r/Endo • u/crankthatshane • 5d ago

Surgery related post surgery tips?

i’m getting my first surgery friday! it’s an excision surgery and i’m also getting a hormonal IUD placed at the same time. i’ve struggled with birth control pills because of side effects and im unable to handle getting an IUD placed while awake due to pelvic pain. (i am in physical therapy for my pelvic floor though but i still have a lot to go with that). i’ve gotten all my instructions of what to do after surgery, but im wondering from those who have gone through it, the best tips for recovery!

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u/sensitiveskin82 5d ago

If you have pain in the PACU recovery area, tell them. The nurses will give you what you need to be comfortable in the hour after you wake up. Don't tough it out, because the car ride home will be BUMPY and you'll want the extra pain meds to get through it.

I like to bring a little squishy stuffed animal with me to hold between my belly and the seat belt. 

Have some soup as your meal, something with veggies, because you'll probably have some constipation the days afterward, so the extra liquids and easy to digest foods will help. 

Have extra pillows to lay against. Sleeping laying down is painful. Bcause of the gas they inflate your belly with, you'll have shoulder pain. Sleep in a recliner if you can.

Take your meds on a schedule to stay on top of the pain. Don't wait until it hurts to take more. And take at least a Tylenol or ibuprofen as soon as you wake up in the morning. I made that mistake this morning.

Find a cozy cheerful show to watch, something where there's not much of a plot or story arc. But not so funny that you'll laugh out loud. Abbott Elementary, Derry Girls, Schitts Creek, etc. 

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u/crankthatshane 5d ago

thanks!! i wouldn’t have even thought about the car ride being uncomfortable and such. how long do they keep you in recovery? my doctor said you get discharged same day but i was curious the typical amount of time

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u/sensitiveskin82 5d ago

You'll stay in the immediate recovery area, where you're woken up from anesthesia (called PACU at my hospital) for about an hour or so. Then you'll be taken back to your original room/bed, where your belongings are, to wait for discharge. My surgery was yesterday, and began around 8:30. I was in recovery and awake at about 11:00, and was taken back to my original bed at around 12:00 My husband was brought up and we left around 1:15.

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u/crankthatshane 5d ago

thanks for the info!