ask your Doctor if the hospital or surgery center could send you instructions on how to get ready for your surgery or a nurse may call you with instructions before your surgery. Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that is generally done on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia is usually used; however, other types of anesthesia (such as spinal anesthesia) may be used. Discuss these options with your doctor. You will be asked to sign a consent form before having laparoscopy. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. If your doctor has ordered a laparoscopy for you, be sure that you fully understand the reason he is recommending this procedure and how you can expect to benefit. Always ask questions before agreeing to any surgical procedure.

In general terms a Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure in which a small incision is made, usually in the navel, through which a viewing tube (laparoscope) is inserted. The viewing tube has a small camera on the eyepiece. This allows the doctor to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs on a video monitor connected to the tube. Other small incisions can be made to insert instruments to perform procedures. Laparoscopy can be done to diagnose conditions or to perform certain types of operations. It allows the doctor to examine the abdominal area, including the female organs, appendix, gallbladder, stomach, and the liver. Laparoscopy is used to determine the cause of pelvic pain or gynecological symptoms that cannot be confirmed by a physical exam or ultrasound. For example, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or blocked fallopian tubes can be diagnosed using this procedure. It is also an important tool when trying to determine the cause of infertility. You will most likely be taken to a place called surgical day care or same day surgery. They will take you to a bed which and ask your family members and or friends to stay in the waiting area. If you feel more comfortable, you may be able to ask if one person can stay with you until you have to go in. After your vital signs are taken, an intravenous (IV) line is placed in a vein, usually in your hand or arm, through which you will receive fluids and medication. You may be given an injection of a sedative to help you relax before they put you to sleep. Your doctor should be able to discuss some of the findings with you shortly after the procedure, once you are fully awake, or your doctor may call you at home later to discuss the findings Right after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you. Usually you will stay in the recovery area for around 1 to 4 hours, and then you should be able to go home. In addition to any special instructions from your doctor, your nurse will explain information to help you in your recovery. You will usually go home with a sheet of care instructions and who to contact if a problem arises.

Laparoscopy results in relatively little pain, and a quick recovery for most patients. Patients sometimes experience aches in the shoulders or chest following laparoscopy--this is from the carbon dioxide that was used to fill the abdominal cavity. Your Doctor will tell you what is the best for your pain relief after the procedure. Often patients have the procedure on a Friday and are able to return to light work by Monday. Barring complications, most patients are fully recovered and ready to return to full activity one week after laparoscopy.

(If you have IC you may want to ask your doctor if he is going to use a urinary catheter during the procedue and what to expect after he has removed it. You may want to make sure you can pee before you leave.)

I hope you get some answers to your questions before you go. I think you will do an awesome Job and we are all here for you as you go!

Gentle Hugs

Kara

[Berkshire Road]

Wow. I have had four laparoscopies, and there is absolutely nothing I can add to Kara's explanation. That is it. Good job, Kara!

So, Janelle, as Kara said, be as informed as you can be, and then don't worry too much. You will do fine. Good luck to you.

[janelle77362]

Thanks for all the info Kara. I did have a pre-op with my physician a couple of days ago but I am still kind of weary because of previous experiences. When I got my first cysto/hydro I was told I would be back on my feet the same day but it took me a week. I planned to have Friday through Monday off of work so I think I should be good in that regard and I know my boss will give me more if I need it. One thing that is confusing me is that you said that it is only one incision usually through the belly button. My gyno said she will be making 5, one through the belly button, two on the hair line, and two around the hip. Is it normal to have more than one incision? She is almost certain that she is going to find something so maybe she wants to be prepared to remove it.
Thanks again!

[ihurttoo]

Kara's explanation was AWESOME! You rock, Kara! I have had 2 laproscopic surgeries due to endo. On the first, like you, they didnt know if I had it or not, but since I did, they cleaned it out while they were in there. I had no real pain after surgery, only soreness at the incision sites. I laid around for about a week, b/c I was fine as long as I didnt move alot. But, I did start hurting if I tried to get up and do anything. So my advice afterwards is to REST, REST, REST!! Also, it sometimes helps to take a stool softner after surgery b/c any surgery will slow down your colon and can cause constipation for a few weeks afterwards. The LAST thing you want after abdominal surgery is to have to use those muscles to strain and push! So definately up the fiber and take a stool softner!

I hope that your surgery goes well. Please post and let us know!

Hugs,
Amy

P.S. Kara, you should be writing entries for Wikipedia!

[HGC]

I have had 3 laparoscopies and I had more than one incision every time. I had an incision in my belly button and then 2 right in the pubic area very close together. As far as recovery time I think it depends partially on your surgeon. If they do not remove all of the carbon dioxide that they use to blow up your stomach you can have a lot of pain especially in the shoulder area. I had this problem after my first lap. The next 2 were better as far as the shoulder pain (changed surgeons) however on the 2nd lap I had endo removed from about 20 different spots including the bladder and the ureters so I definitely had pain while recovering. I took a week off of work and I would say that by day 4 I was feeling much better. Everyone is different and I also think it depends on whether or not you do have endo and how much they remove. Good luck with the procedure and just make sure that you rest after.

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diagnostic scope?

I have had a lap done for endometriosis, which was missed by ultrasound, exams, Lupron shot, and MRIs at the best Hospitals in the USA. The only sure way is to do a lap. Your doctor said this was a "diagnostic scope", I would make sure that they can biopsy and remove any endometriosis they might find. I have heard from some of my friends that there are doctor who only go in and look. That seemed odd to me, why not just remove it while in there? Why should a person go thru a procedure twice? My doc ony did three holes and one was in the belly buttton. Why do they need five? This is a time you might want to get a second opinion and make sure the latest surgical equipment is available. Look for a doctor who is a specialists in endo. I wish you the best, but please be careful.

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P.S. My doc thought my lap would only take 45 min., but instead it took 2 1/2 hours because they found a lot of endo. He thought I had the endo for over five years and it could have caused damage resulting in the severe IC and PFD. He wished I would have had a lap years ago. This is one of the few regrets I have in my medical journey; waiting years to do a simple lap due to fear. If you have a great doctor the risks are low and there may be a lot to gain.

[Babs RN]

I have had 10(yes 10)scopes since I was a teenager. Even with the one where they removed my ovary(I was 29)I went to work 2 days later.

Everyone is an individual, so follow what the doc says, and best of luck!!!!


Hugs,
Barb

[Kara29]

Janelle,

I think I had 4 incisions. They were really tiny; in fact I can't even see them now. It all depends o the Surgeon. They want to get a good view of everything.

Did she mention if she will operate on what she find in there? When you sign the consent, you may want to make sure what exactly she will be doing after she goes in. If you have not had children yet, you may want to know what she plans on doing. I know some people who had general surgeons remove ovaries when it was unnecessary. Most gyn's are sensitive to this and will do only what they have to to relieve your pain.

I hope they answer your questions before you go in so you will be prepared and informed.

Kara

[**Angie**]

With my last 2 laps--I had 3 incisions, 1 belly button, 2 hair line---then there are 2 other spots that are just kinda pokes where they stick you with some tool to help raise your skin. Maybe that is what your Dr is describing?
Like everyone says it's a breeze as opposed to surgery surgery. I've had 5 laps. Gallbladder--I think the 2nd time and I was taking care of my 2 mos old daughter 2 days later--no pain meds due to nursing. The only part that bothers me is the shoulder pain due to the gas--but that only lasts a couple of days. I'd take a lap over surgery any day of the week.

[janelle77362]

Angie - Yes that must be the other two "incisions" the dr. is describing. I have signed a consent form to have removal of any endo and laser repair of any possible scarring caused by previous c-sections so it looks like I am in good shape. Thanks everyone for making me feel better about it!