back from hospital after dermoid cyst removed

[christine439]

First I want to thank you all for your support during this time.  I had my surgery on monday Dr did a bikini cut and took out a 10cm dermoid cyst along with my right ovary and tube.  They are still taking a look at it but they said it has only 1% chance of  being malignant.  They said it was full of hair teeth and even some brain mass, "weird", I told my husband I had an alian living in me. Well I woke up so sore and they put me on a morphine drip.  I was out of it for a while, everything looked like a blur, it almost felt like I was having a sizure when I was comming up from anesthesia.  I was out of surgery by 11am  and did not pass urine with my catheter till 1am 14hr later when I discovered a heat pack in my hospital net underware that was blocking the catheter.  I also had my IV get infiltrated and my left arm blew up like a balloon, it took them 2 more times and a lot a blood loss before they got a new one in.  I guess I can't expect to much from a military hospital.


Well I am so happy to be home now, my 20mo old daughter gave me the biggest hug and would not let go.  I have been worried about a few things, and would appreciate some advice.

1.  I have been haveing the worse pain under my right rib, like someone is stabbing me.  The nurse said this is just gass, does that sound right and if so what do I do to get it out?

2.  I have been coughing up yellow flem (phlegm), and when I cough it hurts so bad. Can I inger myself by coughing and is this normal?

3.  How long does it take for the swelling to go down.  I am swoll everywhere, including my whole abdimin, back and downstairs buiness.

4.  I really want to have a safe recovery.  I know I can't pick up my daughter yet, wich is making her very sad, but is it ok to start walking and goiong up stairs?

5.  Can I put cream or anything on my incision to make it heal faster?

I appreciate any advice you can give.  Thank you.
Christine

[SimplyStar]

ok will try to answer some of your question, first congrats on getting the surgery done,  yes it is most likely gas pains, when you are opened up air gets in there and is trapped, many times they pump some air in to the belly to look around better, moving around helps some, gasX helps too.  the coughing comes with the anesthetic, you might have had a tube down your throat during surgery, makes the throat hurt, the phlegm comes from the anesthetic also, try holding a small pillow over you incision when you cough,  hug it. You will not do any damage to the incision unless you over do in some way.  The swelling takes time to "go down" it is very normal to have swelling.  Do not put anything on your incision unless they told you too, follow the going home instructions.  If your have to change dressings be sure you wash your hands good first and after also. Drink plenty of fluids and if you are taking pain meds, be sure to take  a stool softener because they tend to constipate you. Don't try to drive a car for at least 2 weeks, you should be back to normal in 4 to 6 weeks.  Good Luck

[christine439]

They took my bandage of the day after surgery and said that I should just air it out.  I have the staples that disolve.  Now I'm all parinoid my wound will opening up or get infected.  I didn't get any take home advice about how to care for my incision.

[Anna-maria74]

The gas pain is awful. I found the gas pains to be far worse than any other pain caused by the surgery. A good things to take is pepermint. I live in a first floor flat so I had to do stairs the day I came home. Stairs are fine as long as you take it slow and dont over do it. I wouldn't drive for more like 6 weeks. Some insurance companies do not cover you for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery anyway. Firstly the anasthesia can stay in your system for weeks and also you need to be able to do an emergency stop without pain.

Regarding lifting your daughter put a big pillow on your tummy and let her sit on your lap for hugs. Also while you are having your rest in bed let her lie on the bed with you and play games and do puzzles together - thats what I did! Let her be your little nurse maid bringing you drinks and things she will feel far to important to be sad :)

You must must cough. As simplystar says hold a pillow on your belly and clear the phlem. This is very important as not coughing can cause complications. I always used to carry a pillow everywhere. It is excellent when you are going to the loo, laughing or to sleep with. I still haven't got out of the habit of having a pillow for my belly at night its so comfy - poor hubby gets pushed to the other side of the bed these days.

I hope you have a speedy recovery and good results :)


Anna X

[Best59]

Hello,
I don't think stairing is good for your incision. I was told, not to go up for about 4 weeks. Walk, walk, walk... Sue

[justscore]

Is your incision oozing?  If not, they told me to just let it air out too.   I highly recommend taking Milk of Magnesia for your stools.  A few years ago after surgery, I was having very small bowel movements and didn't think I was constipated.  I found out the very painful way that I was indeed backing up.  This time I took MOM and have not had any problems.  Take it slow and good luck with your recovery.  Don't hesitate to call your Dr's nurse if you have questions/concerns (that is what they told me)  Glad things went well.

[christine439]

Your nurse maid idea with your daughter is so cute.  We have been laying on the couch and reading, but then she wants to crawl on top of me and just hug me so tight, I think she is scared of me going away again.  She has also been pointing to my belly and saying cut, with her real sad face.  I feel like I am healing a lot faster at home with her aroung then I was in the hospital,  the nurses would wake me up like every hour to take my vitals and by yelling what is your pain level, " I was like 0 while I was sleeping, but now that you woke me it's a 12."  Im just so glad to be home.  Thanks for your advice.

[christine439]

My incision is not oozing.  They said I have the dissolvable staples, but on the right side it looks like there is some brusing on the sides of the staples.  I have not made a bowl movement since Monday, I have been taking the stool softner with my meals but, I'm going to have my husband pick me up some milk of magnesia.  Thanks.

[mhelen]

the nurses would wake me up like every hour to take my vitals and by yelling what is your pain level, " I was like 0 while I was sleeping, but now that you woke me it's a 12."

this really made me chuckle ... aren't hospitals wonderful, I definitely think your daughter is probably the best medicine and she sounds very sweet - though it must be so hard for you both ... best of luck in your recovery