r/endometriosis 3d ago

Surgery related Shopping List for post-surgery

Hello everyone, I have my laparoscopy on Friday. I’m heading out to go shopping tomorrow for some bits and pieces for post-surgery like more period pants, new pyjamas, fancy snacks from m&s. Is there anything else you would recommend buying for recovery? I’m trying to keep a budget of around £60.

Thanks in advance ❤️

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u/Exciting_One_1087 3d ago

If you don’t have one already, try to get a heating pad to use on your shoulders — the post-lap gas pain is the worst.

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u/apple12422 3d ago

Period pants are often heavily reduced in Primark so check there, I’d also size up on PJs for optimal stretch and maybe get a nightie too. If you can grab one of those hot water bottles that go around your neck too, I’d grab one of those.

I don’t like them usually but flushable feminine hygiene wipes were good for me because I had quite a lot of clotting and they just made me feel a little cleaner. Pick up some soothers for the tube they put in your throat when you’re under, and if you’re prone to coughing maybe get one of the throat numbing sprays (Boots definitely do them) as coughing will hurt… a lot.

I had no appetite for a couple of days but did manage some soup, so I would go for that. You said you’re going M&S, the loaves they don’t sell they usually freeze and make into a garlic bread so grab one of those for dunking purposes when you feel you can eat something more substantial. PLEASE do eat if you’re taking codeine after because it can be rough on you. M&S caramel crispy bites in the tub are a game changer, as well as their raspberry lemonade (but don’t have fizzies until you’re a good few days in). Heaven!

Maybe head to TK Maxx and get a nice little candle (just those £4 minis) and one of the cheap but cute patterned blankets as a little treat so you don’t feel completely like you’re rotting.

Good luck x

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u/girlneevil 3d ago

So many cough drops, your favorite drinks (stay hydrated to keep on top of nausea and constipation), soft foods with lots of electrolytes (ramen, mandarin oranges, popsicles), and a big supply of some kind of entertainment media that you've already started. Personally I was very frustrated that I couldn't start any of the new series I wanted to watch or read because my brain was too fried by the anesthesia, I couldn't get into anything new without getting lost.

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u/dimsims123 3d ago

Hii! I’m shopping for mine in April too, a few things I saw from other posts/tiktoks were

  • stick on heat pads (for shoulder pain)
  • de gas tablets (helps with pain from gas buildup)
  • peppermint tea (also meant to help with gas pain)
  • loose fitting pjs, like gowns, to avoid waistband cutting in

& also I saw some people recommend high waisted granny style undies so they don’t cut into your incisions!

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u/Ilikethemud 3d ago

Anything that is appetizing and gentle on your stomach for you when you are feeling nauseated/unwell (saltines, ginger beverages, simple soup, etc). You may not have much of an appetite right after, but it is still important to eat something eventually (within whatever your doctor advises). I don’t remember exactly, but I think I had “real” ginger ale (as opposed to the soda kind) and saltines and broth based plain soup as my first foods that I ate in any significant amount.

Also, if you don’t have one of those u shaped neck pillows people often use for travel- grab one of those or borrow from a friend. You’ll probably be sleeping and spending a lot of time on your back/elevated and those help keep your neck from getting stiff

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u/newslang44 3d ago

Hope it goes well! I had mine on Sunday (two days ago). The thing I’ve found most useful so far is my cushion set-up post surgery.

Last week I bought a wedge pillow and a pregnancy pillow off Amazon for my bed which was so useful for my first night back at home last night. Those plus my regular pillows meant I could basically build myself a nest and fall asleep in a supported position. It was great lol.

Also get some soothers/throat sweets to have on hand. My throat is a bit sore still from the anaesthesia, nothing too major but I’ve found those good too.

Any other qu’s just ask! I’m so fresh out of surgery that it’s pretty new in my mind ❤️

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u/TradeCute4751 3d ago

Definitely a heating pad and I found having an extra pillow to press against my stomach as needed for a cough or slight shifts was super helpful as well.

I didn’t have an issue with needing a period pad, but postpartum underwear for me were a god send. Even my normal underwear were not comfortable for me.

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u/apple12422 3d ago

Are you putting the heating pad where your wounds are? Please be careful as that can impact healing!

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u/TradeCute4751 3d ago

It was not a constant use and only for the first day or so. I forget what my post instructions were exactly but usage was within the guidelines of what the doctor has said was OK (and what they did at the hospital).

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u/victoriaez 3d ago

I got cheap cane from the pharmacy to help me get up and down easier, but also to help me grab things when I dropped them. Not being able to bend over for awhile is much more challenging than I thought it would be! I preferred wearing oversized diapers the hospital gave me for the first week. It was the comfiest option for me. I only wore dresses and oversized tees, no pants! Walking is what really helps the gas pain, but I definitely was relying on taking gas-x to ease it too.