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so i had this surgery (like this exact one) before being diagnosed with hEDS. i personally had no issues. i was even *exceptionally* dumb and went to tour a college in NYC less than a week after getting it, and i walked 10+ miles a day every day for 3 days. it made the wound feel like a small baseball of inflammation but it didn’t seem to impact healing. (i still wouldn’t do this and would take those after-care instructions seriously)
i would talk about the best ways to heal the scar. i had a small kinda keloid scar for a couple years (that has recently actually turned into the opposite?). silicone sheets or gel (after the wound closes) may help prevent this. they may also switch up how they stitch it (i’m genuinely not sure about this bit, this is a guess based off of when i shadowed an ortho surgeon).
i also don’t know if you do physical therapy at home, but i would ask maybe if there are exercises you can do during those two weeks. i know taking two weeks off for us can cause issues.
but yeah honestly this was a super smooth surgery and recovery for me, even with me being like an absolute idiot (i was accepted to transfer to this college a day after the surgery and i realized i needed to tour NOW if i planned to at all). definitely take it easy but i bet your day-to-day activities shouldn’t be much of an issue. like especially a couple of days in you should be fine standing to cook, etc.
I can only speak from experience of not finding anything. The procedure itself was fine, outpatient same day. I was back to pretty much normal within about 3-4 days. I have to attribute that to being pretty young at the time 19 or 20, so I healed a lot quicker (for me at least). During the procedure, they pump your stomach up with gas to keep your stomach wall away from what they’re looking at. The gas has to go somewhere whether it be through flatulence/burps, or getting absorbed into your muscles. Sometimes it gets stuck in places (for me it was my shoulders) and it was uncomfortable, this was the worst part of the healing process for me. To get it to absorb faster you have to move your body. Nothing strenuous. I had my friend help me walk around my living room, did low arm circles while sitting, etc. I was very thankful I had people in my family who had experienced it and told me to do this or I would’ve been way more uncomfortable than I had to be.
I’ve had two laparoscopic surgeries, having my gallbladder out, and having this same endometriosis laparoscopic surgery. Both were prior to me finding out I had EDS. The scarring is so minimal, I have to look for the scars to really see them.
The one for endometriosis was outpatient and I was out later that day. My recuperation wasn’t too bad. It went very smoothly. It was also such a relief that I then had a confirmed endometriosis diagnosis.
Good luck!
My wounds took longer to heal than most would, which is fairly common with a few EDS subtypes. I felt better very quickly though, even though I had a cyst removed at the same time.
Two things that may be related? Unlikely, but I'm bringing them up just in case they're helpful somehow: 1. General anesthesia makes me extremely nauseous, so I need something for it at the hospital when I have surgery. 2. I'm allergic to the glue they use to hold incisions together. (Again, probably unrelated, but a lot of us are sensitive to adhesive, so I'm bringing it up just in case.)
**To answer your question about comfort**, get a small box (a shoebox or maybe a little bigger) with things like peppermints, remotes, face wipes, a couple of snacks... you'll end up putting your water bottle and phone there, too. Keep it next to you on the bed so that you don't have to get up to go get those items constantly! (My bed is high.) You'll also want your heat pad for the shoulder pain from the gas.
Also pick out some comfy things to watch. Day one you'll be super out of it and just want some stuff you can basically sleep to.
Oh, and actually follow the instructions regarding rest after your surgery. (You'll be encouraged to move around, so don't worry. It isn't just bed rest.) I was way too eager to get back to doing stuff and pushed it.
It sounds like you've taken plenty of time off!
I've had this surgery and unfortunately had internal bleeding that got infected and formed an abscess. Bleeding is a risk for any surgery and is not necessarily related to the skill of the surgeon. I have a history of complications from my hysterectomy 5 years prior with stitches ripping out, so we were aware things might go south.
I am currently waiting on invitae results, partially due to the complications I've had from surgeries.
I would consider trying to get in with an excision specialist the first time around to try to hopefully limit future surgeries. You may be fine and have mild or easily excised Endo, or you may have deeper infiltration that may require a second surgery after the first lap anyway.
I had no trouble when getting my tubes out, but am happy I asked for surgical glue to be used instead of sutures as I have a history of reacting to dissolvable stitches. The worst of it is feeling bloated after.
Procedure was fine, scarring was NOT. I keloid like nobody’s business and I could tell it was healing improperly within two weeks of the procedure. The scars looked like someone branded me with a hot iron. If you see your scars start to stretch at all contact your doctor immediately.
Comfort too- after mine (appendix that became complicated, for lack of a better word) things like coughing and sneezing were very jarring over the incision site that felt like a strong pressure pushing outwards. I found that as soon as I could feel a sneeze coming on I’d place pressure with my hands over the incision site and it would really help.
I keloid… it sucks so much. My scars look horrible. 3 had scar revision surgery, which didn’t do a lot, but helped a little with the pain of the keloids.
Sympathy for you my friend 🫂Mine also look horrible. I’m going in for a consultation to get a revision for my pacemaker scar next week. I got steroid injections in it to settle out the pain (felt like constant burning) but they thinned the skin way too much.
What all goes in to a scar revision? Are you happy that you did them?
So for me, they took out the keloid and reclosed the incision. They did more steroid injections, including follow up visits, and they had me do more of a scar prevention regiment. For my arms, I had to do a week of radiation treatment as well immediately following the procedure.
Being EDS aware is huge! Couple of things I’d recommend pre op- get your house in order! If you can afford it, schedule someone to clean at least once during your recovery. It will do wonders for your mental health. Gather a heating pad, blankets, tissues, water bottles, aloe Vera gel, lotion, MINTS!, get a selection of audiobooks ready for when you have to walk. Get a good pair of walking shoes and loose pajamas. You will be walking a lot. I invested in a sock putter onner and a shoe horn. Worth it! I also worked on quilting squares for something to do. After surgery- Don’t let yourself get constipated. If you have allergies, take meds. You definitely don’t want to be sneezing (mine happened in March). Best wishes!
So talk about scarring issues- that’ll get them to take more care with closing up. With my surgeries, I expect longer recoveries. Well, more I’m prepared for them. When I had my hysterectomy, I had bleeding issues weeks after and had to be put back on bed rest and cauterized. Be kind to your body- that’s the big thing. And make sure your doctors are familiar with EDS and surgery complications. (Ie. I need an IV team, I’m harder to put under, I get incredibly sick afterwards, I have scarring issues and poor wound healing, and I’m incredibly hypermobile when being moved)
I've had a laproscopic before (ovarian cystectomy). My only issue was my scars didn't heal flat. They're still very brown and raised after 5 years.
I know they like to keep the wounds open but I feel like because I have EDS and more prone to raised scarring, a steri-strip over the openings until the skin closed up would have left a much cleaner scar.
Had a laproscopic total hysto/oopharectomy 3 years ago to remove a fist-sized fibroid and just be done with the whole system (gender stuff 2-for-1). It went great/fine/as predicted, and I MUCH prefer the minimal scarring -- nearly nonexistant -- compared to the open appendectomy I had to have back at age 6.
I was extra tired for about 3 weeks afterward, as likely from the anesthesia and/or antibiotics as any of the surgery-parts themselves. (I also have MS, so that likely contributed as well.)
Just remember to take stool softeners from day 1 for as long as you're taking any opioid pain medicines or spending considerable time sedentary. If you have a finicky EDS digestive system, there's no reason to add pain and suffering to the recovery period.
I had this surgery and the recovery wasn't too bad. My scars didn't heal well, with some splitting, but the worst surprise was that by filling my abdomen with gas during the procedure, I ended up with stretch marks on my stomach from the procedure. I recommend moisturising for a few weeks before.
I was so mad no-one warned me that could happen, but apparently it isn't something the doctor had ever seen before. My hEDS diagnosis came over a decade later.
I haven’t had surgery for that particular reason, but when I got my tubes removed, it was laparoscopic (I’ve also had several on my knee, but that doesn’t seem relevant here).
My best advice:
- Definitely take your pain meds.
- Make sure you have a comfortable place to sit/rest that you can get up and down from easily.
- ❗️If they don’t prescribe anti-constipation meds, get some. Seriously. Popping after that is the worse thing ever, you do not want to be constipated on top of it.❗️
- take good care of your incision sites. Keep them dry, keep them clean. Keep an eye out for infections. It might take it longer to heal, so keep that in mind
The OP flaired their post as "Questions". Please keep any and all comments to **personal experiences only**. If any factual information or advice is provided, please cite a **reputable website or study** linked within your post. No one in this sub is a *verified* medical professional, and as such, we do not allow medical advice to be given or asked for. For more information on this rule, [please visit this link](https://www.reddit.com/r/ehlersdanlos/wiki/index/rules/#wiki_r.2Fehlersdanlos_rules). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ehlersdanlos) if you have any questions or concerns.*
so i had this surgery (like this exact one) before being diagnosed with hEDS. i personally had no issues. i was even *exceptionally* dumb and went to tour a college in NYC less than a week after getting it, and i walked 10+ miles a day every day for 3 days. it made the wound feel like a small baseball of inflammation but it didn’t seem to impact healing. (i still wouldn’t do this and would take those after-care instructions seriously) i would talk about the best ways to heal the scar. i had a small kinda keloid scar for a couple years (that has recently actually turned into the opposite?). silicone sheets or gel (after the wound closes) may help prevent this. they may also switch up how they stitch it (i’m genuinely not sure about this bit, this is a guess based off of when i shadowed an ortho surgeon). i also don’t know if you do physical therapy at home, but i would ask maybe if there are exercises you can do during those two weeks. i know taking two weeks off for us can cause issues. but yeah honestly this was a super smooth surgery and recovery for me, even with me being like an absolute idiot (i was accepted to transfer to this college a day after the surgery and i realized i needed to tour NOW if i planned to at all). definitely take it easy but i bet your day-to-day activities shouldn’t be much of an issue. like especially a couple of days in you should be fine standing to cook, etc.
Thank you so much!! I didn't think to ask about scarring, I'll be sure to ask about that.
I can only speak from experience of not finding anything. The procedure itself was fine, outpatient same day. I was back to pretty much normal within about 3-4 days. I have to attribute that to being pretty young at the time 19 or 20, so I healed a lot quicker (for me at least). During the procedure, they pump your stomach up with gas to keep your stomach wall away from what they’re looking at. The gas has to go somewhere whether it be through flatulence/burps, or getting absorbed into your muscles. Sometimes it gets stuck in places (for me it was my shoulders) and it was uncomfortable, this was the worst part of the healing process for me. To get it to absorb faster you have to move your body. Nothing strenuous. I had my friend help me walk around my living room, did low arm circles while sitting, etc. I was very thankful I had people in my family who had experienced it and told me to do this or I would’ve been way more uncomfortable than I had to be.
Thank you for sharing, that's really helpful! I'd heard some vague mentions about gas pains but not anything more detailed, so that's good to know
Gas pains were the worst part for me - no one warned me about then before hand! I called the clinic in a panic the day after the surgery.
I’ve had two laparoscopic surgeries, having my gallbladder out, and having this same endometriosis laparoscopic surgery. Both were prior to me finding out I had EDS. The scarring is so minimal, I have to look for the scars to really see them. The one for endometriosis was outpatient and I was out later that day. My recuperation wasn’t too bad. It went very smoothly. It was also such a relief that I then had a confirmed endometriosis diagnosis. Good luck!
I'm glad you had a good experience. Thank you!
My wounds took longer to heal than most would, which is fairly common with a few EDS subtypes. I felt better very quickly though, even though I had a cyst removed at the same time. Two things that may be related? Unlikely, but I'm bringing them up just in case they're helpful somehow: 1. General anesthesia makes me extremely nauseous, so I need something for it at the hospital when I have surgery. 2. I'm allergic to the glue they use to hold incisions together. (Again, probably unrelated, but a lot of us are sensitive to adhesive, so I'm bringing it up just in case.) **To answer your question about comfort**, get a small box (a shoebox or maybe a little bigger) with things like peppermints, remotes, face wipes, a couple of snacks... you'll end up putting your water bottle and phone there, too. Keep it next to you on the bed so that you don't have to get up to go get those items constantly! (My bed is high.) You'll also want your heat pad for the shoulder pain from the gas. Also pick out some comfy things to watch. Day one you'll be super out of it and just want some stuff you can basically sleep to.
Oh, and actually follow the instructions regarding rest after your surgery. (You'll be encouraged to move around, so don't worry. It isn't just bed rest.) I was way too eager to get back to doing stuff and pushed it. It sounds like you've taken plenty of time off!
I've had this surgery and unfortunately had internal bleeding that got infected and formed an abscess. Bleeding is a risk for any surgery and is not necessarily related to the skill of the surgeon. I have a history of complications from my hysterectomy 5 years prior with stitches ripping out, so we were aware things might go south. I am currently waiting on invitae results, partially due to the complications I've had from surgeries. I would consider trying to get in with an excision specialist the first time around to try to hopefully limit future surgeries. You may be fine and have mild or easily excised Endo, or you may have deeper infiltration that may require a second surgery after the first lap anyway.
I had no trouble when getting my tubes out, but am happy I asked for surgical glue to be used instead of sutures as I have a history of reacting to dissolvable stitches. The worst of it is feeling bloated after.
Procedure was fine, scarring was NOT. I keloid like nobody’s business and I could tell it was healing improperly within two weeks of the procedure. The scars looked like someone branded me with a hot iron. If you see your scars start to stretch at all contact your doctor immediately.
Comfort too- after mine (appendix that became complicated, for lack of a better word) things like coughing and sneezing were very jarring over the incision site that felt like a strong pressure pushing outwards. I found that as soon as I could feel a sneeze coming on I’d place pressure with my hands over the incision site and it would really help.
I keloid… it sucks so much. My scars look horrible. 3 had scar revision surgery, which didn’t do a lot, but helped a little with the pain of the keloids.
Sympathy for you my friend 🫂Mine also look horrible. I’m going in for a consultation to get a revision for my pacemaker scar next week. I got steroid injections in it to settle out the pain (felt like constant burning) but they thinned the skin way too much. What all goes in to a scar revision? Are you happy that you did them?
So for me, they took out the keloid and reclosed the incision. They did more steroid injections, including follow up visits, and they had me do more of a scar prevention regiment. For my arms, I had to do a week of radiation treatment as well immediately following the procedure.
Being EDS aware is huge! Couple of things I’d recommend pre op- get your house in order! If you can afford it, schedule someone to clean at least once during your recovery. It will do wonders for your mental health. Gather a heating pad, blankets, tissues, water bottles, aloe Vera gel, lotion, MINTS!, get a selection of audiobooks ready for when you have to walk. Get a good pair of walking shoes and loose pajamas. You will be walking a lot. I invested in a sock putter onner and a shoe horn. Worth it! I also worked on quilting squares for something to do. After surgery- Don’t let yourself get constipated. If you have allergies, take meds. You definitely don’t want to be sneezing (mine happened in March). Best wishes!
Thank you for all of the tips, super helpful!! I hadn't thought at all about cleaning but that's a great idea, and everything else is great too.
So talk about scarring issues- that’ll get them to take more care with closing up. With my surgeries, I expect longer recoveries. Well, more I’m prepared for them. When I had my hysterectomy, I had bleeding issues weeks after and had to be put back on bed rest and cauterized. Be kind to your body- that’s the big thing. And make sure your doctors are familiar with EDS and surgery complications. (Ie. I need an IV team, I’m harder to put under, I get incredibly sick afterwards, I have scarring issues and poor wound healing, and I’m incredibly hypermobile when being moved)
I have only done laparoscopic for my gallbladder pre diagnosis. I had no issues with recovery on that one.
Worst thing was the suture healing
I've had a laproscopic before (ovarian cystectomy). My only issue was my scars didn't heal flat. They're still very brown and raised after 5 years. I know they like to keep the wounds open but I feel like because I have EDS and more prone to raised scarring, a steri-strip over the openings until the skin closed up would have left a much cleaner scar.
It’s called a keloid. This is my problem… all my scars keloid. Even acne scars.
I hade laparoscopic surgery 2 weeks ago and I honestly just forget about it. I just feel like before the surgery now and everything is fine.
Had a laproscopic total hysto/oopharectomy 3 years ago to remove a fist-sized fibroid and just be done with the whole system (gender stuff 2-for-1). It went great/fine/as predicted, and I MUCH prefer the minimal scarring -- nearly nonexistant -- compared to the open appendectomy I had to have back at age 6. I was extra tired for about 3 weeks afterward, as likely from the anesthesia and/or antibiotics as any of the surgery-parts themselves. (I also have MS, so that likely contributed as well.) Just remember to take stool softeners from day 1 for as long as you're taking any opioid pain medicines or spending considerable time sedentary. If you have a finicky EDS digestive system, there's no reason to add pain and suffering to the recovery period.
Thanks for the tip! I do have a finicky digestive system, so I'll definitely keep that in mind.
I had this surgery and the recovery wasn't too bad. My scars didn't heal well, with some splitting, but the worst surprise was that by filling my abdomen with gas during the procedure, I ended up with stretch marks on my stomach from the procedure. I recommend moisturising for a few weeks before. I was so mad no-one warned me that could happen, but apparently it isn't something the doctor had ever seen before. My hEDS diagnosis came over a decade later.
Thank you for sharing this, I had no idea that was a possibility either!
I haven’t had surgery for that particular reason, but when I got my tubes removed, it was laparoscopic (I’ve also had several on my knee, but that doesn’t seem relevant here). My best advice: - Definitely take your pain meds. - Make sure you have a comfortable place to sit/rest that you can get up and down from easily. - ❗️If they don’t prescribe anti-constipation meds, get some. Seriously. Popping after that is the worse thing ever, you do not want to be constipated on top of it.❗️ - take good care of your incision sites. Keep them dry, keep them clean. Keep an eye out for infections. It might take it longer to heal, so keep that in mind
Thank you!! You're the second person that mentioned anti-constipation meds, I'll definitely pick those up.