Endo Surgery Checklist.
Deciding to go ahead with surgery is often such a complex decision for many women with endometriosis. But now its all booked in, your starting to feel nervous and underprepared?
Everyone is unique and finds comfort in their own ways but being organised often can help eliminate some stress as you prepare for surgery. Remember, it is normal to feel a bit anxious about the unknown, especially if this is your first surgery.
Here is a general list I’ve compiled to help you feel more prepared for your upcoming surgery. I know it's quite extensive so just take from it what points you feel relevant. I've written it for someone staying overnight, not day surgery so some things won't be necessary
Pre-Surgery Checklist:
Ask your surgeon if they do ablation or excision and how often they perform these surgeries
Find out from your care provider (ideally 2 weeks prior) which herbs/supplements you need to stop taking before surgery
Take time off work (if possible), you’re better to take more time than less incase your recovery is longer than expected (doctors always seem to underestimate time frames)
Organize for someone to drop off and pick you up from hospital. Ideally have someone available to help out at home for the first few days
Tell your anaesthetist beforehand if your prone to nausea or anxiety so they can take measures to prevent it post-surgery
Pre Surgery To- Do List:
Wash your bedding before going into surgery, there is nothing better than clean, fresh sheets when you don’t feel great.
Meal prep at least 3-4 days of food as cooking will be the last thing you want to do and healthy food will support your healing!! Think warming, hearty and easily digestible foods like soups, porridge, bone broth, dahl, risotto, frittatas ect.
Wash your hair, shave, take off nail polish ect. clean your space, set up a station or basket for all the things you want within arm’s reach when you get home
Pick up whatever supplies you need BEFORE surgery so you don't have to go to the shops (refer to 'what to have ready at home' section)
Fill all your prescriptions (pain meds, OCP, anti-nausea ect.)
Netflix recommendations.. binge watching is highly likely! I didn't have the concentration span to read for the first week
What to pack for your hospital stay?
Soft/loose clothing and undies (pants with no waist band so they don't rub on incision sites)
Soft bra with no wire
Thongs for the shower
Calming essential oils.. lavender is my favourite as it's very grounding and may help if your anxious
De-gas for shoulder pain and abdominal bloating
Pillow for the car ride home (A MUST HAVE!!) to put across your belly so the seatbelt doesn't press on your swollen abdomen & incision sites
Noise cancelling headphones
Eye mask!
Period undies (modibodi is a great brand) or organic cotton pads
Lip balm, toothbrush, moisturizer/face mist
Phone charger with extra long cord
Peppermint water or tea bags
Keep cup to drink your tea warm instead of plastic cup
Water bottle.. hydration is so important!
Throat lozenges incase your throat is sore after the intubation tube
What to have ready when you get home:
Hydralyte & water bottle.. fluids are key to recovery!
Dry shampoo.. washing your hair is a mission in those early days
Your favourite comfort foods/snacks
Heat pack or electric heating pad (don't use on your incisions sites but great for low back and shoulder discomfort)
Big pillows (pregnancy/banana/body pillows are great!)
Waterproof dressings for the shower
Stool softener and laxatives (pain meds can make you constipated)
Make sure you don't get constipated, if avoidable, as it often makes abdominal pain worse so keep hydrated and start taking stool softeners/laxatives as early as recommended
GasX and/or peppermint tea for the shoulder pain & bloating
Ginger tea or hard candy for nausea
Period undies or pads: you'll need them for post-surgery bleeding and you can’t use tampons or menstrual cups initially
Pill container to organise your medication so you don't forget.. staying on top of your pain is so important in those early days
Always call your doctor or gynaecologist if you have questions or something does not seem right. Best of luck and I hope you have a good recovery! I have a follow up blog coming on how to best manage the dreaded post surgical shoulder pain from the gas so keep and eye out for that!
Article written by Dr Emma Berry (Osteopath)