recover after laparotomy

[sheilagrace]

is it normal that after 18 days post laparotomy, theres no pain in the incision but little discomfort and little pain in lower abdomen when moving. my lower abs is starting to get big but no fever.My surgeon advice for early ambulation after the surgery, after discharge i was trying to walk around the slowly but i feel some strain after the walk most especially some discomfort in my lower abdomen. and until now i feel some numbness near the incision site. So i just want to know if these symptoms are normal or do i need to go back for consultation, If not what maybe the underlying complications?

[vuabanda]

Hi,
I had my laparotomy on 2nd July and i visit my doctor on 21st, was doing ok.Then i went to a trip and accidently i hurt my back but by then i finished my cycle.But after i got hurt, it started spotting..and i am worried.I had this spotting problem before the surgery when i had the endometriosys.But after surgery when i had my first cycle, it looked like its over after 8 th days.I dont know should i go to Doc or should i wait to see what happens in the nxt cycle???

[zoeh]

I'm having some of the same issues. I had my laparotomy on June 3. I was fine up until now. I actually felt better when I got home from the hospital. I too wondered if something was wrong. I just finished my period, ( I only had one ovary removed) so I thought that could have been the cause of my discomfort. I will give it another day or so. I am moving slower than I was at the beginning. my stomach is starting to feel heavy. I'm not a big person, but I had a 19 x 13 cm cyst, that caused my stomach to be enlargerd. and since then my stomach has not gone back down. and with the stomach muscles being cut, it doesn't help.
I am taking a trip this sat. and hoping that I will be ok to drive. I had my first post op check up on the 16th, and the doctor said 4 weeks. and it will be 4 weeks tomorrow.
I pray all goes well.

Wendy

[sheilagrace]

thank you so much for reply and its nice to hear such information which can worries and anxieties away. Ive been replying but don't know if you received or no.. I just want to say HI and I hope and pray that you are ok... please keep in touch... and maybe i can also extend my hand even in a little way... my biopsy result will be coming and i also pray that all will went well...
peace also with you and i know GOD answers all your prayers...
sheila

[turtledovemom]

Everything that you describe sounds typical of post-op for laparotomy.  Unfortunately for us, the laparatomy hits us in ways that we don't expect.  Walking is definitely good, but difficult...so please do walk, just don't overdo.  The rule of thumb used to be NO lifting of anything heavier than a gallon of milk and NO driving for 6 weeks.  The incision cut into muscles that we forget we have.  Stairs are also tough.  I remember ironing was a "female dog" after my first surgery.  Be good to yourself.  Give yourself the gift of adequate time to heal.  Stay in touch and let us know if you have any other questions.
peace,
Anne