Post-Op and Picking Yourself Back Up

15 May

If you’ve recently had endometriosis surgery—or are preparing for one—you’re not alone. Endometriosis surgery recovery is often messy, emotional, and full of surprises—even the third time around, each recovery brings its own unique challenges. Here’s an honest take on what it’s really like beyond the pamphlets and polite checklists, and how a support app like Matilda could have made the process a bit easier.

The First 24 Hours

Waking up from surgery feels a bit like being gently steamrolled. You’re groggy, sore, and somehow both freezing and sweating at the same time. The nurses are wonderful—actual heroes in scrubs—and the warm blankets are top-tier. But that first attempt to stand? That’s when your body reminds you that you’ve just been through a major internal spring clean… with power tools! It’s uncomfortable but necessary to get all your body systems re-functioning. Trust the nurses and follow their lead; this isn’t their first rodeo! And if movement isn’t an option on night one, no biggie—rest and recover in whatever way you need.

Let’s Talk About Bloating

Post-surgical bloating is in a league of its own. Between the gas used during the procedure and your body’s natural response to inflammation, I looked like I’d swallowed a basketball. That trapped gas can even creep up into your shoulders—something I felt completely unprepared for the first time around.

Even though I tried to stick to an endo-friendly diet, this kind of bloating doesn’t care. Let’s just say the heat pack and I became very close. Until I dropped it—and cried because I couldn’t bend down to pick it up… Not my finest moment, but definitely a relatable one!

Peppermint tea, partially hydrolysed guar gum, gentle regular movement, and a low-inflammatory diet were some of the most helpful tools I had to manage the bloat—especially the second and third time, when I came prepared. I wanted that pain gone ASAP!

Recovery Isn’t Linear

Some days you’ll feel nearly normal. Other days, walking to the kitchen will feel like a marathon. It’s frustrating, especially when all you want is to “get back to normal.” But healing isn’t a straight line, and it’s so important to keep those mental affirmations going—to reassure yourself and avoid getting stuck in a rut.

Every day without strong pain relief is a win. Every time you let yourself rest instead of powering through, that’s a step forward. And every bit of movement, every flicker of normalcy returning, is healing.

What healing looks like for you might be different from someone else, and that’s okay. Focus on yourself, openly advocate for your needs, and take control of your recovery in a way that suits you. You are not a burden for needing more time to heal, recover, or rebuild. The support network around you is key to helping you get back to a better version of yourself—so choose it wisely.

What No One Really Tells You

You might get emotional. It’s not just the pain or the meds—it’s the emotional weight of slowing down again. It’s okay to feel all the feels. Let them out, then regroup.
Rest feels passive, but it’s actually your body’s most active work.
Movement is key. The more you can gently walk, move, and stretch (within your limits), the faster the gas pain goes, and the sooner your body starts to feel even slightly normal again.
Abdominal muscles do more than you think. Laughing, coughing, or reaching for the remote can feel monumental—and sore. That’s normal and to be expected.
And let’s be honest—surgery recovery isn’t glamorous. You’ve got wounds that ooze, unexpected bleeding, and nurses regularly checking your body from angles you didn’t know were possible. You may need help with the basics, like using the toilet or showering. It’s a strange mix of vulnerability and humility. Be prepared to get comfortable with your body in a whole new way. Open communication and a sense of humour help, as does acknowledging the absolute wonder of your body doing its best to heal.
Oh—and yes, you’ll be talking about gas and bowel movements. A lot. It’s necessary, completely normal, and nothing to be embarrassed about. The more open you are about it, the easier it is to track progress and spot if something’s off. The human body is a weird and wonderful place, where all our systems are interconnected and can signal when something isn’t quite right!

Practical Tips from My Recovery

To make those early days a little easier, I found a few things absolutely essential:

Electric heat packs were a total game-changer for me. No more microwaving and reheating every few minutes—just plug it in and let it work its magic.
Pre-made meals in the freezer were a must. Having something ready to heat up saved me a lot of stress and time when I couldn’t manage cooking.
Grippy socks—not the most fashionable, but essential on slippery floors and tiles, especially when you’re still a bit wobbly.
Loose-fitting nighties and undies were all I could manage, so comfort was key.
Hairstyles that kept my hair tidy but didn’t require a wash were also helpful. It’s the little things that make a difference when you can’t manage a full self-care routine.
Feeling dizzy after standing up was a regular issue. After lying down for so long, I had to remember to take it slow and be patient with myself.
Lengthy charging cables for all my devices were essential. Having my phone, books, headphones, snacks, and anything else I could keep close by within reach made life a lot easier.

How Matilda Health Could Have Helped

During my recovery, I had wonderful support from my family and friends. But what I really needed was support from people who had actually been through the surgery themselves. The kind of support that helps you understand what’s “normal” and what isn’t—and knowing when to push through and when to ask for help.

That instant reassurance, a guiding voice, a reminder that you're not going mad—that’s what I was missing. Looking back, I can’t help but think how much easier it would have been if I’d had access to something like the Matilda Health app.

With resources like symptom tracking, personalised insights, and expert-backed advice, it’s a tool that could’ve helped me feel more informed, more confident, and less alone in those weird, wobbly days post-op.

A Final Thought

Recovery from endometriosis surgery is a strange mix of gratitude and frustration. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes humbling. But it’s also powerful. You’re doing hard, necessary work—whether you’re taking slow steps around the house or crying about your heat pack.

If you’re in it now, know that you’re not alone. You’re stronger than you think, even on the days you don’t feel it. So be gentle with yourself, go slow, and when in doubt—chuck on your favourite bingeworthy series, make a cuppa, and take it one breath at a time.

From someone who’s been there,

Anna x