post laparotomy problem?

[wenkebach]

I had a laparotomy for a 20 cm ovarian cyst 11 days ago. The incision seems to be healing fine and I'm able to walk almost normally. But after a few minutes of standing or walking, I feel out of breath or like I can't take deep breaths. It kind of feels like there's heaviness in my chest. I thought maybe it's from the general anesthesia and decided to wait a few more days before calling my doctor.
Anyone have the same problem?

[SimplyStar]

There are several things this is a symptom of,  anxiety, hyperventilation, pneumonia, or even weakness. That was a pretty large tumor removed, did they also take the ovary?  Sometimes it takes time for the other organs to adjust to an empty space.  No pain?  No temperature?  No dizziness? If it continues by all means contact the doctor.  

[wenkebach]

well...i don't think i have anxiety/hyperventilation or pneumonia.
no fever, chills, or any other signs of infection.
the doc did take out the ovary during surgery.
i've been having bad back aches and feeling fatigued easily so i guess it might be from weakness!

[rmarie]

you should see your health care provider, you could be anemic, from a loss of blood during the surgery.  I would definitely call you should be getting stronger.

[rmarie]

you don't say how old you are, do you have any history of hypertension or heart problems?  what your are describing could be unrelated to the surgery and related to something else.  If you get sweaty and nauseated go to the hospital and get checked.

[wenkebach]

i'm 24 with no previous health problems.
maybe i should've listened to my doctor and fully rested for 2 weeks-i went back to class only 8 days after the surgery.
i do feel much better in the morning so i thought i could resume some normal activities but by evening i feel so fatigued it's even hard standing up still in the shower for 10 min.
i guess i'll call my doc about the breathing problem!

[SimplyStar]

Normal recovery time for a laporatomy is 4 to 6 weeks, 2 weeks plus for a scope,  so this could be one reason you feel that way,  Any way you look at it, you had major surgery and your body needs time to recover.  Over doing after surgery sometimes pushs your recovery back.  You need to let those interior wounds heal.

[wenkebach]

thanks for super fast reply!
i have a major exam coming up in June so i guess i over-exerted myself.
could indigestion be from long term effects of anesthesia?
sometimes it feels like there's something stuck in my throat...

[SimplyStar]

If you were tubed for the anesthetic, the uvula, the little tissue that hangs down from the top of the soft palate, could be swollen and cause that sensation.

[rmarie]

Any swelling from the tube in your throat should be gone, call your doctor- ask about it, we are nurses who are not checking you out.