Questioning Post-Operative Symptoms After Laparoscopic Surgery
I am a 24-year-old female who underwent laparoscopic surgery this past Friday, March 28th. The procedure aimed to excise endometriosis that had reemerged since my last surgery in 2022, and included the placement of a Liletta IUD. The doctors discovered two endometriosis lesions that had returned, but the primary issue was the adhesion of my colon and uterus, which required surgical separation. Varicose veins were also identified in my pelvic area. While these findings are significant, they are not my main concern at the moment. I have a follow-up appointment with my OB next week, which I intend to use to address all my questions. However, today is Sunday, and with the office closed, I have a pressing query about my recovery. I noticed that although I have two incisions that appear to be healing well, I found some small red blood spots on my lower abdomen, just a few inches below the second incision. I hadn’t seen these dots earlier, suggesting they might be a recent development. Additionally, I experienced vaginal bleeding again, which had initially resolved the day after my surgery (March 29th). This new bleeding is not bright red; rather, it has a light, cloudy brown hue. I'm unsure whether this is something to take notice of or if it’s typical. I am still managing pain from the surgery and have been using Oxycodone as directed when necessary. I've also observed that my face has taken on quite a red tone, which I initially attributed to the medication, but now I am beginning to question that assumption. Is it common to have these red spots appear? Should I be alarmed about the flushing of my face, or is that a normal reaction? Lastly, what about the renewed bleeding after it had previously ceased—should I be concerned? I experience considerable anxiety regarding surgical procedures, even when they go smoothly. I appreciate any insight you could provide. I will include images of the blood spots and the redness in my face in the comments. Thank you for your help.
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 1:00:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns about your recovery after laparoscopic surgery are completely valid, especially considering the complexity of your condition and the emotions surrounding surgery. It’s great that you’re in tune with your body and monitoring changes closely. Here’s a breakdown of your symptoms and what you should consider:
Main Points:
- Red spots on your abdomen might be due to normal healing or minor bleeding.
- Renewed vaginal bleeding can sometimes happen post-surgery; however, monitoring it is key.
- Facial flushing may be related to medication or pain management, but should be observed.
Explanation:
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Red Spots: After surgery, minor bruising and small spots of blood can occur as part of your body’s healing process. These may develop a few days post-operation and should be monitored. If they become larger or painful, that could be concerning.
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Vaginal Bleeding: Post-operative bleeding can occur as the body adjusts after surgery, especially related to hormonal changes or the placement of your IUD. The brownish color suggests older blood, which is often less concerning than fresh red blood; however, any renewed bleeding should be discussed with your doctor.
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Facial Flushing: This could potentially be a side effect of the Oxycodone, especially if you're encountering it after taking the medication. It may also be stress-related. However, if it persists or worsens, it’s something to bring up during your follow-up.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the red spots: Check if they increase in size or number, and look for any signs of pain or swelling around them. If they worsen, you may need to seek medical attention even before your follow-up.
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Keep an eye on vaginal bleeding: Track its frequency and color. If it starts to get heavier or if you experience any pain or unusual symptoms, consider seeking help sooner.
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Note facial flushing: Observe if this continues or changes in nature. If it becomes bothersome or worrying, it should be mentioned to your healthcare provider.
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Pain Management: Continue using your medication as prescribed, but also consider discussing your pain levels at your follow-up appointment. If you find that other symptoms or side effects are becoming problematic, there may be alternative pain relief options.
Reassurance:
It’s completely natural to feel anxious post-surgery, especially with multiple factors at play. Remember that your follow-up is an excellent opportunity to address all these concerns directly with your OB. Keeping a daily log of symptoms can help your provider understand your situation better. You’re taking proactive steps by reaching out and monitoring your health, which is important. If anything feels off before your appointment, trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to seek help.
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