3 weeks after Laparotomy- is this a normal recovery process? Any comments pls?

[MariannaB]

Hi- my name is Marianna. I had a laparotomy to remove an 18cm benign tumour in my ovary. This was 3 weeks ago. I want to know if anyone has had similar recoveries. I don't have any pain at the moment. The pain experienced seem to be less than what was expected. There is discomfort though. My stomach is very swollen still and I have put on approx 4 kg since surgery. Is this from lack of activity or swelling? or due to hormones fluctuating due to 1/3 of my ovary being removed? Also, I seem to walk with a hunch due to not feeling comfortable stretching upright. Is there anything I can do to lessen the swelling/bloating feeling? I was pregnant when diagnosed with the tumour and miscarried the week of the surgery so I also had a Curettage done at the same time as the op. Could this also affect my recovery? I have been reading posts on this site over the 2 weeks that I have been home and I must tell you that there are many angels in this world...meaning all you lovely ladies that are helping others thru this. I appreciate any comments or feedback in response to this post. I am 31 yrs old from Australia and don't know anyone that has had this op to interrogate. Thanks again, M.

[Debdsk8gld]

I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago, and I didn't take any pain pills at home, except aleve.  I took 2 every 12 hours for 2 weeks.  The swelling was completely gone at 2 weeks, and I was able to fit back in my jeans.  I also had at least 64 ounces of water per day.

[MariannaB]

Thanks so much for the reply....looks like my recovery is very different to yours, but nice to know that you eventually get back to 'normal'.

[jenna1984]

hi marianna, i had a laparotomy done in may to remove a cyst on my left ovary and i am due to have another one this coming tuesday.Your recovery sounds pretty normal After my op i wasn't in that much pain either especailly as i was told to expect a lot of discomfort from the incision...also bloating etc is probably just swelling mine went down after about three wks.Your quick recovery is prob down to your age and general physical health before the op. Im sorry to hear about your miscarriage before your surgery it must be awful for you. But i think you sound very brave and i wish you the best of luck with your recovery and everything!!

[MariannaB]

Hi RavenLady. The pain does get better. It goes from all over discomfort to just discomfort in areas. Make sure that you really dont lift things or move quickly from side to side. I had my first lengthy walk today and I really felt it. Really tired and my stomach muscles really had to work....but it was great to get out of the house- it was really good for the soul- but it is exhausting. Still cant get into my clothes unless they sit below my waist. You know what?- that really doesnt matter- the impt thing is that the cysts/tumours etc get taken out and we have the opportunity to recover. I have my appetite back and have found its easier to eat smaller portions more often than eating 3 meals a day. It puts less stress on the stomach area and you feel more comfortable.

[MariannaB]

I actually walked a couple of kilometres (over a mile)....but I made sure that I rested if tired etc...its summer here so it was really nice..go around your block first, see how you feel and then take a longer trip next time. You will feel much better- but you may feel REALLY tired after.

[MariannaB]

Hi There, How is your recovery going- feeling any stroner/better?

[MariannaB]

Hi Mary V...I was due back on the 19th of December but now don't have to be beack until next year. I was lucky that my employer (UPS) said that I could work from home for the remainder of the year. I also have 3 weeks vacation from Christmas into mid January. So I wont be back this year. You should keep in contact and if you are making your way to AU can give you as much information as possible. I live right near the water in Sydney. I have never been to the Reef but friends have and feel in love with it. My email address is ***@****

[Candice77]

I had a laparotomy myomectomy 2 weeks ago, and I haven't experienced a lot of pain from the surgery.  However, there are a couple of things that have started to concern me.  I feel a dull pain in my lower right abdomenn sometimes, and when I urinate I feel a slight pain.  Is this normal?

[jamaicangirl]

Hi candice, i had a laparotomy myomectomy done three weeks ago, i think i have the same symptoms like you, except its not pain i feel when i pee, its pressure. My stomach is still swollen and its tender, no pain through recovery though. Call your doctor to make sure, i did because i thought i saw blood in my urine. As soon as i get back the results of my urine test, i will let you know, if i think the info can help you.

[shy363]

I had a laparotomy 3 wks ago to have my last ovary removed. I had a hyst 7 yrs ago . I was wondering when is it safe to have sex? because i feel fine now , tirred sometimes.

[sammie02]

I had a laparotomy 3 weeks ago, after complications from a laparoscopy 3 1/2 weeks ago. After my laparoscopy, it was discovered that I was bleeding internally (very badly), and that I had 2 tennis ball sized blood clots in my abdomen. I am still in moderate to severe pain on a daily basis, although all of the comments on here seem to say that the pain should be gone or at least should have subsided by now. Can anyone give me any advice or maybe opinions on my pain?? I am starting to get a little concerned! Thanks.