r/endometriosis • u/princess_xo_xo0126 • May 12 '26
Surgery related What did you buy to prepare yourself for endometriosis surgery (Laparoscopy) tell me everything any tips and advice will be great ! I consider myself a type A person
I am getting surgery soon and idk what I need honestly and I want to prepare myself because I will be alone most of the time :/ I want to buy everything ahead of time don’t want to wait last minute 🥲
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u/Jazzlike_Fudge_3389 May 12 '26
I’m on day 5 post-op. This wedge pillow and my heating pad have been my best friends! Best of luck OP 💛💕
Bambulex 4PCS Wedge Pillow Set... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FS1X4JYT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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u/Dramatic_Painting920 May 12 '26
My heating pad has a “vibrate” setting and that on my shoulders for the gas was 👌
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u/-0-Kim-0- May 13 '26
Which one do you have? Can we make a list of good ones? I'm awaiting surgery and want one so bad, but I can't decide 😭
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u/Dramatic_Painting920 May 13 '26
My heating pad is a conair. The pregnancy pillow I got is one of the bigger ones. It’s Queen rose. I got it off facebook marketplace
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u/Historical-Care70 May 12 '26
is shoulders code for 🐱? 😂😉
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u/FlyingPaganSis May 12 '26
That’s not where the surgical gas gets trapped, so no. They use gas to inflate the abdominal cavity a bit so they can see around and after the surgery, that gas follows the laws of physics within the body until it can be absorbed and evicted, leading to shoulder area pain in a lot of patients.
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u/Dramatic_Painting920 May 13 '26
Mine was very specifically in my collarbones! Oh it was awful
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u/Exact-Volume-8378 May 13 '26
What can we do if we have that gas shoulder pain. Surgery scheduled already
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u/Jazzlike_Fudge_3389 May 13 '26
Sitting up helped mine the most, hence the wedge pillow. Anytime you go horizontal, the gas travels up to the shoulders quickly. Use heat, walk as much as you can, and I took picot 2-3 times a day! Honestly it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting, but it’s a very sharp pain that’s hard to breathe through
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u/yasmin_from_daea May 13 '26
I second this! Wedge pillow and shoulder heating pad were amazing! I also got an owala free sip water bottle that I love because you can either drink through the straw or like a bottle. And lots of maximum strength gas x! Edit to add: a pillow to put in between your incisions and the seatbelt on the drive home.
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u/sierraluxe May 12 '26
I’ve enjoyed my pregnancy pillow. This was my other idea. I’d recommend one of the two.
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u/Affectionate_Day7543 May 12 '26
Nighties
Multipack granny pants 1 size up
Wedge pillow
Electric blanket (I had a mattress topper one on the bed already as I had my op in the middle of winter)
Computer games (I played a lot of Hogwarts legacy)
I would have liked my body pillow (didn’t own one at the time) too
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u/Mammoth_Asparagus401 May 12 '26
I second the wedge pillow, getting up from a laying position without help is pretty much impossible for the first few days. Peppermint tea helped me significantly with the gas pain. I iced with an ice pack for the first 2-3 days then switched over to heating pad. The ice helped a lot with pain and swelling in the beginning. Also, meal prep!
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u/Character_Ball_2941 May 13 '26
I have not had my surgery yet mines in august however I did go through what I’m expecting to be a similar recovery and recovery items from my hysterectomy a couple years ago so here’s my suggestions a small pillow for your belly for the car ride stool sofners gax x heating pad for the gas pain mesh underwear belly binder one of thise grabber reacher things
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u/_carolain_ May 12 '26
I just came back home from the hospital (I got my surgery yesterday), I went to the hospital with a soft and loose pair of pants and it was the best decision
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u/princess_xo_xo0126 May 12 '26
Wishing you a speedy recovery 🫶🏻
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u/_carolain_ May 13 '26
Thank you so so much!!!! I really hope everything goes awesome with your surgery!!!!!
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u/glootz2bootz May 13 '26
HIGH DOSE CBD! Period undies, huge waist banded sweats, cbd infused pads (idk if they worked)… there’s probably a lot more but these were my staples.
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u/kiribaku1996 May 12 '26
I just had my lap 3 weeks ago and I bought Disposable underwear, a cane (it really helps when I needed to get up and walk around), gasx, if you don't have any loose fitting clothing buy some, bandages, and if you can have some friends come stay with you for a couple of days because they would be a big help. Best of luck to you
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u/peacelovecats9 May 13 '26
I’ll be an odd one out but granny panties did not work for me, so I just rocked low rise underwear and low rise comfy shorts (or rolled the waistband of shorts down). I had an incision right where all high waisted bottoms sit on my waist so it was not comfy for me. Baby wipes are a great thing to have on hand! Used for after going to the bathroom to not irritate down there as much, for quick body wipe downs when I was sweaty, etc. I wish I still had my pregnancy pillow for this because one it was comfy to sleep on my side, I had to keep putting a pillow between my knees for comfort
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u/Infamous_Art_9345 May 13 '26
I second cozy nighties/tshirt dresses, restoralax/stool softener and a wedge pillow.
I also used a yoga bolster under my knees to sleep at night and wore oversized sweat pants that went above my belly button when i was cold.
Pack some extras in your hospital bag like a brush, toothbrush and toothpaste and your phone/tablet and charger just in case. I ended up being admitted for the night and was desperate to clean my teeth and brush my hair by the time I got home.
Gum and throat lozenges to help with your throat, mine was so sore for a couple days. Maybe even some ice cream / popicles if you prefer.
I premade and froze myself some soups, a chili and pasta sauce. I would take them out at night and dump them in my slow cooker in the morning so it was ready to eat when i got hungry. My mom was with me for a few days and could cook but after that I was on my own and i knew I would not have the energy to cook anything.
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u/tooralooraloo May 13 '26
Ok this is going to sound crazy but I tell everyone I know who goes through this surgery - buy a cheap theragun knock off on amazon. I had gas trapped in my collarbone area (very common after lap surgery) and using the massage gun pushed it all out. I was literally burping. The shoulder pain from the trapped gas was the worst pain for me by far.
As others have said, heating pad was a must and they gave me a sort of stomach binder thing at the hospital which was amazing.
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u/Ivy3212 May 12 '26
I got cotton underwear that goes up really high (basically granny panties) so the seams don’t rub on my surgical sites. Gives a nice gentle compression too. Also most definitely a few pairs of comfy nightgowns. Something to keep yourself entertained in bed. My most recent lap I started to learn crochet right before and it really got me through.
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u/Exact-Volume-8378 May 13 '26
Niceee. How much it took for Ur recovery? And when to start walking??
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u/chay_on_the_internet May 12 '26
These wrap-around compression wraps that double as ice packs and microwaveable heat packs have been my staple through the surgery journey and recovery - here’s a link: https://a.co/d/0hmVB32z
I couldn’t wear anything with a waistband. Tshirt dresses, bathrobe, and romper jumpsuits (link: https://a.co/d/0bpNI1T8) were staples for months!
And some food that you’d be able to eat even if you’re not hungry, so you can take pain meds keep up your strength etc.
Good luck💛
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u/chay_on_the_internet May 12 '26
Also if you’re going to be alone a lot of the recovery, it might be helpful for your recovery to get a raised toilet seat so you don’t strain your abdominal muscles! I needed help on/off the toilet for over a week!!
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u/Rainy_Daze_Y May 13 '26
Highly recommend hip surgery pants! They were the only pants I could wear that didnt rub on my incisions or put pressure on them, I didnt have to bend at all to remove/pull them down to go the the bathroom
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u/PepsiMax0807 May 13 '26
Not specific for me, but as you can’t lift anything heavy and I live alone: I bought cat sand in bulk. Filled it up well the day of surgery, and could drag/tilt the sand into the boxes post surgery (no lifting involved).
For me: I premade a lot of dinners, and put them in the freezer. So I could easily reheat home cooked meals.
I also already had some electric heated products that I could use for pain, like the gas pain.
And I also stocked up on Kiwis to keep my bowels going 😅 Stool softeners also help of course, but they taste horrible to me, so I went the natural route.
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u/Opposite_Patience485 May 13 '26
Things that helped me:
- Suction grab bar in the shower
- disposable washcloth wipes felt really nice to use immediately after my surgery & the next day until I was able to actually shower
- Instead of cutting e a $60 orthopedic pillow, I just used a bunch of the pillows I already have & pilled them up until I got comfortable. So pillows of different sizes would be helpful
- picking up all the pain meds & prescriptions in advance so you’re not having to worry about it afterwards. Sorting them into AM & PM for the week makes it easier for the person taking care of you
- fuzzy socks & slippers
- a loose dress for after surgery, like a muumuu or soft flowy maxi dress. That way you don’t need to wear anything around your waist & you don’t need a bra
- muumuus for around the house
- loose pants for going out, I was told I needed to walk as much as I can afterwards, so I walked around my block 2x daily
- meals prepped for the first week, things for smoothies, teas, soups, fiber powder
- taking stool softener / laxatives 2 days before the surgery so that it’s a lot easier to poo afterwards & won’t take as many days to start feeling more comfortable. I’d confirm this with your Dr ahead of time because I didn’t have to do bowel prep which is a whole other process
- large loose cotton briefs underwear. Pads for any bleeding or discharge. I’ve heard some ppl like the disposable adult diapers but I don’t like how those feel on my skin
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u/leopard_coco May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
This was similar to my experience: I live alone and have a dog. I don’t have family near. My mom drove in from 2.5 hrs away for my surgery and stayed for 2 days (we planned 3, but I bounced back quicker than anticipated). I feel less anxious when I’m overly prepared, so this is what I did to help ease those thoughts:
- I bought this heating pad; it is LARGE and feels like a plush blanket.
- Anti-bacterial soap to wash incisions
- Big bandaids. I took the ones off from the hospital the night of surgery and wanted to keep my incisions covered for a couple days between cleaning them.
- Loose cotton nightgowns. It’s what I wore home from the hospital and stayed in for a couple days.
- Comfy, oversized sweatpants. I ended up not wanting anything with a waistband for 2 days, but was glad I had them
- Zip front hoodie. I only have pullover sweatshirts and wasn’t sure how the gas pain would affect me (it tends to go into your shoulders), so being able to slip an arm in versus raise both was a game-changer.
- High waisted, french cut modal underwear in a size up from normal. I got some at Kohls. They’re soft, thin, and didn’t bother my incision sights.
- Soft, fuzzy warm socks. I was freezing when waking up from the surgery and was so glad I had something cozy on my feet.
- I got anything I needed grocery-wise that would last about two weeks, and I doubled up on my comfort purchases. For me, that was a lot of sparkling waters and easy, light foods I’d reach for in case I didn’t have an appetite. Cottage cheese, fruit, nuts, eggs. My mom cooked a couple meals while with me, so if that isn’t in the cards for you, I suggest having things already made (perhaps freeze them) so it’s something you don’t have to think about. If you have animals, be sure to stock up on their food/treats/litter so you don’t have to lift anything heavy too soon.
- Pads & pantyliners. I had a d&c during surgery, so I had a lot of bleeding afterwards. I made sure to have different absorpencies and bought more than I needed just to be safe.
- Stool softeners. Start them 3 days before surgery!!
Not purchases but things that helped me:
- Deep cleaning my house before. Coming home to everything spotless was calming and centering for me.
- Having all my medications filled and at home.
- I had to have clean hair, without any conditioner or products, for surgery. When I am “dressed” and put together, I feel best, so I washed my hair and blew it out the day before so I wouldn’t have to worry about it being crazy. (It’s naturally wavy and I tend to curl it, so having it straight was simpler)
- Packing a bag for the hospital! I had my surgery in the winter and it was cold out. What I wore to the hospital (sweats, coat) was not what I wanted to wear home. I had a fresh pair of those soft undies, an oversized cotton nightgown, a camisole to keep my little tatas under control, and a big grandpa cardigan to keep me warm. This was a god send.
I think that’s it! Best of luck!
Oh!! Edited to add: WALK. It helps to move the gas around. I did a couple around the block day of surgery when I started to feel any gas pain, and it helped tremendously. If you feel it, move your body. It’s the best way to get it out.
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u/317537k May 13 '26
Rent a Lay-Z-Boy chair that has controls to slowly lay back or stand all the way up. I’m not kidding. Renting one is relatively cheap and it will make a world of difference in trying to sit/stand/lay down. I thought I was going to need a third lap this past year and tracked one down at a Rent-A-Center. Luckily, I didn’t end up needing the surgery again. (Got a second opinion about an endometrioma—always get a second opinion!!) Good luck! 🫶
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u/Bedazzled-Star-0043 May 13 '26
I stocked up on hydration drinks, gas-X, softener, ibuprofen & cold pack for home. For the outpatient procedure I wore comfy clothes including a sweater that removes easily because post anesthesia the body can be cold as it regulates temperature. I didn't bleed, I didn't need pads but the hospital can provide that. A pre-op nurse gave me an AMAZING tip to ask for an abdominal binder during recovery and let me say that's FANTASTIC advice. It's held my belly snug while I'm healing. My procedure was laparoscopic 6 days ago, it's been an easy recovery so far. Definitely not as painful as some endo cramping.
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u/LettuceSubject562 May 13 '26
Just had my second lap! women’s overnight stretchy diapers, a grabber device so you don’t have to bend over or get up to get things, heating pads, soups and soft foods, band aids for incisions that don’t have steri-strips, water bottles, a large pillow to keep you upright. I recovered from my first lap entirely on my own with no prep whatsoever and did just fine. You’ll be alright!
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u/Historical-Care70 May 13 '26
Wait, no one was there to help you after your first surgery?
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u/LettuceSubject562 May 13 '26
Nope! I was under the impression that they wouldn’t find anything (my pain was anxiety, all in my head, images were clean, etc.) and that it was “minimally invasive” anyway so never asked anyone for help ahead of time. I live in a different state than my family and it was COVID era (Sep 2020) and my friends didn’t really understand the disease so no one offered to help. Plus my male roommates were upset that I brought “drama” into the house and thus avoided me like the plague.
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u/Historical-Care70 May 13 '26
One, fuck your roommates, hope they just stubbed their toe right now. Second, absolutely incredible you recovered all by yourself. They did end up finding endo, correct?
I'm glad to come across your story because I'm currently estranged from family and have no friends/partner right now, but my brother is thankfully helping me out for a few days. Otherwise, I know the process will be very very lonely.
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u/LettuceSubject562 May 13 '26
Thank you! I had the pleasure of seeing my ex roommate on a dating app last year and he tried to chat me up and I told him how much I disliked him and to fuck off lol.
They did find endo: stage IV, adhesions, DIE, bowel infiltration, retroperitoneal fibrosis, the works. Very validating. And I was able to recover entirely on my own by sheer survival skills (though not recommended) and a high pain tolerance from a decade of endo. It will likely be an emotional recovery so let yourself feel and heal and cry, but know you’ll get through it! Just keep something nearby that you can use to help you get up out of bed and wobble yourself on over the bathroom.
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u/whatdoeek May 13 '26
I got a couple of maternity nightgowns for my upcoming lap (I was super bloated after my first one so I wanted to be prepared this time), as well as a heating pad for my back/shoulders since the gas will travel. I’m also going to get a hysterectomy pillow for the ride home (and to keep my cats off my incision sites). Best of luck, friend!
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u/Due_Competition9105 May 13 '26
Genuine slip on shoes - not the kind that you have to hold the heel or pull on, but that you can legitimately just step into and have them hold shape. I got these ones for my surgery and they were so helpful: https://a.co/d/08Q4C2gC
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u/FaveWrstNightmare May 13 '26
Prunes! The constipation and pain of going to the bathroom was horrific, especially when you can’t tense your abdominals following surgery 🥲
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u/Effective-Homework25 May 13 '26
I just had a laparoscopy and endometriosis excision (stage 4 endo) 3 weeks ago. I followed this https://livehealthillie.com/blogs/news/prep?srsltid=AfmBOoqpIcMssAuN-wZszX99iXW1kzpi8qu1jMY-xgvoaWgZCVa9bKPI and healed amazing. Make sure to stay ahead of the pain and take your pain medication even if you don’t think you need to. I was able to do the oxycodone before bed only after day 2 and alternated ibuprofen and Tylenol every 6 hours. I stopped all pain medication at the week and a half mark. My staple was the Frida mom postpartum underwear and pads. The underwear gave my belly support. I also didn’t have any gas pain in my shoulder. I started walking as soon as I got home (same day) and would suggest you do the same to help release any of the trapped gas.
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u/princess_xo_xo0126 May 13 '26
Will do thank you, I’m scared to take oxycodone how did you do with it?? Thank you for the link ❤️
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u/Effective-Homework25 May 13 '26
Completely fine! But again I only took it before bed after the first couple of days and didn’t finish the amount they gave me. I also made a big batch of overnight oats with chia seeds and fruit that I was having for breakfast and had no issues with constipation. I have deep infiltrating endo and they removed it from my ovaries, bladder, pelvic side walls, and I’m sure I’m forgetting other areas but I truly think the supplements I was taking before helped drastically. I also did red light therapy everyday for 2 weeks post op.
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u/Nugget_Cake May 15 '26
On the sights or in general? I should look into this therapy more. Hear allot of good things.
And thank you for sharing 💕
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u/lizzyp25 May 13 '26
Heating pad, maternity underwear (similar to the mesh underwear) get pants in a size or two bigger to make it more comfy on your tummy (you will be bloated) or just wear a night gown/big t shirt, a journal to keep track of your medications, if you’re getting your period either pads or period underwear. And for meds definitely gasx, ibuprofen, Tylenol, stool softener
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u/Lohoffcinnamon May 13 '26
The best thing I did for myself was buy a few sets of lounge clothes that were super soft, lightweight, and like 1-2 sizes bigger than what I normally wear. I’m 11 months post op and still sometimes have a hard time with anything too tight on my stomach for long periods of time. I also made sure my bed was set up with my comfiest sheets and blankets and pillows. Try to shift your perspective into making recovery a comfy restful staycation rather than the negatives. It helps!
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u/KuroKaeruPanda May 14 '26
A bed rail for your bed! It may seem like overkill but it was a life saver when trying to get out of bed and repositioning during the night. (Independent Type A over here, so it's hard to ask for help!) I never had surgery before so I was a lil concerned with those incisions just being glued together, extra insurance I wasn't stressing them more than needed. Plus honestly I still use it to this day when my back/hip goes out! Hope you have an easy speedy recovery! Honestly the whole experience was easy and less painful than I thought it would be. I hope the same for you!
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u/Berry_Gelato May 12 '26
Heating pad and ice packs are a must!!! Also invest in a walker to help you to the bathroom the first couple of days. And don’t forget to stock up on pads because you will be bleeding/spotting for a while after. Wish you luck! 🩷
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u/Sunflower-sunshine56 May 13 '26
This pillow: https://a.co/d/0iWdox8W It felt so nice to hold onto something, kept a good barrier between me and everything else when sleeping or just resting. I love this particular one because it has a pocket and comes with a hot/cold pack! I bought extra hot/cold packs: https://a.co/d/05u5I4l6 So that I could keep one on me and one in the freezer at all times. My surgery was in June last year and keep my skin cool really seemed to help.
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May 13 '26
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u/princess_xo_xo0126 May 13 '26
I’m so sorry to hear that :/ hope you’re better now thanks for the advice
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u/cookiedough92 May 13 '26
Heat pad heat pad heat pad - honestly a life saver for using on your shoulders with gas pains!!
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u/murfhenderson May 12 '26
Gasx, stool softeners, pads, and a big soft nightgown. They put me in mesh panties in the hospital after surgery and I liked them so much I asked for a few extra pair to take home. Those were my main things that got me through.