|
Re: Ann's Laparoscopy Tips
From: Mandy (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon Apr 5 11:16:15 2004
Just bumping this up to the top.
At Thu, 1 Apr 2004, Mandy wrote:
>
>Just thought I'd cut & paste this from a site I saw..may help some of
>ya'll who are having a lap.
>
>SO YOU'RE HAVING A LAPAROSCOPY!
>Anne's Laparoscopy Tips Can Help You Through It.
>By Anne De Perty
>"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.
>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 your 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 prescription 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.
>
>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
>gingerale in case you have nausea after the anesthetic.
>
>Buy maxi pads and panty liners; all they have in the hospital 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 will
>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, a maxi pad, reading material, in case you're stuck in pre-op
>for a while; 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 all 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)
>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 part way. Hug the pillow
>gently against your belly to soften road bumps. Your surgeon may offer
>you an abdominal binder, which is even better for easing the pain of
>movement in the car. 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 an 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.
>
>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 bilious, 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 feetout
>from under you. Your recovery will go smoother if you take care of
>yourself and don't try to rush it."
>
>_1997, 1998 Anne DePerty and contributing members of ASE. All rights
>reserved. Information in this document may be duplicated and
>distributed with permission, as long as copyright information is
>attached and use is not for profit.
>
>I want to add that I never go to hospital without my own pillow and its
>a great comfort to sleep with it and its a great support for my abdomen
>when I am coughing (which is important after any surgery to get your
>lungs clear and prevent complications) or even sneezing after surgery
>can be painful
>and a stomach support helps a great deal and also for the car ride home
>it is a must.
>
>Never use a hot water bottle after surgery as it can create problems
>post surgery and can encourage bleeding, wait at least 14 days before
>using any thing too hot on your abdomen.
>
>**Disclaimer**
>This information should not replace seeing your doctor or checking with
>your surgeon for anything that he has not approved. IN FACT DO NOT do
>anything your doctor has not approved. These are just guide lines to
>help you cope
>after surgery but we all must remember that each person is an
>individual, with their own chemical makeup and each person will react
>differently to different drugs and treatments, we are all unique. Never
>do anything after
>surgery without your doctors permission, this especially includes
>driving a car after surgery , even vacuuming.
|
|
![[ endo@obgyn.net ]](../../images/endo_at_obgyn.gif)