Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Laparotomy Recovery

Hello everyone.  My surgery is scheduled for Monday May 15th.  I am going in to have fibroids removed.  My doctor said I should be released from the hospital on Wednesday.  For those who have had a laparotomy how soon were you able to bend over to like put on socks, tie your shoes, go up/down steps?
8 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I was supposed to have a vertical but ended up having a bikini cut,

I came home today on my 4th day. I'm 19, but I could bend down yesterday (I actually find it really comfortable? My mother says it's because I'm not stretching when I do that). I just tested and can stay long enough to tie laces. But recovery is so individual that you can't really predict these things for yourself but take things as they come when they do.

I've yet to try stairs.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am supposed to have a "bikini cut".  Were your fibroids causing you problems?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, I am 44 and had surgery on April 22, complete hysterectomy with a vertical incision. I was in the hospital for two days, was able to shower before coming home. The shoe thing, I opted for slip ons for a couple days, therefore no socks. I was able to do stairs the day I came home, although they told me not to do them too many times.  I can totally agree with the fatigue thing, while I feel capable of doing things, sometimes I am just tooo tired!  It's hard to be inactive, I have three small children and work as a nurse, so I am used to being busy, but must admit I kind of like this slower pace.  Take your time and don't push yourself!  Good Luck,  Shari
Helpful - 0
132752 tn?1273342273
Pretty much consistent with what everyone has already said.  When it comes to stairs, take those very lightly please.  Actually, two feet per step...one step at a time...and that's incredibly difficult to explain.  Lifting is fairly easy...nothing heavier than a gallon of milk OR 10 lbs.  If you're not sure of the weight, don't chance it.  Even my cat feels heavy these days...can actually feel some pulling in the incision..and surgery was 2 weeks ago this coming Wednesday.  It's difficult to know what all of our individual situations are, but if you can afford to take it slow and you have help nearby, please do so.  You're worth taking the time.
peace,
Anne
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Is there any chance they could do a c-section, "bikini-line" instead of a vertical incision?  I had a bunch of fibroids removed last year and that's what they did and it is apparently much better recovery that way, much smaller, less visible scar. Also, not sure if anyone else did this, but I loved the disposeable mesh undies they gave me in the hospital - I asked for extras to take home and washed them out - they were the most comfortable undies.  Hope all hospitals use them because I'll need some more.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had a lap. done three weeks ago, and I was in the hospital for 5 days.  As everyone else is stating, no lifting over 10 pounds,stairs one at a time, and lots of rest.  Kasie
Helpful - 0
108861 tn?1227246048
Hi GreenThumbs.
      Lois is 19 and I am 48, you, as I recall, are somewhere in between.  I took it easy on the bend-over tasks for over two weeks.  Two reasons, abdominal stress and light=headedness due to fatigue.  The fatigue was the worst!!!  I had a laparotomy when I was 30 years old after Cait was born for an ectopic pregnancy, and with my tubes tied no less!  I don't recall the episodes of profound fatigue then as I experienced with the last one in Nov, 05.  Got my attention!  Take it easy and don't push yourself Green!   Mary V
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It took me about 1 and half to two weeks till I could bend normally. I squatted to pick stuff up. Steps about the same. I stil get tired if I do too much and my Surgery was March 24th. But I am 19 soo that might have a factor in it.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.