ovarian cysts, laparatomy

[yellowsunshine]

Im 18 and i am due for a laparotomy next week, i have 5 multilocular cysts that have accumulated to 20 cms. How long is the recovery time for me n my situation?

[MissyT]

I am scheduled to have a laparotomy on July 5th.  I am wondering what others experienced as far as recovery times.  My doctor told me 6-8 weeks, but I am hoping that's just the worse case scenario.  I am 27 years old and healthy.  

During recovery, how long did you have to just lie in bed?  At what point in time can you get out of bed and start walking around a little?

I have a trip planned for 24 days after my laparotomy.  Just wondering how uncomfortable it is to sit after the surgery.  If anyone has experiences to share, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

[gillmill]

Hi There

I went through a laparotomy 3 weeks ago, they removed a 8lb cyst (mostly fluid) and my right ovary, I am only 28 so it has been a tough time, I have been recovering fine, been going out and about to keep me fit although still not allowed to drive

Can anyone tell me what there wound was like (i was cut horizontal accross my bikini line? Mines seems to be fine but there is a bit around the top edge that is hard? Is this normal as I get paranoid about these things as I have never had to experience anything like this before

Also when is the best time to start light duties such as hoovering, dusting, loading washing??

Thanks

Gill

[Kaerbear]

I had a laparotomy back in march for a 30x18x17 cm cyst.  i was also 5 months pregnant.  they had told me 6 weeks for recovery, but i was feeling pretty good before the 6 weeks was up.  the first week was the hardest because of the gassiness and constipation.  the first couple of days after the surgery i had a sore throat and i couldn't pee for a day or two after they took out the catheter.  i had an epidural instead of morphine for pain relief because of the baby so that might have made my bloating and constipation worse.  i also did my best to walk around as much as possible as soon as i could.  after the first couple of days when the nausea was just too much (probably from the epidural) i was up and walking and that really helped with the bloating.  my incision was about 10 - 11 inches midline (from my ribcage to below my belly button) so that was the most painful thing i had to deal with but it was bearable even though the baby has been growing and stretching it out all this time.  just communicate with your caregivers and they will do their best to help you recover with a minimum of pain.  there will be some pain right after the surgery but it shouldn't be too bad.  after that just take it easy and give yourself time to recover for the amount of time they tell you.  ( i think it's usually 6 weeks.)  good luck!!

[MorenayLinda]

I'm having a laparatomy too next Monday (6/25).  I'm 28 yrs old.  The mass found is 12cm x 18cm.  They won't know if its a ovarian cyst or just accumulation of fluid from after I had my c-section back in April. Either way, my doctor feels it is too big to be removed laparascopically.  
This week is my last week of work and my last week to prepare before this surgery.  I feel confident everything will be okay.  I pray yours goes well too.

[Cagney2712]

I'm 53 and I had a laparotomy in Feb. for a cyst that turned out to be 12 cm. It really was not anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. The evening after the surgery and next day weren't that great; I was exhausted and somewhat nauseous from the anesthesia,  but by the 2nd day after the surgery I felt pretty good, was eating regular food and walking alot. I can't honestly say I was ever really in any pain, and I didn't have any of the problems some folks have had, such as constipation, gas, etc. I think that's because I did get up and start walking in the hospital asap, and did ALOT of walking, even after I came home. I felt well enough to make a 3 hour road trip to a concert not quite 2 weeks after surgery,  and 4 weeks after I took a trip to California (from PA). I went back to work in 6 weeks, though I probably could have done it in 5, but I had the leave time so took the extra week.  Naturally everyone's recovery is different, and I think mine went especially smoothly.  But, you're young, and that certainy will help you bounce back quicker too.  Just don't forget, it IS major surgery, so no matter how good you might be feeling,  your body needs time to recover. Every day will be better.