Post-Op Diaries
The following is what I experienced after my laparoscopic surgery. This is here for you to get an idea of what you might expect.
Please note this is my experience and yours may be similar or completely different.
Day 1:
As I was sleeping I did not experience pain. Getting out of bed was painful as your abdominal muscles are put into use. I was able to brush my teeth just before the pain started to get bad and I needed to sit on my couch, where I took pain meds. Incision sites as well as below and above them felt sore and painful with occasional tightness and cramping especially when standing up. Shoulder pain was also very strong. My rib cage also hurt from the gas they put into my body.
Day 2:
Woke up feeling pretty good. Getting out of bed was surprisingly way easier than yesterday but as I was brushing my teeth pain came quickly and decided to not wash my face and instead just go downstairs to sit on the coach where the pain lessened with time. Today was the day I was able to take a shower! Since I was still in pain and my incision were still very sore, I and my mother assist me with showering. This was the first time in the car besides coming home from the hospital, next time I would bring a pillow with my to have against my abdomen to help with the bumps on the road. My throat was also irritating me due to the breathing tube they placed during surgery. I drank tea and took throat lozenges to help the pain and dryness. Sleeping was difficult tonight. due to pain.
Day 3:
Waking up and getting out off bed was less painful, and I didn't have shooting pain while brushing my teeth and washing my face as I did the last 2 days. Overall pretty manageable day. Had nausea that started in the evening that didn't go away. Throat was also itchy and hurting, continued with tea and throat lozenges. Last dose of Norco was taken today. Shoulder and chest pain still present. Vaginal bleeding present.
Day 4:
No shoulder pain today!
Today pain wise was manageable, no medication was needed. Sleeping last night was good, no pain. Incisions were sore. I also noticed bruising around my incisions. I tried to go for a walk today just to see what my body can handle so I know whether not I can go to work in 5 days and had to turn back not even halfway through because I felt burning in my belly button (on of my incision points) and I didn't want to push myself too hard yet. Took my second post-op shower and this time I did it by myself. Throat burned all day. Light vaginal bleeding.
Day 5:
No vaginal bleeding, all there was brown discharge. Incision sites were sore and sometimes had sharp pain there too. Went to a few stores with my family which caused my incisions’ to hurt and I needed mini standing breaks while shopping. Bruises around incisions are still present. Throat burned all day.
Day 6:
As I was sleeping I did not experience pain. Getting out of bed was painful as your abdominal muscles are put into use. I was able to brush my teeth just before the pain started to get bad and I needed to sit on my couch, where I took pain meds. Incision sites as well as below and above them felt sore and painful with occasional tightness and cramping especially when standing up. Shoulder pain was also very strong. My rib cage also hurt from the gas they put into my body.
Day 8:
As I was sleeping I did not experience pain. Getting out of bed was painful as your abdominal muscles are put into use. I was able to brush my teeth just before the pain started to get bad and I needed to sit on my couch, where I took pain meds. Incision sites as well as below and above them felt sore and painful with occasional tightness and cramping especially when standing up. Shoulder pain was also very strong. My rib cage also hurt from the gas they put into my body.
Day 16:
As I was sleeping I did not experience pain. Getting out of bed was painful as your abdominal muscles are put into use. I was able to brush my teeth just before the pain started to get bad and I needed to sit on my couch, where I took pain meds. Incision sites as well as below and above them felt sore and painful with occasional tightness and cramping especially when standing up. Shoulder pain was also very strong. My rib cage also hurt from the gas they put into my body.
Day 17:
As I was sleeping I did not experience pain. Getting out of bed was painful as your abdominal muscles are put into use. I was able to brush my teeth just before the pain started to get bad and I needed to sit on my couch, where I took pain meds. Incision sites as well as below and above them felt sore and painful with occasional tightness and cramping especially when standing up. Shoulder pain was also very strong. My rib cage also hurt from the gas they put into my body.
Overall Tips:
Wear loose clothing the day of surgery and for a while after. (Pajamas and sweat pants are key!)
Walk around as much as your body will let you. This helps the gas that has been injected to move and leave your body.
Drink lots of fluids like water.
Drink tea for your throat since it will be sore and will hurt/ burn. Throat drops may help as well.
Be patient with yourself. You will be surprised how much difference a day makes in recovery.