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If surgery is the next step in treating your endometriosis, it's natural to be overwhelmed by the process.
But not to worry, Nurse Roo has got you covered with her list of recommendations for you to conquer the next part of your journey with ease.
If you can, it's also really helpful to see a physiotherapist, dietician and psychologist to help manage your recovery. Even just a few appointments can make a massive difference.
Your doctor may be able to put you on a chronic disease management plan, if one is offered in your jurisdiction. These plans either reduce or fully cover these types of services. Be sure to ask your doctor if this is available. You deserve it.
10 Tips to Perfectly Handle Your Endo Surgery and Recovery
1. Eat a healthy diet in the weeks leading up to your surgery, including five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. This will boost your mood, reduce nerves and ensure your body is at its strongest. I personally love palm plants, despite my hoomans' objections.
2. It feels nice to have a bath or shower the evening before or day of your surgery, since you won't be able to for a few days afterwards. You'll likely be asked to remove all nail polish, too - so don't get your paws shellacked.
It's also nice to treat yourself with a cozy new pair of pyjamas or sweats to enjoy during your recovery. Just think of it as prescriptive self-care.
3. Even if you're not meant to stay overnight, it's always good to pack an overnight bag, just in case. It's helpful to pack:
a phone charger
headphones
pads
chapstick
de-gas tablets
slippers
change of clothes
heat packs for your shoulders (the gas to inflate your tummy will escape through your shoulders, which can be a pain).
4. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes to the hospital (nothing with a zipper in the pants) and pack a pillow for the car ride home to put under your seatbelt.
This will be a massive help to ensure your seatbelt doesn't rub against your tummy. Ouch!
5. Your nerves might be pretty high on the day, and that's totally normal, sweets. Save some funny YouTube clips or Instagram reels to watch while waiting to go into the operating room. This is a great distraction and will help you relax. My hooman's meditations are also very helpful!
6. You'll be pretty sleepy and foggy after your surgery, which is when your doctor conveniently debriefs you on how it all went. One of my favourite tips is to ask them to use your phone to record what they say. That way, you can catch every detail when you listen back - and you get to hear all the crazy stuff you say when coming off of anaesthesia.
7. You might be on strong medications for the first few days/weeks following your surgery. It's helpful to write down the meds you've taken, since it can be easy to forget and you don't want to double up!
It's also good to drink lots of water and electrolytes to help avoid any constipation these drugs may cause.
8. Take it extra slow for the first few weeks following your surgery. Go for short walks, but prioritise your rest. Everyone's recovery is different, and some people need several months until they notice significant improvements. Be kind to yourself during this time. Take it day by day. It'll get better.
9. Mindset is everything prior to your surgery and during your recovery. Remain positive about your healing journey and try to enjoy this time. Indulge in simple pleasures like reading, watching movies and talking to loved ones.
Also, try to take as much time off of work or school as you can, including from life duties, like cleaning (it can wait!). Stress will only prolong your recovery. You so deserve this break, sweets.
10. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to trust in the process and your medical team. Lean on those you love. It'll all work out.
One final and important thing we wanted to capture was that one of the best things I did before my surgery was join the QENDO mentorship program as a mentee. I felt so supported in my journey and am so grateful to my mentor for providing me a lot of these tips and tricks.
If you're interested, you can check out the QENDO mentorship program here. It a wonderful community filled with beautiful endo warriors, just like yourself.
Alternatively, you can google any endometriosis support programs or groups that may be available in your area. Good luck, my friend. You've got this.
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