Post-lap Questions...

It's been 8 days since my laparoscopy/hysteroscopy and D&C. A fair amount of endometriosis was detected and removed and everything else appears to be functioning perfectly. I had a crappy time in recovery and a very painful week in bed.

Is it normal that I am still feeling lots of cramping and pain??

I have a severe ache in my lower back - is this normal?

I am still on the pill and due to have AF next week - would it be best to skip it until the cramping and pains settle down?

What was your first post-lap AF like?

And the all important....

When can DH and I test out my new endo-free nether-regions??? ;)

i would say you and DH can test whenever you're ready to and feel comfy with it - just take it slow to start it out so that you don't go adding more reluctance/fear if it IS still a bit uncomfy kwim?

my guess with the cramping is that it's because you said you have had "extensive" endo removed - it's possible that you've had lots of little nicks and cuts in there, and your body is just trying to recover itself. if you're still feeling worried, call the doc on monday and tell them you're ten days post-op and feeling very tender, just to get their opinions.

Just take it slowly and listen to your body - BG is right, there could be lots of little areas that are trying to heal right now, so it will feel a bit sore, plus if you do normally get a lot of pain in the lead up to, and during AF, then you're probably experiencing *normal* pre AF stuff too - like me now for example, I'm up to CD38, only mild spotting and I have had back ache all week (gonna be lovely for Friday if I hold out to start bleeding properly until then when I have my lap).


I'm not sure if you should skip the BCP though to miss your AF, as it will be a chance for your body to shed anything that didn't come out this past week after the lap kwim? I can't remember what my first AF was like afterwards, but I was already on the Duphaston by then. As for sex, we waited about 3 weeks - I couldn't stand having any weight on my belly as it was still a little tender.

I've just had a thought.. I've taken my last active pill in the packet (due to start taking sugar pills) and my follow up appointment isn't for 5 weeks.

I was planning to go off the pill when I saw the GYN (I was going to discuss it with him first) and then get fitted for a diaphram.

But I'm really keen to go off it NOW... like TODAY. I don't want to start another packet!!! I really want to start charting and temping etc.

Should I just go off it now or should I really wait until I see the GYN?

I dont see why you can't stop taking it now - it's only the BCP and it might give you an idea of how you feel for a cycle post-lap too and if there is anything funky going on it's not masked by the BCP and you can tell him about anything that happens when you have your appointment.

I'll talk to DH about it tonight - it will mean no DTD for a month... but I'm not sure I want to just yet anyway as I am still in a bit of pain from the lap.

I think you're right about having a natural cycle before I see him - great idea!

Well there are always other options if you don't use the BCP ;)