What to Expect During Your Laparoscopy: Part II
As I looked around the operating room, I was struck by the technicality of it all. The room itself was rather large, and I could see a bevy of machines, lights, and tools. I was greatly surprised at the number of people in the room. In addition to the nurse who wheeled me in, there were at least four doctors waiting – doctors I didn’t know or recognize.
I remember that two of the figures were sitting at desks with computers. I was told that these two doctors were residents, and they were also male. As I climbed onto the table, I struggled to keep my hiney hidden under my gown, even though they were clearly going to see my vagina during the course of the surgery.
Someone put a mask over my face, telling me they were giving me some meds to help me "relax." The next thing I remember is waking up in the recovery room.
As I awoke, I was wheeled into a spot among several other post-surgical patients, and I was separated from them by curtains. I felt a burning pain in my pelvis that felt exactly like menstrual cramps. I told the nurses that it hurt immensely and that I was in a lot of pain. I was told that I would receive medication shortly, which I don't remember ever happening.
I was eventually taken to my post-op room, which was exactly like my pre-op room, complete with a familiar cabinet, recliner, two chairs, and a sink. My husband was waiting for me, along with a nurse (who I’ll always remember) named BJ. BJ asked me how I was feeling, and I told her that I was in a lot of pain. She helped me find some meds and made me feel a lot better about the whole thing.
After a few minutes, the burning pain subsided. I was able to converse with my husband and the nurses. Your main goal after surgery is always to be able to give a urine sample, and after some water and two cups of coffee, I could finally go to the bathroom. I peed into a large cup that measured my urine. I was then escorted out of the hospital in a wheelchair after stopping by the pharmacy for some pain meds, and was sent home with my husband.
The ride home was quite painful. My stomach was bruised and swollen, and I could feel each little bump in the road.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!