Upcoming laparoscopy - recovery questions.

[debpokerqueen]

I am scheduled for a laparoscopy on Oct. 25th to remove a unilocular ovarian cyst approx 8cm.  I've never had surgery, and have read varying reports on what to expect for recovery.  Will I be totally incapacitated?  I live alone and have several animals, so  I kind of need to know if I'm going to be "down for the count" or just feeling kind of bad.  Also, they may , of course, change the surgery to a laparotomy if they feel it's necessary, and I know that's a much bigger deal.  But, for example,I live in a two story house - will I be able to climb stairs? Or drive?  Should I plan to sleep downstairs and get someone to take care of the pets?  Help.

[dana anne]

hi there
Everyone is different but I was "down for the count" for about 36 hours maybe a little less until the anesthesia worked its way out of my system.  YOu are sore but its not by any means incapacitating.  I did the stairs albeit very carefully the first 2 days.  I was riding my motorcycle 6 days later.  YOu will do fine.

[angellei16]

I had a tumor 11CM and they had to go ahead and do the laparotomy. If that is done, you will be in the hospital for at least 1 day, if not more. I was in the hospital for 4 days! I would HIGHLY recommend that you get some help for your pets, and keep them away from your incision and stomach at all costs! I have 4 dogs, and they LOVE to jump. You might also experience BAD gas. It sucks...but make sure you tell them you want gas medicine. if you have the laparotomy I promise you it will be alot bigger recovery time. I am at week 3 of my recovery and I am doing great! I am almost back to normal. I hope the same for you, and I also suggest you move your bed downstairs..thats my sugestion! Hope all turns out well, and good luck!!!!

[MickeyVicki]

I had laparascopic surgery last December to remove a large cyst, ovary, and tube.  I was prohibited by my doctor from (1)driving, (2) using stairs more than once or twice per day, (3) having sex, or (4) lifting anything heavier than a coffee cup for one week.  After one week, the only restriction that I had was the last, lifting heavy objects.

Part of the reason for the restrictions is that you will be given pain medication, and the first two restrictions will reduce the chances of getting hurt while under the influence of these meds.

I consider my recovery period as lasting about two weeks.  For the first week, I could not bend over.  I dropped something on the floor, and it had to lie there until someone stopped by to visit (i.e. check on me!)  I tried driving after one week, but it was difficult to turn in the seat to look backwards.  I could only drive forward, which made for awkward parking situations.  After two weeks, I had no difficulties.

Be sure to have a good supply of sweat pants or other soft, stretchy loose fitting pants or skirts.  It was nearly two months before I could fit into my regular jeans or fitted clothing again.

If you have not already visited the site, hyster-sisters.com (or hystersisters.com) has a great pre-op and post-op checklist to help you, your family, and your friends prepare for your surgery.  Best wishes!

[debpokerqueen]

Thanks sooo much, everyone!  I'm sure it will be fine.  i'll keep you all posted.

[Nursemate]

Hi, i just had a surgery using a gen anaesthesia not laparotomy but I would say it is bad on the ist 24 hrs bec of the anaesthesia and the use of injectable pain meds.But remember you are in the hospital at that time.After 24 hrs, i was able to get out of bed and go to the bathroom.I asked my doctor to discharge me on my ist post op day,since im doing ok. Second day i stayed downstairs and was able to feed myself,get myself water,attend to my grooming and was able to walk longer.On the 3rd day,i was able to go up and down the stairs without much pain. Take it easy, you are not alone!

[imatwin]

Hi there. I thought I would share my experience because I just went through it. I had my laparoscopy on 10/7 (Friday).  I had to go through the bowel cleansing process (similar to a colonscopy prep) the night before.  That was no fun..But the first time I had a lap (approx a year ago), I ate a hamburger the night before at the hospital.  I think you recover faster if you go through the cleansing; it's really for your own good if they decide to do that.

I arrived at the hospital an hour before my surgery.  They started the IV and asked some questions after I had changed into the gown and cap.  During my pre-op appt, I had asked for some anti-nausea medicine for when I came out of the surgery. If you have a weak stomach or are nervous about getting sick after the procedure, I would recommend asking for it in advance. They gave that to me in my IV and I did not have a problem with nausea.  When I woke up, I remember some cramping (similar to menustrual cramps).  I was home by 4pm.  They gave me some apple juice before I left. I was given percuset to relieve any discomfort.  

For me, the worst part, was the gas pains.  They were pretty bad and my husband called the doctor's office.  They said that is normal and it will move.  Sure enough, it started in my shoulders and back and moved to my chest and abodomen.  For me, breathing through the gas cramps made it easier along with the medicine.  Getting up and bending have been sometimes challenging, but I am getting better each day.  I have my post op appt tomorrow where they will remove the stitches.  I don't feel 100%, but I am standing up straight and moving.  I guess it depends on what you have done.  I had my left tube clamped after two ectopics and some endometriosis removed. I think if you can have someone stay with you for the first two days, you'll rest easier.  Last night was the first night I slept on my side.  I am still swollen and clothing irritates the incisions, but I am feeling better and I know it's only going to get better each day.  I hope this has been helpful.  Good luck!

[Skaricich]

I just had the surgery four days ago because my phalopian tube was in the wrong place and had to be moved back.  I'm doing really good, and even walked on the treadmill for a little bit yesterday, but carrying laundry felt awful.  I'm trying to avoid the pain killer because they make me dizzy and tired.

I was wondering if anyone could give my approximate length of how long the swelling lasts.  I feel like wearing my husband's sweats instead of my own which isn't making me feel much better.

[mistylgrunst]

My name is misty & it's around 1'30 in the morning I cant sleep because its my 2nd day after having the surgery and  the GAS pain is the wearst ting for me. OH~BOY it hurts  also the getting up and bending. i have to sleep on my back, I cant sleep any other  way. Also when i breath to deep it hurts my shoulder;s and  and other area's  i am  sure its because of the gas.. other then that i think i am moving right along
hope this is helpful,
mistylynn

[TrudieC]

Please do not comment on old posts.  It is much better if you create one and I encourage you to do so on the ovarian cyst forum where there are many women who have gone through this surgery who can help you.

I would suggest that you take some Gas-X or Ovol and ensure you move around in order to break up the gas.