So, I'm wondering, what happens at a pre-op for a laparoscopy? I didn't have one last time (since it was a last minute thing).
Any questions that I should ask the Dr? I've already started my list!
Thanks everyone!
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I don't think I asked anything at mine, I was still quite young and not sure what to think, I was more concerned about whether they would find anything or not. But looking back on it and forward to my own in May I now have a few things I know I'll want to ask but I don't know how relevant they will be for you...
1) How long can I expect to be out of action for (last time I had one I had complications so I haven't a clue how long it usually takes and I guess if you're having one which may be more complex you'll want to know this too)
2) When can I talk to the anesthetist and what options do I have regarding the drugs? (I always feel drunk and sick for a whole week after an op and I'm sure it needn't be that way)
3) What are the arrangements for after the op? (When I had my lap the women were all expected to sit up in chairs laid out in a circle in one room which I didn't like - no privacy, esp when I was left on a bloomin' gurney in the middle of it!) I think knowing where you will be and who will be with you during those hours is important for helping you prepare.
I'm sure there are other things I'll ask but I'm not sure how relevant they will be for you - but I guessed the above three might be something you might want to know too. Hope the pre-op goes well!
I would also ask if they plan on doing excision versus ablation of the endo. I would stress getting excision since removing the endo at the root will provide longer lasting results than just lasering off the top layer.
I would also if they would plan on using adhesion barriers if they see that adhesions could be an issue. For example, at my 3rd lap they used adhesion barriers around my ovaries to keep them from getting "stuck" after surgery.
I would also ask what their plans would be if they come to a place where they feel that something, like an ovary or tube, needed to be removed b/c of disease or damage, i.e. would they ask your DH, etc.
I would also ask what kind of meds do they plan on sending you home with (pain killers, anti-nausea, etc). Also see if they can go ahead and give you the rx to have them filled before surgery so that that will be one less thing to worry about the day of surgery.
Hope this helps! I hope your pre-op goes smoothly & this surgery provides some relief for you!
My pre-ops have been very uneventful in the past. They took blood to make sure I wasn't pregnant, the doctor talked to me about what to expect, asked if I had any questions and told me exactly what he was going to do. I signed some consent forms and that was about it. Good luck and have lots of movies lined up to watch afterward, you aren't going to want to do much more.
I just did mine this morning (by phone). They should give you instructions on your bowel prep, liquid diet, etc. the day before surgery, what medications you have to stop taking, what kind of pain management you should expect after the surgery, what to wear the day of (no makeup, jewelry), how you should feel afterward, a slip for work if you need it.
Also, they should have you sign a consent for what they plan on doing (removing any organs, etc) and instructions on whether they should wake you up and get your consent for any changes to that.
Good luck!
I would think they just give you the details of what to expect and what you need to do before hand. Of course, they will always test to make sure you are not pregnant.
when i had my first laparoscopy they closed with dermabond (which is like a medical grade super glue) instead of stitches and it ended up causing me all kinds of problems. the last laparoscopy i requested no dermabond, so they used steri-strips and they were AWESOME. also, sorry to say it, but i would definitely recommend a stool softener for post op. one of the side effects of anesthesia/pain killers is constipation. it took me FIVE DAYS after my last surgery before i was able to ummmm... go to the bathroom, and let's just say, it didn't feel very good.
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