Before undergoing a laparoscopy for endometriosis, Kim-Maree had heard and read many accounts of people feeling better "almost straight away".
So when she found herself in "enormous amounts of pain", and experiencing a longer recovery period, it was a shock.
"I felt like a failure, like I had done something wrong, or that maybe I was too weak or too sensitive," the 33-year-old from the Central Coast of NSW says.
We heard from Kim-Maree after publishing our story on what to expect ahead of a laparoscopy for endometriosis, in which we asked readers: what advice would you give a friend about to have this procedure?
"My biggest piece of advice would be to not compare your experiences both before and after with other peoples'," Kim-Maree says.
"Whilst other people's journeys and knowledge can be helpful, it is important to keep in mind that every body is different."
Kim-Maree says having access to therapy before and after surgery was beneficial, because she was hit with emotions she didn't see coming.
Below is a collection of readers' experiences and advice. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
Be prepared for shoulder tip pain…
I've had quite a few laparoscopies due to having suffered from endometriosis and adenomyosis for many years prior to my hysterectomy.
It was only at my final laparoscopy that a nurse explained why I would suffer from shoulder pain days after the procedure.
Although they release gases after the procedure, there are still gases trapped in the body.
These make their way through the body and [for me was] felt at the front shoulder.
It was a light-bulb moment, and I always wondered why medical staff never mentioned it before.
Gerri, 56, Boorloo/Perth
Don't search for photos online…
Don't search for "endo laparoscopy recovery" photos online!
You know who posts photos? People with the gnarliest, most outrageous bruises and wounds.
I was terrified after looking online, but I barely bruised.
A heat pack will help with the shoulder tip pain.
Bec, 40, Boorloo/Perth
Any surgery is a major thing…
The doctors will tell you a laparoscopy is a minor procedure. And while that's technically true, I would urge you to remember that any surgery is still a major thing for your body and your mind to go through.
Be patient with yourself, and don't rush back into work/school/study if you can help it.
I took one to two weeks to recover from both my surgeries due to the pain and fatigue.
Ask your doctor and hospital in advance about any additional fees if you end up needing to stay overnight.
Have a trusted person around who can speak to the doctor on your behalf after the surgery. Oftentimes the doctor will give you a surgical update when you're still quite drowsy from the anaesthetic, so it can be difficult to comprehend or remember everything they've said.
Try to be prepared for the emotional impact of whatever the doctor may tell you.
Remember that your pain is valid and real — no matter your surgical outcome.
Sophie, 29, Giabal Country/Toowoomba
Clean your bathroom ahead of time…
If bowel prep is required, you are going to be in the bathroom awhile!
Clean the bathroom before you start; looking at the dust ball in the corner you can't get to will drive you crazy. Buy a nice smelling candle or a bunch of flowers, make it a nice place to be.
After-surgery onesies are fantastic. Loose clothing is good, but any waistband can snag your stitches.
The gas used can also mean you may need to sit up to sleep. Instead of using lots of pillows, a bean bag on the bed is better as it doesn't slip around as much.
My best advice is to be kind to yourself and learn to say no; recovery takes as long as it takes.
Nell, 51, Naarm/Melbourne
Ask all the questions…
I have undergone two operative laps for endo. The scars are small, and I no longer get the excruciating pain I did.
My advice would be to ask all the questions of your doctor, stay off the internet and Dr Google.
Understand that though it may be scary, suffering through what you do every month until menopause is not OK.
For me, a week of discomfort for two decades of pain relief was totally worth it — but do what you feel is right.
You're the only one that should have any deciding opinion about your body.
Nicola, 39, Naarm/Melbourne
Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts. Some comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.
