Endometriosis Support Group
Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. A major symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area.
So, I had the surgery yesterday, & I am surprised at how much I have been able to move around!! My tummy isn't as swollen as it has been post op in the past. Plus I have been able to get up without much help. Hopefully this recovery goes smoothly! It is also a load off my mind because for the first time I have a WHOLE MONTH OFF to recover, so there is no need to stress about going back to work before I am ready (plus I am still getting paid). I am not sure what they did, the doc briefly talked to my husband & said they got all the Endo spots, but I am unsure what they did with my right fallopian tube. They said it was fully blocked with scar tissue, but I don't know if they either 1. Opened it up; 2. Removed it; or 3. Left it alone for now. I hope they didn't just leave it alone! I also had the LUNA procedure done, so I am hopeful that it will make a big difference in he long run (which I had to pay for...stupid Tricare insurance! They say that LUNA is 'experimental', but if they just googled it they would see how many studies have been done on it...& that it is successful). I will keep you guys posted about that. My pain is significant today, but thankfully they gave me the 10mg Percocet, so although that is not completely getting rid of the pain, I think that is the reason why I am able to move around a little. & yesterday, my awesome caring neighbors (who kept checking on me & even made me dinner...they are just the best!) were baffled by how I was able to walk (slowly, but still)...that is probably because before I left the hospital they gave me 2 shots of Morphine PLUS a shot of Diludad, all within 15 minutes!! Needless to say, I was extremely numb & hyper! That explains it. Haha. Anyways, does anyone have any healing advice? The last 'real' Endo surgery I had was February 2012, so I am a little rusty on the tips & tricks to having an easier healing process. Sorry for the long message guys!!
BTW what is LUNA?
LUNA is a procedure where they sever the nerves to the uterus to relieve pelvic pain. There have been studies that show that while it does not completely help with Endo pain, it can help make pain in the uterus less. Basically, you know how when there is any kind of nerve damage to anything, it takes a long time for nerves to heal, & sometimes they do not heal back to the way they were? Well, I guess the theory behind it is that by severing the nerves to the uterus, even when they do grow back together there might be some nerve damage, therefore the uterus might remain slightly numb for along period of time. Of course, this will not help me once the Endo grows outside my uterus, but it just might make it so my pain won't return for a little while longer than usual. Or something like that. I am still trying to fully understand it, but I want to keep everyone updated on how that part of my surgery goes & I plan on tracking my symptoms to see if it was worth it. I hope that I explained it well? A lot of the websites that pop up when you google "LUNA Laparoscopic Uterine Nerve Ablation" are in doctor speak (which you ValleyWillis27 might understand haha), so it still sort of confuses me a bit. I am going to ask my doctor to re-explain it to me when I go for my post-op appt in 3 weeks =D
I need to remember to keep chugging water instead of coffee! I have been trying to walk, & the pain meds help with that, but I am not doing very good at keeping on top of the pain (as in I keep forgetting to take a pill BEFORE it hurts haha). & I really need to send my hubby to Walmart to get me a heating pad. Thanks!! =D