Preparing for Endometriosis Excision Surgery
Part 2 of our Endometriosis Series: Preparing for Surgery
In case you missed it:
Part 1: What is Endometriosis and How Can Pelvic Floor PT Help?
Endometriosis is a disease when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found in other areas of the body, such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels and abdominal lining. Many people with endometriosis experience:
Painful menstrual cramps
Pain during or between periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Fatigue
Pain during other times of the menstrual cycle, such as ovulation
Infertility
Abdominal/low back pain
Our pelvic floor physical therapists at Foundations Pelvic Health are an important part of a person’s endometriosis treatment. Whether it’s helping those with endometriosis manage the pain, prepare for surgery or recover after surgery - we are a vital part of your team and can help in so many ways!
Preparing for Excision Surgery at Foundations Pelvic Health
Currently, the only way to ‘get rid’ of endometriosis is to undergo excision surgery with an endometriosis excision surgeon. If surgery is not an option for you, there may be other ways to improve your symptoms and we recommend consulting with your doctor.
A fantastic resource is Nancy’s Nook, where you can find a lot of up-to-date information and lists of endometriosis specialists in your area. If you are in Boston or New England, the Greater Boston Endo Support Group is also an incredible local resource!
If you are preparing for excision surgery, it can be beneficial to see one of our pelvic floor PTs before your surgery. We can help you manage your symptoms and pain while waiting for your surgery date, help you understand what the surgery might entail, and discuss what recovery may be like.
Questions your pelvic floor PT will review with you:
Prior to your surgery, your PT will schedule a visit to focus on preparing you for surgery. We will review & answer any questions you may have on the following:
What to expect the day of your surgery
We are happy to further review the forms provided by your surgeon within a pelvic floor PT context
Items to have on-hand at home to assist in recovery
Heating pads, pillows, stool softeners, etc. are on the list!
Common post-operative symptoms related to pain, the bladder, and bowels & how to manage them
Activity recommendations based on your doctor’s guidelines
It will be important to slowly increase your walking endurance, as movement can help stimulate the bowels and reduce adhesions
Modifications to activities of daily living
We review ways to negotiate stairs more easily, how to get in and out of bed, how to sit on the toilet, ways to support your abdomen during bowel movements and/or coughing, lifting mechanics (within your restrictions) and more!
Recommendations for setting up your work and living environment
Discussing your bedroom, desk/work, and living spaces can give us a better idea of modifications to be made to further assist in your post-op recovery
Further questions to ask your doctor
When is it ok to return to pelvic floor PT?
When can I start exercising?
When should I start internal work at pelvic floor therapy?
When will I be able to have penetrative sex?
Recovering from your Endometriosis Surgery:
We’ll look forward to seeing you back in the clinic once you’re cleared by your doctor! While you may not be cleared immediately for any internal work, pelvic floor therapy may still be helpful for you to manage any discomfort or pain from your laparoscopic scars and getting appropriate guidance on gentle exercises or stretches to start doing.
To learn more about how pelvic floor therapy can help after endometriosis excision surgery in our “Recovery from Endometriosis Surgery” blog post!
Living with endometriosis can be challenging, physically, emotionally and mentally. Your pelvic floor physical therapist at Foundations Pelvic Health will be there with you every step of the way in your endometriosis journey to help you get back to everything you love to do!