Epidural or Morphine drip?

[JessRae]

I just want to say that since finding this forum i've found tons of information that has totally put me at ease about my upcoming surgery, especially with my surgery not being a man of many words.....

I had my pre surgical booking today and talked with the anesthesiologist.. And he's told me that depending on what route the dr chooses to go, will depend on my type of pain treatment.

I've already had a laparoscopy done last April, so I know what to expect pain/recovery wise that way. And we now have a plan to deal with my anxiety as well post surgery.

However, due to the cyst looking differnt, my doctor has talked about partial/full removal of my right ovary. The left ovary cysts have been simple and the hormone treatment using birth control has helped that one.

He's booked the OR as a laparoscopy with possible laporectomy.. He has also booked me to stay over night in day care.

With reading this site i've pretty much got my recovery expected the best I can etc...

If I have the laparotomy, the anesthesiologist has said that when I wake up in Recovery we can talk pain killers.
My choices will be either A) Epidural or B) Drip. ( I believe morphine)

Which have you ladies had, experiences/side effects etc?
Of course I'll be doing my own research and reading them up but its always nice to hear personal experiences.

[MarieMichele]

Best wishes to you. I hope all goes well for you. Looking forward to your next message that you are recovering.

[JessRae]

Quick update. I go into the hospital tomorrow morning at 9:30 PST. I cant wait for this to hopefully be over! Todays my first(and last) shift in a week, and then im off work again for minimum 10 days... So far im not anxious about it but im sure by later tonight i will be. Less than 24 hours to go!

Thanks for all your advice Shelly and MarieMichele, its helped a lot :) Will keep you ladies posted about what happened after surgery.

[JessRae]

It is v ery frustrating! I havent been able to get my shifts back at work, so that makes things a little stressful as well, though at the same time i think its better im not working as much before surgery due to having more pains etc. I cant wait for this to be over! Hopefully after this surgery I'll be good, i really dont want to deal with cysts coming back again within weeks after surgery again.

[hopeshell]

So sorry you are having to deal with the schedule change!  It is very frustrating!  Keep us updated and hang in there!

Shelly

[JessRae]

So quick update.. I got a call from surgical booking, theyve had to delay my surgery.... so now i dont go in until Feb 2nd, and the only reason I got that is because i told them ive taken time off work and now need to hopefully get my shifts back until i go for surgery.

[JessRae]

Yes, I will be taking at least 6 weeks off if it becomes a laparotomy. We've just booked off 2 weeks for now, I'll get more time off if needed. Dont want to risk doing damage or not healing properly etc.

[MarieMichele]

I had the morphine drip.  Never really felt the narcotic effect other than the most important one: pain relief.

Two weeks is NOT enough time if this becomes a laparotomy.  Six weeks is the minimum.  Lifting may take even longer depending on the weights.  The last thing you want to do is damage the surgical work that was done internally.

[JessRae]

I've done some research and asking around and I definitely think the morphine drip is the best route to go. I don't want to be totally stuck to the bed, I'd rather have some control and have the choice of getting up and moving around.  And knowing I can't over medicate helps a lot. With the laproscopy last april I didn't even use all the T3's they sent me home with.

I'm glad that I have found this site to understand more of the surgery next Wednesday so I know what to expect etc that is in simple english! The medical terms gets so confusing when you don't have the ability to ask your doctor.

Has anyone had partial ovary removal? Is recovery basically the same as if they take the full ovary for hormones balancing back out etc?

I'm 22, and the dr has suggested that partial/full removal of the ovary are in best interest because of 2 months post op cysts were back to 2cm, and in 5 months they had gone up to 5cm and causing steady discomfort. We'll see what happens when I go for surgery! Ill keep you updated for sure :)  

My only real concern is healing after a laparotomy. I've taken 2 weeks off work as it is for recovery but if its that ill take more time off. How long did it take for you to start to get back into daily activities etc? My job is pretty active, standing long periods, lifting, bending etc.

[hopeshell]

If you end up with the laparotomy, I would opt for the morphine drip.  That is what I had and it totally took care of my pain.  The benefit of this med is that you can walk and help get your bowels moving post-op.  The meds really help take care of the pain from the muscles being cut.  I did not have a very hard time after my surgery, despite having complications.  I was in the hospital for 10 days post-op due to high fevers and a suspected absess.  They put a drain in and things seemed to clear up.  The morphine pump will not let you overmedicate.  So, you are sure to get the meds you need as soon as you can.  I wish you the best with your surgery.  Please keep us posted on how you are doing! :)

Shelly