Surgery recovery time?

Hello ladies.  I don't post often, but browse frequently.  You are all an inspriation not to mention the fact that between you, you hold a wealth of knowledge!  LONG story short, 10 month history of recurring ovarian cysts and changing of doctors to find someone willing to actually do something other than "watch and wait".  Also have a history of endometriosis, which has been surgically removed twice in the last 13 years.  I went to a reproductive endocrinologist who originally suggested Lupron shots.  While I was weighing the pros/cons of this treatment - found myslef in the ER about a week ago with right-sided abdominal pain, nausea, irregular bowels issues.  I have been dealing with these symptoms off and on for about 10 months, but this felt "different".  After determining it was not GI related, they did a CT scan which showed 5cm mass on right ovary and told me to follow up with GYN.  I got in to see the OB/GYN endocrinologist, who said she feels pretty certain based on my history it's an endometrioma.  I am scheduled to have the "alien", right ovary and tube removed laproscopically next Friday.  Here come the questions...
I haven't really had any problems with the left ovary,but with the history of endo, will the left be the next point of attack for endo?  About the surgery - trying her best to keeep it laproscopy vs. laporotomy.  What can I expect in terms of recovery issues and recovery time?

Thanks in advance!
Mari

[RavenLady]

Hi Mari and welcome to the forum!  Endo!  The "gift" that keeps on giving!  Yuck!  Will your surgeon do a frozen section biopsy while you are in surgery?  With your history it probably is the dang endo again but that can't be ruled out conclusively without a biopsy.  Ask for one.  You don't mention your age or whether you are working to retain your fertility.  That is key if you are concerned about your left ovary.  I am 48 and had my left ovary removed due to 2 B9 aliens lat November via laparotomy and had to decide if I should just have the other out to eliminate the possibility of OvCa and tolerate surgical menopause or hang onto the remaining ovary, take the risk in favor of natural menopause.  I gambled and kept the other ovary.  My aliens were a dermoid and a brennor tumor so chance of recurrance, although not impossible, is remote.  Suspect your Doc suspects a hemmorahgic cyst (blood-filled) sounds like you have had those before!  IF your Doctor is planning a lap versus a laproscopy your recovery time will be reletively short, usually within two weeks to be running at full steam.  Many women are back to work within a week.  I had a lap to have my tubes tied years ago so I have a basis for comparison.  Laparotomy does take the six weeks of recovery recommended.  I returned to work at 4 weeks (all I could manage) but was still running a little slow!  
     Enjoy your weekend Mari!  Mary V