By the name itself, it does sound rather painful but it is not that bad as compared to other surgeries. Most of the time you are put under anesthesia and so you won't feel anything during the whole procedure.
During the day where I've made decision to undergo this surgery, the doctor and nurses would brief on the Do's and Don't for the surgery. Like most of the other surgeries out there, fasting is required before performing this surgery. P/S: If you are a first timer who undergo surgery like myself, I would suggest to make a note when the doctor explained how to go about the whole pre-surgery requirements because I were not prepared. The explanation went too quickly and when I got back home, I have forgotten most part of it.
A few weeks prior to the surgery, I had to induce my period and the doctor will scheduled the appropriate date to conduct the surgery. After that, you will need to fast for few hours (depending on your surgery schedule which the nurse would have informed you by then) before the surgery.
If this is your first time and wondering what to bring along, here are some of the items which I have packed:
- Water Flask - you would need to keep your body warm and try not to take cold or too hot water.
- Sweaters/Jackets - to keep you warm.
- Extra loose clothings & Comfortable undergarments - *optional* depending on whether you will want to stay a night in the hospital. Initially, I was told that this surgery do not need to be warded but I ended up to stay a night in the hospital due the pain and fever that I had after the surgery. Loose clothing including undergarment is preferable because you can't put pressure on the wounds. I suggest bringing an oversize but wearable underwear. Reason being is explained under 'Sanitary Pads' below.
- Lip Balm - to keep your lips hydrated.
- Sandals - wear something comfortable to walk around, preferably slip-on type as you may not be able to squat after the surgery.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush - in case you want to feel refresh before discharged the next day.
- Sanitary Pads - *IMPORTANT to know but optional* This is quite important in my opinion if you are trying to safe some cost as the hospital where I were in will charged for sanitary pads, not by pieces but they will provide whole box of maternity pads. Post surgery, the nurse will put the maternity pad (first piece is FREE) for you which is really thick but smooth and unlike normal sanitary pads which have adhesive. Unfortunately, you will need to use your thigh to hold on to it as you will not be wearing underwear during and after surgery. Using your imagination, you can sort of understand why it is important to use your own sanitary pad (must be high absorption for large volume of liquids) and have an oversize underwear in order to help you hold the sanitary pads instead of your thigh gaps. However, I managed to go to the toilet and move about with the maternity pads, so this is entirely up to you whether you want to use your own sanitary pads.
My surgery commenced at 2.55pm on Aug 12, 2018 and completed in about 1.5 hours. By the time I woke up, I was shivering so badly because of the anesthesia. It was really cold and the nurse provided few layers of blanket for me. It does help a little bit but I were in this condition for few hours before it starts to subside.
*the surgery was bearable but inserting this needles was really painful*
I were having fever on and off after the surgery, probably I am not used to it and my body is just weak at that time. I was given painkiller that is Paracetamol occasionally till my fever subside the next morning. There will be blood discharged similar to having period and that is why a maternity pad was given and I have mentioned the reason why you should have your own trusted sanitary pad readied (as mentioned above). The pain I would described as similar to a menstrual pain or cramps. To be honest, I am not sure how period cramps can differs from each individual but I believe that is the pain that I am getting. It is still bearable in my opinion.
The surgery will leave small incisions in 3 areas i.e your belly button, left or right and bottom of your belly. Basically they insert the camera in one of the incisions, a laser in another incision, and a tool to cool the wound made by the laser in the final incision. Post surgery, you will be able to see a video of the holes made on the ovaries and the doctor will explained if there is any Fallopian tube blockage or any complications arise. Below shows the look of it with waterproof gauze pad after I have discharged from hospital and back to my home sweet home. You can literally shower with it and do not put pressure on it!
After about 1 or 2 weeks, I got my stitches removed and on the same day, I developed Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Now, I do not know if this is due to the surgery or coincidentally I encountered the virus somewhere, but it happened right on the day I removed my stitches. It was really terrible and I will talk more about HFMD for adult in the next post. The incisions made were not that bad and after a months now, I barely can see any scars in my belly button but there were scarring on the other two. I still continuously apply bio-oil and hopefully, the scars can be reduced.
In short, you really needs to take care of the hygiene, diet and rest a lot post surgery because your body is most likely stressed out from the surgery and immune system will tend to be poor after that. I have hypersensitivity and I do think that this might be a caused for my slow recovery, contrary to what I have read from the internet of those who undergo ovarian drilling.
I hope whoever reading this will find it useful and give a better view of what you will be expecting if you were to do ovarian drilling. Good Luck and feel free to drop me an email or comment if you have any questions.
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- k a t e -
*Updates as of 19 September 2018*
My period came after a month since the surgery without inducing with any medication. I am excited and looking forward to monitoring my ovulation. Wish me luck!
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