How long were you on the couch for? My bf and mom will be home with me the first few days I guess I need someone. And than ill either try work monday but I feel like I could be ok 5 days later?

You should drive for 4-5 days after surgery. To make sure all anesthesia is out of your system. You wont have an appetite for a few days and therefore wont be eating out so you shouldnt drive until you get your sttength all the way back.

Yeah, I know that, but last surgery I couldn't drive for 3 weeks! I can handle a few days. I'm going to try and go out to dinner Saturday if I feel OK. I feel like all I'll be doing is sitting down. BUT if I don't feel good, I will not be going :) How are all you ladies feeling? I'm strangely not THAT nervous!

Just more scared about the enema and the douche. How do you shove something up your butt?! But I guess its better than pooing all day. One time deal!

Hey Alana...I'm SO RELIEVED that you've finally taken this huge step. I'm proud of you, gur-r-l=)

Sorry I've been out of the loop, in my own deep dark depression as I suffer through the trials and tribulations of FINALLY surrendering to Pain Management with a specialist. It's not going well. Methadone and Morphine ER were unbearable and almost sent me over the edge. I am currently taking Oxycodone which doesn't touch my pain. It just makes me not care that I'm hurting. It's not the answer, but it's all I've got for now. Any suggestions would be WELCOME!

Alana...I would like to know more specifics of your planned surgery on the 25th. I'm almost afraid to say anything, knowing your anxiety issues. BUT I think maybe you need to consider some things beyond the enema---SO PLEASE bear with me and try not to freak out---That's not my intention. I just want you to be PROACTIVE with your upcoming surgery. FYI---The enema isn't necessary if you plan ahead to cleanse your colon pre-surgery. I recommend what has ALWAYS worked best for me to avoid the enema and/or drinking the dreaded "camel" amounts of bowel prep. I eat a light diet for two days prior to prep (little to no meat or cheese). On the day before surgery (June 24--EARLY morning) take 4 Dulcolax and drink one half to a full bottle of Magnesium Citrate. (I pour it over crushed ice and sip quickly through a straw) You will experience frequent trips to the bathroom within a couple of hours. It will continue until you think you've passed brain matter and there's nothing left in you but clear liquid. It won't be pleasant, but it will be efficient and quick. I make Jell-O, buy little containers of applesauce or soft fruits, chicken or beef bullion cubes (for a soothing HOT cup of comfort) unlimited liquids--cold or hot until midnight. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

I know the lap is diagnostic, but do you have a plan in place for WHAT is found? IF indeed endometriosis is found, will you have it excised in that same surgery? Believe me, I KNOW what it's like to "not know", but...giving carte blanche with this disease (to a surgeon) is not a good idea. You need to have a plan, whether it's diagnosis only OR find and excise all lesions and implants of mutated cells (but leave organs intact) to prevent a second surgery. However, IF the disease is advanced to the point of invasive organ involvement...then what...proceed with whatever is necessary to eradicate the visible endometriosis OR let you decide at a later date to have additional surgery?

I swear I'm not trying to frighten you, but I care about you and want you to have a successful outcome. I'm hoping (but HOPE is not a plan) that your endometriosis is not yet so advanced that you have to consider removal of uterus or ovaries...but have you thought that through? Where are you with child bearing? Do you have any desire to conceive? If not (considering your horrid issues with bleeding) perhaps you'd benefit from hysterectomy (which is ONLY removal of uterus). That was the ONLY advantage of my hysterectomy. I no longer had the blood of periods---hemorrhaging and cramping while passing massive clots (TMI) to the point of passing out. I will say that I STILL have "phantom periods" every month with no bleeding of course. I have the severe cramping, distention, bloating w/bowel issues---severe constipation requiring daily softeners and stimulants for the rest of my life. I never missed my uterus or the bleeding BUT I definitely wanted to have at least 2 children...though I KNEW conception was impossible. I'm not advocating hysterectomy to ANYONE. I'm only trying to prepare you so that you are not vulnerable and left to the mercy of the surgeon's decision.

I am encouraged by the fact that you will FINALLY get some much needed answers and possible pain relief. I, too am "excited" for you as I KNOW you've struggled with decisions. You are funny in that you "want" to "know" how you'll feel and how this will affect plans, travel, etc. NO ONE can provide these answers. You can base your expectations on your history of post-procedure recovery. Everyone heals in a different time period, depending on the extent of their surgical procedure.

Just KNOW THIS, Alana...Your surgery has to take front and center for you. Diagnosis and treatment are of UTMOST priority for you. Please don't let anything else influence your opportunity to FEEL BETTER, whether it takes a week (doubtful) or several weeks. Don't rush it. Don't sacrifice your health on any level because the ramifications are lifelong. Prepare yourself for the procedure and for your recovery. NOTHING ELSE matters right now=)

You're going to be FINE and bikini ready...or "naked but NOT afraid" as your scars will be minimal=)

HUGS~~Pup

Hey
Thanks. I am getting it excised as well not just diagnostic, that seems silly to me why go in twice? My mom knows to only OK uterus and it will be known. My doc wants to take my ovaries, but I do NOT want that to happen. I do not want kids. I am an emotional depressed mess and getting pregnant on top of that is not the answer. I just got off the pill and I am a complete mess and joy I get to go on another one Friday to get even more fucked up.

I honestly think about suicide, I cant take it anymore. I'm an emotional wreck, crying at work, don't want to be around anyone including my boyfriend. I hate myself and I hate this god damn disease. I'm at the end of my rope. Awesome. I almost don't even think I'm psychologically ready for this surgery, but at least people will leave me alone and let me sleep while I recover.

Oh, Alana...You are not alone. I understand that you are overwhelmed with anxiety. I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you and quietly offer you support. As for suicidal thoughts...We've ALL been there...and will be there frequently with this disease...Please DO NOT ACT upon it. Your life will get BETTER once you get the surgery YOU NEED. You are a BITCHING (in a good way) BROAD with the personality to kick ass with this disease. Put those BIG GIRL BRITCHES on and fight like the ninja I know you are. Get MAD as hell and find your strength, as "mad" trumps "sad" and makes you proactive rather than reactive.

I LOVE that your mother will be there to advocate for you. I feel better knowing that she will be YOUR VOICE while you are anesthetized. The next couple of weeks will be harrowing for you, as your anxiety has overcome you. If you take meds for it...take them religiously not missing a dose. If you don't...ask your doctor for some to get you through the next several weeks. Can you see a therapist to purge your emotions, fears and doubts? That would be so very empowering for you right now. This is TOUGH on a marriage, so it HAS TO BE rough with your boyfriend. Do you live together? Just asking because you may need our own SPACE post surgery with someone there 24/7 for a couple of days...your mom instead of your BF as caregiver, possibly?

Alana...It's going to be okay...I promise. I'm here if you need me. You KNOW you have tremendous support to GET THIS SURGERY here on this forum. Everybody's cheering for you to get some relief. Hang in there, girl!!!

~~Pup

Thank you I needed to see that. I don't know if its a totally great idea to be starting a new birth control and then do surgery in the same week. I'm really depressed. I don't take anything for it, but do have some Xanax, so maybe I'll take one when I get home.

I just want to know when I'll be back up and doing stuff. Doctors make it seem like you'll be ok in 2 days.

My Dr never told me I'd be fine in 2 days. My post op appt was a week after my lap and I wasn't suppose to drive or go back to work until after that appt (though I drove myself to ask of my post op appts!)...and frankly I didn't want too!
Those are things you can ask at your pre op.

Good luck today

It fell thru they never scheduled it, thank you tho!

Didn't you have it rescheduled?

So strange. I wonder why this keeps happening with your doctor. I personally would get a new one if a much needed surgery kept getting cancelled. Though Im a little confused as to what this was for. I read in another post that you were trying to get your tubes tied but they wouldn't do it. Was the lap to do that procedure or was it to see if you have endo (since you haven't been officially diagnosed yet)?

Do you plan on trying to get another surgery date?

It was for a lap, a d&c and a tubal. The hospital scheduling got screwed up not my doctor and the first time around I cancelled it because I was stupid. Now it is for sure scheduled August 15 (I had to wait because of scheduling conflicts and he's out of town sporadically during the summer and I didn't want to be doctorless if something came up).

The lap is to see if I have it (or something else going on) and remove whatever the problem is. I also stopped taking birth control and feel a lot better, but I guess we will see what happens when I get my next period...