A variety of ailments might be encountered after
endometriosis surgery. Most are expected, short-lived,
and easily managed. The following tips are for general
information only and not meant as medical advice.
If you experience any bothersome symptom that persists,
gets worse, or seems unusual, contact your doctor
right away. Also contact your doctor if you experience
any unusual bleeding, fever, swelling, or drainage
from the incision.
Constipation
Constipation often occurs when surgery is performed
on or around the bowel. Your doctor may prescribe
a prescription remedy, such as a stool softener. Home
measures include eating more fibre, drinking eight
glasses of water a day, and taking short walks each
day. For more information about bowel problems after
surgery, click here.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea may also result from surgery around or on
the bowel. Consult your doctor if diarrhoea persists,
is severe, or is accompanied by fever. Your doctor
may prescribe anti-diarrhoea or anti-nausea prescription
medications. Home measures include ginger or chamomile
tea and avoidance of dairy products, carbonated beverages,
and caffeine. Try a bland liquid diet and keep yourself
well hydrated.
Shoulder pain
The gas used during surgery often gets trapped under
the diaphragm, causing pains that radiate up to the
shoulder. This will go away in time, but it causes
varying degrees of discomfort until it does. Try using
two heating pads – one on the front and one
on the back of the affected shoulder. If you are not
taking medication for pain, ask your doctor which
analgesic would work best to alleviate shoulder pain.
To help dissipate the gas, consider peppermint tea,
ginger ale, or carrot juice.
Bladder irritation
Insertion of a catheter can cause urethritis (irritation
of the duct which urine passes through). Home measures
for relief include drinking plenty of fluids, avoidance
of soaps around the genital area, and the use of unscented
“baby wipes” instead of toilet paper.
If the urethral irritation persists beyond a few days,
or you develop painful urination or see blood in your
urine, contact your doctor right away. These symptoms
may signal a bladder infection (cystitis), which should
never be ignored. For information about recurrent
bladder infections, click here.
Phlebitis or irritated veins
Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. Sometimes an
IV can cause phlebitis, as can certain drugs (such
as Phenergan) given through the IV line. The vein
inflammation can result in redness, tenderness, and
swelling of the affected arm. If you develop any of
these symptoms, report them immediately to the doctor
or nurse. If left untreated, phlebitis can turn into
an infection. Treatment usually consists of moist
heat compresses, analgesics for pain, and elevation
of the affected arm.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are commonplace after surgery.
These symptoms are often the result of the anaesthesia
and/or painkillers. It’s important to note that
gynaecologic surgery produces more nausea and vomiting
than many other types of surgery. In many cases, nausea
can be avoided if the anaesthesiologist pre-treats
with an anti-nausea medication. Post-surgical medications
are also available. Home measures for nausea include
ginger tea, ginger ale, and soda crackers (biscuits).
Laying flat may also lessen these symptoms.
Pain
Almost everyone will experience some degree of pain
following surgery. Do not be a martyr and attempt
to “deal with the pain.” This will cause
your body to become more stressed, you will not get
adequate rest, and healing will be delayed. If your
doctor has prescribed pain medication, take it as
directed. It’s important not to wait until the
pain becomes unbearable to take your medication. After
a time, your body will heal and the surgical pain
will diminish.
Fatigue
Many women are exceptionally tired for several weeks
following surgery. Rest as much as possible and do
not do anything strenuous, even if your mind is willing.
When you go back to your routine, plan rest breaks
into your day. Also, be sure you’re taking a
daily multi-vitamin and getting adequate B vitamins
through diet or supplementation. (Be sure to check
with your doctor before taking any supplements before
or after surgery.)
Scarring
Laparoscopy scars usually heal nicely on their own.
However, if you want to encourage less scarring, you
might try one of the new scar treatments that are
available from your local pharmacy. Vitamin E has
been used for a number of years to help heal wounds
faster and cause less scarring. Getting adequate rest
and eating a good, balanced diet will also encourage
proper wound healing. If scars persist and are bothersome
to you, you may want to consult a dermatologist (skin
doctor) about possible treatments to fade the scars
more quickly.
Infection
You will probably not experience wound infection from
laparoscopy. However, it’s important to know
that all surgery carries some risk of infection. With
laparoscopy, infection may occur at the site of the
incision or it may develop internally. Contact your
doctor immediately if your oral temperature goes above
100° Fahrenheit (37.8° Celsius) or if you
develop any redness, discharge, or swelling. Do not
wait or attempt to self-treat infections. Infections
are usually taken care of with antibiotics.
Headaches
Ironically, strong painkillers often cause headaches.
If you have a bothersome headache, contact your doctor
to see if you can take non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen for pain
relief. To self-treat, try massaging lavender oil
onto the site of the pain.
Hematomas or seromas
Rarely, blood or fluid may “pool” under
the skin near an incision site. Since it is difficult
for those undergoing surgery to distinguish between
benign conditions and more serious complications,
be sure to report any swelling to your doctor. Often,
hematomas and seromas go away on their own, but they
may be tender in the meantime.
Insomnia or nightmares
Women often report insomnia or nightmares following
surgery, which may be accompanied by anxiety and fear.
Be assured that this is a temporary condition that
will eventually go away. In the meantime, you might
want to try chamomile tea, relaxation tapes, or aromatherapy.
© 1996-2003 Ellen T Johnson
Reprinted with permision
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