I’ve had an endometriosis laparoscopy twice now. My doctors had suspected endometriosis for a while, so they wanted to investigate whether any endometriosis was present. The first laparoscopy didn’t uncover anything, but as the endometriosis symptoms continued over the following years, my doctor wanted to take another look.
The first time I had endometriosis laparoscopic surgery, I had no clue what to expect. Unfortunately, the hospital I went to didn’t prepare me for what to expect or what to bring.
Luckily, the second time, I had my surgery at a great hospital with a great team of surgeons and nurses. Along with doing my research, I had an amazing specialist who talked me through each step. At my pre-op appointment, they also gave me a printout of what they would do during surgery, what would happen post-op, and they also gave me a list of items to pack.
Now that I’ve been through the process twice, I know what to bring and what I would bring if I ever have to do it again. So I’ve put together a list of items to pack if you’re having an endometriosis laparoscopy.
What To Pack For Your Endometriosis Laparoscopy
- Duffle/ overnight bag – Of course, you need a good sturdy bag to put everything in. I love this one because it’s sturdy, holds a lot and also has a shoulder strap, which comes in handy, as post-op, the last thing you want to do is heave around a heavy bag. I’ve had this one for a while and still use it years later, compared to others I’ve had, which fall to pieces after a few uses.
Clothes To Pack For Your Endometriosis Laparoscopy
- Slippers – The second hospital I went to was amazing and gave socks and slippers, but I packed a pair just in case to keep my feet warm and to feel comfortable if I had to walk to the bathroom or something. These are the ones I ordered. They’re comfy and keep your feet warm (they’re also pretty cute).
- Socks – Most hospitals should give you compression socks, but just in case, you may want to bring your own; they help with blood flow post-op. I also bought these fluffy socks to keep my feet warm.
- Loose underwear – When you come out of surgery, you’ll want to have on comfy loose underwear. It’s best to size up, as your stomach will be a little bloated and you’ll probably have to wear a pad. These are the ones I bought. They were comfy and washed well. I went up two sizes and ordered a few for when I left the hospital and for when I got home.
- Period underwear – For my first two surgeries, I had no clue that there was actual period underwear, so if I had to do it all again, I’d definitely invest in some. Here’s one I found which has great reviews and is also at a reasonable price.
- A nightdress or pyjamas – Having to sit around in a hospital gown with your ass exposed isn’t the most comfortable feeling. So you can pack a nightdress to slip into, like this one, or these PJs. They look super comfy.
- Robe – After my first surgery, I had the most uncomfortable clothes to change back into going home, and I can remember thinking, why didn’t I just pack a robe that could slip on and be out the door, no hassle? This one is super comfy and also has a hood. Great, if you’re leaving during colder weather or want to be incognito.
- A change of clothes to go home in – Get something loose that is easy to put on and that won’t rub on your incisions. Coming home on both occasions, I wore this tracksuit, which doesn’t have a tight waistband, and is easy to slip on and off.
- Hair bands/ scrunchies or headscarf – The last thing you want to worry about is your hair being in the way of getting on your nerves. The first time, I wore my hair up and had a few hair bands to hand in case I needed another. For my second endometriosis laparoscopy, I wrapped my hair instead and wore a headscarf; they have so many cute ones on Urban Outfitters.
Toiletries To Pack For Your Endometriosis Laparoscopy
- Toiletry bag – I didn’t have to stay overnight, but I had an overnight bag just in case. I have one similar to this, which also comes in handy when travelling. It has enough space to fit your essentials into one bag and is slim enough to fit in your overnight bag.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush – I got this travel-sized toothbrush as it folds into a neat case.
- Travel-size deodorant
- Small towel – I also got a pack of small face towels and packed a couple, in case I wanted to freshen up or wash my face.
- Sanitary pads – You may bleed a lot after surgery (I know I did), so you’ll need to have pads at the ready, and a good amount of them. I went for these, which are 100% cotton and plastic-free.
- Body wipes – You probably won’t be able to take a full-on shower. So you can use wipes to freshen up. I packed these FreshWipes.
- Hand sanitiser – I know it’s a hospital, and there will be sanitiser all over the place. But I had a small one, anyway.
- Lip balm – After surgery, your lips will be chapped, so bring a chapstick or lip balm. I use this one, which is one of my holy grail products.
Technology And Devices To Pack For Your Endometriosis Laparoscopy
- Headphones – I had my AirPods with me as I was nervous and listened to music to help keep me calm. You can also listen to a podcast or an ebook whilst you wait to go into surgery or when you come out.
- Power Bank – A lifesaver if you end up being admitted. I have this one.
Optional Extras
- Medication and vitamins – Bring any medication and vitamins you’re taking with you in case you’re admitted. At the time of my second laparoscopy, I was on medication that I had to take three times a day, so I brought it with me in a pillbox. This is the one I have; it has a pod for each day, so no need to carry around a chunky case.
- A book or Kindle – Just in case you get bored or want to take your mind off your surgery. Here are a few book recommendations if you need some inspo.
- Water bottle – Your throat will be dry after surgery, after having tubes down your throat. You’ll, of course, be given water at the hospital, but I also had my water bottle with me. I bought one similar to this one and still use it to this day.
- Throat lozenges – You’ll be under general anaesthesia, so they will put an endotracheal tube down your throat to give you oxygen during surgery. Because of that, your throat will probably feel a little sore when you come out, so having some throat lozenges can help coat your throat. These are the ones I used, which were helpful.
- Peppermint tea bags – I didn’t bring them to either surgery, and I really wish I had. I was told I may have a little gas pain, but I didn’t expect it to be that bad. Peppermint tea, ginger tea and water were a lifesaver. Out of everything on the list, I’d say this should be in your top five!
- Blanket – Hospitals are cold as hell! Well, sometimes. So you can bring a cosy blanket like this one to keep you warm.
All The Best
I hope this helped make packing for your Endometriosis laparoscopy a little easier. Wishing you a safe op and speedy recovery!
If you have any more suggestions, feel free to drop them below.
