Endometriosis can be an agonizing journey for many women, impacting not just their physical health but also their emotional and mental well-being. While surgery might seem daunting, laparoscopic excision surgery offers hope for relief. In this blog, we'll delve into what to expect before, during, and after the surgery, as well as how to support your recovery holistically, including the role of acupuncture.
Preparing for Endometriosis Surgery
Consultation with Your Surgeon
Prior to surgery, ensure you have a thorough consultation with your surgeon. Discuss any concerns or questions you might have and understand the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Confirm you are having excision surgery, not ablation, to get the best outcome. Get clarity on if they will work on the bladder and bowel, and if not, what their plan is to address those areas.
Preoperative Evaluation
Follow your surgeon's instructions for preoperative evaluation, which may include tests like blood work and imaging studies. It's crucial to inform your healthcare team about any medications you're taking, including supplements and herbs. You may also request a nerve block during and after surgery to assist with pain.
Mental Preparation
Surgery can be emotionally taxing. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to ease anxiety. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family. Studies have found that meditation and hypnosis can drastically improve surgical outcomes.
During Endometriosis Surgery
Laparoscopic Excision ProcedureLaparoscopic excision surgery involves removing endometrial tissue from abnormal growths. The procedure is minimally invasive, with smaller incisions compared to traditional surgery, resulting in quicker recovery and less scarring. It should only take around 7 days for the tissue to regrow and incisions heal almost instantly.
AnesthesiaYou'll be under general anesthesia during the surgery, ensuring you're comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. It is common to have lingering brain fog post anesthesia. The quicker you are able to resume exercise the quicker this will go away.
Postoperative Care for Endometriosis Excision Surgery
Pain Management
After surgery, you may experience discomfort or pain. Follow your surgeon's instructions for pain management, which may include prescribed medications or alternative therapies like acupuncture. Set an alarm on your phone so you don’t miss any doses. Oftentimes a stool softener and gas reliever will be prescribed. These are extremely helpful and will reduce pain. Most pain experienced from a laparoscopy is due to the gas that they use in the procedure being left behind. Requesting an abdominal binder can also reduce post surgical pain and allow you to be more comfortable with mobility.
Rest and Recovery
Allow yourself ample time to rest and recover. Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects. Focus on gentle movements to prevent complications. The sooner you are able to resume walking the better. Most doctors will advise that the more you walk, the quicker you will recover. The more sedentary you are, the more risk you will have for blood clots. Aim to walk 20 minutes twice per day as soon as you are able. It can be helpful to have someone assist you on the first recovery day with meal preparation.
Nutritious Diet
A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can aid in healing and promote overall well-being. Stay hydrated and avoid foods that may exacerbate inflammation. Prepare yourself with healthy soups and bone broth in advance so that you have food that is easily digested and will help rehydrate you. The more nutrient dense the food, the better. Adding electrolytes into your water can also be helpful. It’s important to remember that any additional gas in your system can be uncomfortable so stick to foods that you know you tolerate well and feel good in your body.
Menstruation after surgery
Something that is often not discussed is what to expect after surgery when you begin menstruating again. It is very common for the first 3 menstrual cycles to be more painful than usual. An increase in inflammation following surgery will create more prostaglandins and pain. Rest assured, this will pass and a drastic improvement is seen after the 3 month mark.
Acupuncture for Endometriosis Excision Recovery
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), can play a significant role in supporting your recovery after endometriosis surgery:
Pain Management: Acupuncture is known for its analgesic properties, helping to alleviate postoperative pain without relying solely on medications.
Hormonal Balance: Endometriosis is influenced by hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture can regulate hormonal levels, potentially reducing the risk of recurrence.
Reduced Inflammation: Endometriosis causes inflammation in the pelvic region. Acupuncture targets specific points to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Stress Reduction: Surgery can be stressful. Acupuncture sessions promote relaxation and mental well-being, easing anxiety and promoting a sense of calmness.
Curious when to start Acupuncture for Endometriosis?
It is never too early to start! Acupuncture is great at preparing your body for surgery, helping balance your stress hormones and improve immunity. It is safe to resume acupuncture following excision surgery as soon as you feel comfortable being in a car. Typically that would be 4-5 days following surgery.
Reclaiming your health
Endometriosis laparoscopic excision surgery marks a significant step towards reclaiming your health and well-being. By adequately preparing for surgery, following postoperative care instructions, and embracing holistic therapies like acupuncture, you can support your recovery journey and pave the way for a brighter, pain-free future. Remember, you're not alone on this journey—lean on your support system and trust in your body's innate ability to heal.
These recommendations are meant to support your healing, however when in doubt, call your surgeon and follow their recommendations.
If you’re looking for natural support on your endometriosis journey, please call or text our clinic to schedule a free discovery call with one of our doctors. (619) 356-1225. You don’t need to go through this process alone.
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