On February 18, I’m have laparoscopy to have two hernias repaired. Having had this surgery before for something different, I found the most discomfort was caused by the air they pump into (so they can see better, I’ve heard) and other than that it was a breeze.
So now I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do or take to reduce that feeling- quite painful when it’s making your shoulders ache and quite embarassing if you don’t have sufficient noise cover when you use the bathroom, even just to pee.
Anyone?
Do they pump the air into your abdominal cavity? Or your intestines or what? The noise comment makes it seem like it’s your intestines, but why would that make your shoulders hurt?
I had a colonoscopy a few months ago, and they pumped my intestines full of air. It didn’t make me uncomfortable, and it didn’t last very long (I went to the bathroom…and that was it).
I believe they pump it into the abdominal cavity. I guess it expands the area they’re able to view on the camera. Then you’re closed up with all that air in there, and it takes a couple days for it to work it’s way out. In the meantime, the gas presses on your insides making your shoulders hurt.
A couple of years ago someone told me there was a common herb you could take the help with it, but I can’t remember the name of it.
Does the air in your abdomen actually exit your body as you urinate? I can’t see how this could happen. Was the air exiting from the hole where they inserted the laparoscope?
The air did exit my body during urination, by the usual means. It didn’t sound like a fart, exactly- it had a different quality to it, but it’s not pleasant, either.
I don’t know how the air gets into your bowels from your abdomen, but I figure if it goes in it has to come out somehow. Maybe a doctor will come along and explain it.