Here are my tips and suggestions if you either have an upcoming endometriosis surgery or hospital stay
I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in December of 2022. The only way I was diagnosed was because of the surgery to remove an Endometrioma Cyst. Unfortunately, there is no other way to diagnose Endo than with surgery. To read more about Endometriosis and my first surgery click here
What I recommend before, and after Endometriosis surgery
First off I want to say that this is not medical advice! Please consult your doctor for any and all medical questions! I am just offering my thoughts on what helped me during this time.
I do consider myself very lucky that I was diagnosed quickly with Endometriosis. I know some women wait years in order to get a correct diagnosis, if they ever do. I wish that all cysts and endometriosis went away on their own. I've had a few cysts in the past that have, but unfortunately, the last 8 months I have been very unlucky and I've needed to get them removed surgically.
Before Surgery:
My first tip if you are going to have surgery is to try to relax as much as possible. If you're like me and haven't had many (or any) surgeries in the past, it can be very nerve-wracking and stressful because of the unknown.
You should have a pre-op appointment with your doctor/ surgeon to go over all the steps and what you need to avoid days and weeks leading up to the surgery. For me it was stop taking vitamins 2 weeks before the surgery and stop any pain medications a week before.
My second tip is to try to eat as healthy as possible leading up to your surgery, and get in some light exercise. You want your body to be in a good state pre-surgery so keeping it nourished and strong is a good idea.
My third tip is to have a plan in place for after your surgery. If you have a partner or a family, try to coordinate things like meal planning or arrange for help if you have kids. You want to have the least amount of things to worry about. I also recommend that if you can avoid stairs, do! We are lucky enough to have a guest bedroom on our first floor of our house, so I didn't have to deal with stairs when my incision sites were the most sensitive and painful.
My fourth tip is silly but have a good amount of movies or TV shows to watch! The first few days you won't be moving much, so allow yourself to indulge in your favorite movies or shows. I highly recommend some trashy reality shows or classic movies like Legally Blonde. That's the majority of what I watched during my recovery!
On top of having surgery, I ended up in the hospital a week later due to an infection from the surgery. Here are my tips if you have to go to the ER and possibly have to stay in the hospital for a few days.
My first tip listen to your body!
I felt really off that day and couldn't understand why. By evening, my forehead felt really hot and when I checked my temperature, it was over 101 degrees. In the packet I received from the hospital who did my surgery, they said to call them if you have a 101+ fever following your surgery. So I called and at first she said to take Tylenol and see how I feel. Five minutes later she called back and said to go to the ER instead, just to be safe.
After bloodwork, an ultrasound and a CT scan, they suspected there was an infection due to the surgery. I was put on IV antibiotics and was monitored for 3 days.
My second tip prepare for a hospital stay even if you are going to Urgent Care or the ER. I had nothing with me besides what I was wearing and my purse. I didn't expect to be in the hospital for multiple days so I didn't think to bring anything with me. Thankfully, I slowly realized things I needed and my husband went home and brought them when he came back the next day and visited me.
Items I recommend having to make your hospital stay more comfortable.
I have not been pregnant or given birth, but I think this list is similar to what you would bring in your hospital bag when giving birth.
Changes of clothes and underwear. Preferably your comfiest clothes or pjs.
Toiletries - toothbrush/toothpaste, face wash, lotion. The hospital should have some if you ask, but it's very limited. It was the best feeling when I was finally able to take a shower at the hospital!
Ipad or laptop - Thankfully there was a TV in my room, but as much as I love FRIENDS, you can only watch so many episodes at once. It was great having my ipad so I could read and watch some streaming apps.
Books- something else to pass the time.
Friends or family to keep you company - depending on the visitor hours, it's great to have someone spend time with you since you can't go anywhere. My husband was able to work from the hospital to keep me company. If only our pets were allowed! My cat, Chester, would have loved being able to cuddle with me! He's a great little nurse.
I hope this helps you if you have an upcoming surgery or hospital stay.
If there are any tips you think are helpful, please let me know! And thank you to everyone who sent such nice thoughts to me during this chaotic few weeks!
- Lex
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