Laparotomy March 10th

[goblue78]

Hi ladies,

I haven't posted in a while, but I'm always reading! I FINALLY got a surgery date ...March 10th, one week from today. Some background: 14 cm fluid filled (probably endometroid) left ovarian cyst with smaller adhesions seen on right ovary.

#1: So, I REALLY like my doctor, but am feeling less than happy because I was not scheduled for a pre-op appt. until I asked if I need one. I will be going in on Friday, but my question is, does EVERYONE get a pre-op appt? I am 31, no children, single, otherwise healthy, first GYN issue I've ever had.

#2: Can someone please give me some reassuring words that everything will turn out fine? I'm scared to death of not waking up, of waking up to bad news, developing infections, blood clots (I'm a pharmacist, so these things are always going through my head!).

--Julie:)

[MarieMichele]

Thank goodness the sugery part is finished. Now just take it easy so that you heal properly. I hope your next post will be from home.

Now you are another (reluctant) laparotomy veteran like me.  Sorry to hear it had to be two surgeries, though.  Rest!  And be careful when walking. All those simple things will be a doozy to accomplish for awhile.

[goblue78]

Thanks for your input...now recovering!

Phew! Well, I had my laparotomy to remove my ovarian cyst on Wednesday as well as removal of my left ovary. She said there was endometriosis all over....my bowels, all my female parts...

I had a complication right after surgery. Apparantly I am a slow blood clotter and the blood that was oozing was my surgical site pooled, causing my hemoglobin to drop and neccesitating a 2nd surgery Thursday morning. Yipee!! I was so scared....crying and so sure I was not going to make it out of that 2nd surgery. But I did...and now recovering well. Today was my 3rd full day of recovery and I will be going home tomorrow! Almost don't want to say it out loud in case I jinx it!

Thanks for all the helpful words of advice!

[dream3r]

#1:

I had my surgery last month. The hospital did not call me for pre op appointment until four days before the surgery, too.
#2:

I was most worried about not waking up. I did not feel secured with the idea that being put asleep and having people work on my body. The day I went to hospital, I was not as nervous as I thought I would be. I tried to relax and tried to trust these professionals. There were at least 7 people that I met before the surgery, they came to introduce themselves to me and let me know they would be in the OR with me.

I also was worried that I was not able to see clearly when I wake up because I wear glasses. lol so I asked my mom to hold my glasses and remember to give it to me as soon as I am out. But friends and relatives are not allowed in the post op resting area, when i woke up, i felt it was still a dream because everything's blurry without the glasses. a very nice nurse was monitoring my IV and get my pain level. I had something to massage my legs to prevent clots too. I thought I would want to see my family as soon as I open my eyes,  it was not bad at all. i was still sleepy/drowsy, and knowing that the operation's over made me relieved. i was taking my time to rest, it didn't take long that i was transfered to my room. i wanted to talk, i talked, i asked if my ovary's gone.. but i think i was too weak, the nurse couldn't hear me well. (feeling like the dream)

it is not bad at all, the first few days of post op recovery was harder (physically), but i m already thankful that everything turned out fine.  good luck on your operation, you are doing it to stay healthy and live a finer life. im on my week 6 now, i am feeling almost myself, i looked back just last month or just last week, i was still struggling from the recovery..... when you come home from the surgery, you would go through the recovery period too, but don't get scared, a lot of weird feelings i felt a couple weeks ago were all normal. it is getting better each day, each day, each week makes big difference in the recovery period.

[MarieMichele]

Kasie gave a great answer.

You can read my entire laparotomy story in my profile if you have not done so yet.  I add to it as I think of more information to include.

This surgery is very common and they take every precaution to prevent the things that worry you.  You are young and ladies much older have come through this well.

Every person should get a pre-op consult.  It is important to disclose all your concerns and get your questions answered.

[fungirl1011]

Hi Julie, I am so glad that you finally got your surgery scheduled.  The first thing you need to do is stop and take a deep breath.  I know how scary it is to think about going into surgery.  I have had 10 surgeries in the last 9 years.  I have had surgeries where I had pre op appointments and others where they just wrote an order for me to have blood work a few days before the surgery.  I think it all depends on the surgeon.  
I know that thinking about going under can be a bit stressful.  All of your worries are very valid concerns and and things we all think about.  When they prep you for surgery, they will probably give you some good meds in you IV that will make you not care less about what is happening.  I know that when they give me this to relax, I end up being "out" before I hit the OR.  Please rest your mind in the fact that there will be many people in the OR that are monitoring your breathing, pulse, heart rate and stuff like that.  You will be in good hands.  When you come out of surgery, you will be given a breathing machine to help you take deep breaths and do breathing exercises.  This will help keep your lungs clean.  They will also have squeezie things on your legs to keep you from getting blood clots.  They may have you use them until you go home or until you are up walking around alot.  This too depends on your doctor.  Don't be surprised either if you wake up with a catheter either.  This too is normal as you will be really drugged up after surgery.  You will have an IV for pain meds too.  Don't be afraid to push the button for them if you need them.  I hope this has helped you some.  I will say a prayer for you!!  Please keep us posted on how you are doing.  

Kasie:)