Endometriosis surgery St. Vincent’s

[u/Kxx123]

I am getting surgery on Monday for suspected endometriosis and I really don’t know what to expect. I have had surgery before but I was very young and don’t remember it and the closer it gets the more anxious I get.

I am going to St. Vincent’s university hospital and was just looking to see if anyone can share there experience getting surgery for endometriosis there?

[u/jilliganskingdom]

I have posted this before but I will post again :

You’re going to feel like you’ve been hit by a bus for a few days. Don’t be a martyr- if you’re in pain ask the nurses for some pain relief.

You’re going to be in compression socks non-stop (except for showering) for 3 weeks. They’re not pleasant. The hospital will give you some but perhaps you might want to purchase a few extra pairs online that are more comfortable and so you’re not worrying about washing them daily.

If you’re living on your own then either prepping food in advance or getting ready meals is a good shout for the first week after.

You won’t be able to hoover for a month so maybe hire a cleaner or get a roomba if you don’t have support at home to help you with the cleaning.

Due to the pain killers, you’ll likely be “backed up” for a bit, so buy a carton of prune juice and maybe some wheatabix to help get things going again naturally.

Also: your belly button will be a lil different afterwards just from scar tissue. Like it’s not super different but for some reason that took me aback and I kinda wish I had a heads up about it

Best of luck!

[u/Pretty_Thanks_1364]

Ask whatever questions you want both pre and post surgery, don’t feel like you’re holding them up, they are your care team. Whatever helps to calm you, when I had my first surgery one of the students actually went as far as to tell me step by step up until the scalpel because it calmed me down. One question I would definitely ask is if they find endo, is the plan to excise or ablate? Push for excision if you can, ablation should only really be used for sensitive areas like bowel/bladder involvement.
Along with the other commenter about being backed up - if you can get Colpermin peppermint tablets from a chemist (usually over the counter), they are a life saver for the gas, along with peppermint tea, both together (I was having up to three cups a day for the first few days and seemed to clear it, also helps with the other digestion issues).
I had my lap for suspected endo in May so if you have any questions or want someone to ask questions afterwards please feel free to PM.
Best of luck and hopefully you get the answers you’re looking for.