Having endometriosis excised in November

[Mumszword]

Hi all.

I just signed up here for my wife who's going into hospital in november to have her advanced endo excised, which will likely mean segmental bowel section too. The doctor told us it was the most advanced case he'd seen, small wonder she'd been in so much pain.

So I'm hoping that maybe someone here has been through this process and can give us some idea, from a sufferers perspective of how it'll likely pan out?

Doc says she'll be under the knife for 4-6hrs, and 4-5 days in hospital, followed by 2-3 weeks to properly recover.

She'll be along tomorrow with some questions, but some I know she's keen to find out about are these:
- Will there be no more pain from the condition once fully recovered from the op?
- How long is it likely to be before she'll be able to get out of bed and move around?
- Given the bowel complication, will there be special dietary requirements post op, and how long for?

I'm sure there's a million more things to know, but it's half two in the morning so it'll have to wait for another day. Many thanks in advance to anyone who can share their experiences.

BTW, If anyone's not comfortable with a bloke being in this forum just let me know and I'll bugger off.

Cheers,
Pollo's hubby.

PS - the doc we went to see was by the name of Cooper, in Sydney.

Hi Pollo and Pollo's hubby and welcome to the forum. Its good to see such a caring husband who has taken the time to do some research for his wife. I wish you DW all the best with her surgery in November.

I am having the same sort of surgery in about three weeks time which likely to include bowel involvement and a chance of resection too - With me I am a bit of an unknown as the initial diagnosis was done by a different surgeon so they will have to wait and see...... I have been advised that I will be in hospital for aprox the same amount of time as you wife if all goes well or longer if there are any unexpected complications. I have been told to allow a minimum six weeks off for recovery after surgery.

You are best writing all the questions down as you think of them and then asking your surgeon and bowel surgeon as they will be able to give you good sound advice. I know I have been in the same situation... the initial consultation you are in a bit of shock and its not until you leave the specialist that you realise you have 101 questions that you did not think to ask...

There are a number of posts by forum members regarding their surgery and treatment and there are a few that have had the same surgeon as your wife. I have heard only good reports about Dr Cooper - which is comforting for your DW and you to know.

Well I wish you and your DW all the best with surgery and treatment.

If you like I can update you when I get out of hospital as to how it all went.....

Take care and best wishes...

[joel's girl]

Dear Pollo's DH and Pollo,

Sorry to hear your DW is in so much pain. I was in her shoes this time last year so I can empathise totally with the sever and constant pain. The first postiive thing I want to tell you is you have the most wonderful surgeon, in Michael Cooper. He performed the last two of my major ops and I cannot thank him enough. Not only is he a leader in his field but his patient care and general manner is second to none. For example, while I was still in recovery he phoned my DH on his mobile to let him know what was done and how things went. This then allowed my DH to explain everything in detail to me as soon as I woke. No anxious time waiting to find out things, that's just one example of his high level of care.

To answer your questions: Do not under-estimate the severity of this surgery. Your wife will be very sore for quite a while. They will get her out of bed in hospital and have her walk around as this assists with digestion etc.......however be prepared that things may appears worse before they get better.

In my case, (which I understand is not common , but just so you know) I had trouble eating for about four weeks. I was hungry but could only manage a few mouthfuls at each meal before I was in excuriating pain. I lost so much weight in a short period of time. My pain was managed with pain relief for a few weeks and to be honest, although I was in hospital for the assigned 5 nights, my recovery did take more like 5 - 7 weeks.

And the most positive thing I can pass onto you and your wife is, a few weeks after I recovered fully I fell pregnant. I am expecting the birth of our son anyday now. So yes, you guys are doing the right thing and are in the best of hands, so as much as it's hard not to worry - see this as a positive step forward.

Given that I fell pregnant so quickly I can't really answer the endo pain relief question. I was told by getting pregnant and breastfeeding for as long as I can would maximise my chances of holding the endo at bay.

I wish you and your DW the best of luck with the surgery but you don't really need it because you have COOPER !!

Cindy.