3 weeks past ovarian cyst/ovary/tube removal

[PhoebesMom0520]

I had laparoscopic surgery to remove 9.4cm ovarian cyst on 12/20/11. It was an endometrioma (chocolate cyst), and had completely destroyed the ovary, so they removed the ovary and tube as well. I have a small incision just at the bottom of my belly button and another on the right side along the bikini line, and a larger (about 3 inch incision) on the left bikini line. I am a nurse, so I went into this "sorta" prepared and understanding of what would happen in certain situations. I had surgery at 10:30am and was on my way home at 2:30pm. I had no trouble with the surgery or the anesthesia. I normally handle pain pretty well (natural labor...) but I used the pain medication prescribed to me for a full 2 weeks, while I was off work waiting to have my follow-up with the doctor. I hate to say that I felt like the biggest wienie alive because of that. My sister had c-section and used pain med for about 3 days! When I went back to the doc, I told her that I had been bleeding about as much as the middle days of a period for the whole 2 weeks, and had JUST stopped using the pain medication (but only because I had left it at a friend's house 2 hours from home). I did not go into great detail, because I hate to complain, especially about pain. But, today was 3 weeks since surgery and I have been back to work since 1/4/12. I am cramping bad enough that it spreads to my thighs and straight into my back. That's only normal for me on day 1 and 2 at most on my periods. Is it normal to bleed for 3 weeks, and have pain that, at times, makes me want to cry out? I called back to the doctor's office and she recommended for me to continue taking the minipill and ibuprofen p to 800mg 3 times daily. I DO think my period started today, but there was no BIG change in the way I feel, just more blood and a BUNCH of clots. I am just so concerned that my doc is being a little lax because I am not comfortable complaining long and loud. Thanks for any help ladies!  H

[Sanjivani Wanjari, MD]

HI,
Pain and heavy bleeding continuing three weeks after laparoscopic surgery is not normal. The possibility of infection needs to be ruled out. Also immediate measures are needed to stop the bleeding. This can be in the form of haemostatic agents or hormones or GnRH analogues. An ultrasound scan may also be necessary. Consult your Doctor.
Take care and good luck.

[vienna_h]

Definitley complain louder!

You want to rule out infection or complications, do whatever it takes! (not to scare you, but when I was at the hospital the woman in the bed next to me had had a laparoscopy and had complications for weeks without doing anything about it before she was finally waiting for surgery (Infection had caused holes in her intestines!). I overheard the convo with the surgeon, she was angry at the woman's doctor for not having done anything sooner when there were clearly signs of infection after her laparscopy and if he had treated her sooner she wouldn't be in the state she was now. This women was crying all day, the nurses kept telling her she already had the max amount of morphine... it was not pretty. DO NOT BECOME THIS WOMAN!)

If you're not loud and get yourself the help you need, no one will do it for you. You must tell the doctor all your symptoms as they are, if you have pain, say so! Don't risk complications for fear your doctor might think you're a wimp, your health matter most!

[PhoebesMom0520]

Thank you both. I did talk to the doc again. And I am definitely better now. I think it is possible that the bleeding and cramping were coming from switching from regular birth control to the minipill. My period stopped and I am now feeling as close to 100% as I have in (honestly) a couple of years. I have energy and am not having pain really AT ALL!. I am having a little trouble with hormones now, having hot flashes and trouble sleeping, but that is sooo much less than the pain I had constantly before! Yay! Thank you both again for responding!