Laporotomy recovery

Hello Ladies,
     I need advise. I had my left ovary removed via laporotmy a week ago friday due to two benign cysts.  I still have alot of pain and am concerned about when I can get back to work.  All I could get from my Dr, who is wonderful, was two weeks.  I had an emergency laporotomy 17 years ago due to an ectopic pregnancy and was able to return to work in two weeks.  But I did not have the intense pain I have this time.  I actually had to return to surgery because I started bleeding profusly in the shower less than two hours before I was suppose to be discharged.  I lost alot of blood and they had to take me back to surgery so I suspect being opened up two days in a row may account for the pain.  I know everyone heals differently but am trying to figure out what to do about work on Dec. 5th.  Maybe I'll be able to go back but am worried.  I am an Instructor so not really a desk job.  I can get another week off if need be but will have to make those arrangements no later than Monday.  Should I play it safe and get the extra week?  MV

[MickeyVicki]

Yes, I think that you will need extra time.  Having had two surgeries within days of each other is indeed a part of your situation.  We are also older than we were nearly two decades ago, and it really shows when we are recovering from any accident, injury,...or surgery!  You will heal quicker if you can continue to take life easy for a while longer.

[xrayu2]

I was  wondering about recovery time, too.  I a m having a laparotomy and assumed it would be in and out with a small incision.  I was informed that I would have 12-15 staples and at least 3days in the hospital.  My insurance company says thaey will not approve hospital stay..How long were you there? And, how big is your incision?

[MickeyVicki]

I suggest that you call your state's, or  the appropriate government's,  "insurance commissioner" (or whatever the regulatory body is called where you live.)  Usually, governments regulate what insurance companies must cover for certain surgeries.  Otherwise, they'd toss us all on the street in a few hours!  I know that where I live, insurance companies are now required by law to cover three days' hospital stay  for mastectomies, and  internal gyn laparatomies  are more involved than breast removals.  It might also help if your doctor send the appropriate letter to the insurance company.  My own doctor wanted me to remain for one night, and made certain the insurance company understood that fact!

[xrayu2]

Its kind of ironic how things work out, but my husband's company is witching insurance carriers and we are going to have BC/BS.  When he was working with the old group, thats what they had they were very good.  The company we were using was a very good ins, too, just strict about hospital stays.  When my daughter was ill in the spring, we had to fight tooth and nail  to let them keep her for the 4 days she was there.  Our policy goes into effect tomorrow and we will not receive cards until later in the month.  My BE and IVP are scheduled for the 19th so we may not have proof of insurance by thenbut my deductible will be met by the time I have surgery.  i know faith is not often talked about here, but it is my testimony that God works in mysterious ways even when it is a minor issue such as our insurance situation.  I know that major situations he works in sometimes less subtle ways!!