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15 pounds paraovarian cyst removal story + tips
Hello everyone,
So for 4-5 years I've noticed my stomach has always been the largest part of me. It started off being round at the bottom and over the last 1-2 years it's gotten to where I've looked 6+ months pregnant. Lots of people have actually asked I If was pregnant and it used to upset before I knew what was wrong with me. I thought that's just how I carried weight because it's all I ever knew, plus I never had pain or anything associated. Just a slow growth. So I went in for a physical actually and the doctor noticed how firm my belly was and sent me for tests. After many scans and tests they found I had a mass of unidentifiable origin that was 35.2 cm by 25.5 cm by 15.9 cm. They assumed either mesenteric or ovarian. So I went to a gynecologist and also a general surgeon and oncologist for different opinions. I had my surgery yesterday and the doctors were so amazingly wonderful. I underwent exploratory laparotomy and we were thinking I would have a large incision and possibly lose an ovary; we also didn't know if it would be benign or malignant, even though the doctors assumed benign. They determined it was benign in the OR by doing a biopsy before removal, and then they were able to remove it through a 1-2 inch incision below the navel; it didn't even require more than some skin glue to close. It was paraovarian so it was floating between the ovary and Fallopian tube, so I was able to keep all of my reproductive organs. They withdrew 6 liters of fluid and it was the size of a soccer ball and I was the size of a 8 month pregnant person. My Fallopian tube on the right side where it was located is a little stretched out and the cilia don't function as well within, however I should sill remain my fertility and the ovary is intact. My stomach has decreased so much already that it's unbelievable. I've lost 15-20 pounds, will find out exactly how much when I go for my follow up in 2 weeks. I am pretty sore in my abs and ribs from everything going down, but my skin and body has popped back so well. I have some pretty bad gas and bloating that is just going to have to pass, but it's not more than a little discomfort. My shoulders have actually been in excruciating pain, more than my abdomen, and the doctors say it's due to gas. I'm taking some pain pills of a light dose and they're helping a good bit. I've taken stool softeners and I've been trying to walk around a bit to get everything moving again, which is kind of sore but worth it to stretch out and get my body back working. Just take your pain meds for sure if you have this, drink plenty of fluids, stool softeners, move around a bit but take it easy for the most part. Holding a pillow on my abdomen helps with gas and coughing etc. and sleeping a lot helps. Some nausea and dizziness has been occurring from the anesthesia and pain pills but fluids and a little food even if you're not hungry really help with that. Just wanted to share my story and tips, I'll update this post over the next few days to say how everything is progressing. Any questions just ask, and tips and advice are so welcome :)
So for 4-5 years I've noticed my stomach has always been the largest part of me. It started off being round at the bottom and over the last 1-2 years it's gotten to where I've looked 6+ months pregnant. Lots of people have actually asked I If was pregnant and it used to upset before I knew what was wrong with me. I thought that's just how I carried weight because it's all I ever knew, plus I never had pain or anything associated. Just a slow growth. So I went in for a physical actually and the doctor noticed how firm my belly was and sent me for tests. After many scans and tests they found I had a mass of unidentifiable origin that was 35.2 cm by 25.5 cm by 15.9 cm. They assumed either mesenteric or ovarian. So I went to a gynecologist and also a general surgeon and oncologist for different opinions. I had my surgery yesterday and the doctors were so amazingly wonderful. I underwent exploratory laparotomy and we were thinking I would have a large incision and possibly lose an ovary; we also didn't know if it would be benign or malignant, even though the doctors assumed benign. They determined it was benign in the OR by doing a biopsy before removal, and then they were able to remove it through a 1-2 inch incision below the navel; it didn't even require more than some skin glue to close. It was paraovarian so it was floating between the ovary and Fallopian tube, so I was able to keep all of my reproductive organs. They withdrew 6 liters of fluid and it was the size of a soccer ball and I was the size of a 8 month pregnant person. My Fallopian tube on the right side where it was located is a little stretched out and the cilia don't function as well within, however I should sill remain my fertility and the ovary is intact. My stomach has decreased so much already that it's unbelievable. I've lost 15-20 pounds, will find out exactly how much when I go for my follow up in 2 weeks. I am pretty sore in my abs and ribs from everything going down, but my skin and body has popped back so well. I have some pretty bad gas and bloating that is just going to have to pass, but it's not more than a little discomfort. My shoulders have actually been in excruciating pain, more than my abdomen, and the doctors say it's due to gas. I'm taking some pain pills of a light dose and they're helping a good bit. I've taken stool softeners and I've been trying to walk around a bit to get everything moving again, which is kind of sore but worth it to stretch out and get my body back working. Just take your pain meds for sure if you have this, drink plenty of fluids, stool softeners, move around a bit but take it easy for the most part. Holding a pillow on my abdomen helps with gas and coughing etc. and sleeping a lot helps. Some nausea and dizziness has been occurring from the anesthesia and pain pills but fluids and a little food even if you're not hungry really help with that. Just wanted to share my story and tips, I'll update this post over the next few days to say how everything is progressing. Any questions just ask, and tips and advice are so welcome :)
Thanks for your comment and support :) yes I had both a gynecologist and general surgeon/oncologist work on me and they did an amazing job. It was so minimally invasive I was shocked. I will be sure to take it easy and the gas pain is easing up so much now.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Wow, Emily, that was quite a mass!! You'll look like a whole new person with a whole new wardrobe. :)
I'm so glad they didn't remove any of your organs and it's great your recovery is going so well (aside from the gas pain). Were both a gynecologist and general surgeon involved in your surgery?
I hope the rest of your recovery goes well! Be sure you don't overdo it so that you can heal properly.
I'm so glad they didn't remove any of your organs and it's great your recovery is going so well (aside from the gas pain). Were both a gynecologist and general surgeon involved in your surgery?
I hope the rest of your recovery goes well! Be sure you don't overdo it so that you can heal properly.
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