Post Op recovery, no narcotics/opiods
I was super stressed about my recovery, so I recorded the recovery process, I hope this helps others who are stressing!
Pre-op: told the first nurse that saw me I wanted no narcotics. I explained that my family has a history of addiction, and I wanted no chance of anything. Was told to tell my pre-op nurse, anesthesiologist, and operating doctor. Anesthesiologist attempted to talk me out of it. I persisted that I wanted absolutely no narcotics.
Post-op: i... honestly, I don't remember much. I was drugged outta my mind, the doctor told me (and my husband) a bunch of rules and helped me get dressed. One thing I say is an absolute need, have someone there that will listen and remember post-op instructions. You will be drugged up and will NOT remember most of what they say to you. If needed, have that person write everything down. Not everything will be in your discharge paperwork
12hrs post op: belly hurts, but it's tolerable feels more like I'm sore after a workout than actual pain. Way better than the endo pain.
24hrs: The binder helps, but I prefer to keep it off so far. It helps keep your belly from getting jostled and helps support it if you are lying on your side. (I don't even have much of a belly, but it's enough that it's uncomfortable). However, personally, I just support my belly with a pillow when laying down. Belly hurts more than before. However, I've been walking/climbing up and down stairs all day.
48 hours: I'm uncomfortable in some positions, but really, the pain from the procedure is nothing close to what I've felt from the endometriosis, so it's not hard for me to ignore.
Day Three: I don't feel too bad! I managed to do some household chores (no vacuuming, per doctors instructions, lmao!) and still feel okay. The biggest thing I've noticed is that I've been sleeping a lot, which my husband and inlaws say is fairly normal after a surgery because your body heals better when it's asleep. My tummy is starting to bruise, tho! Also, my belly button glue started to fall off today.
Day four: My incisions started itching today, and I probably poked and prodded them more than I should have, so they're quite sore today.
Day five: Glue has started falling off. I didn't take any pain meds today, and I feel great! Started bleeding like crazy late last night, but I think it's a coincidence, and I got my period.
Day six: My period felt so much better than normal. I mean, it was heavy as hell for like, 48 hours, but now I'm just spotting. I've been picking at my glue, which I know I shouldn't be, but it itches so much I can't help myself
Day 7: One week in! I feel almost normal and I return to work tomorrow! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer them.