Laparotomy and laparoscopy advice please

Hi all,
I had a laparotomy (the small incision one in my pelvis) and laparoscopy with partial ovary removal due to a 3cm cyst, and also had some womb taken due to endometriosis 7 days ago...The op lasted over 3 hours, but I went home that evening. As this was all a week ago, and I had expected to be feeling a bit better, but I actually still feel really rough...is this normal? I am super tired, my stitches are pulling, I am still quite bloated and feel like I have been punched in the gut, oh and I am still bleeding. I spoke to my GP yesterday and she advised rest and to continue with pain relief, however if the bleeding continues I may need to return to hospital for a check.
To make matters worse my employers want me to drive to see an occupational health person to assess my fitness to return to work ASAP ( I am a teacher) and I can barely plod about the house, let alone drive and do a 12 hour day!
How long have others been off for, could you drive and how long before 'normal' returns?

Sally

[lot12]

Im so sorry your having a hard time with post op

Yes its normal to feel pain you've been through a major surgery!!!
Your bidy needs time to heel itself...
I had a laparatomy last september it took 2weeks for me to start feeling a little bit normal... Gas from the surgery was the worstbpain for me and laughing was too painful LOL....
Had to wear my binder for about 11/2 month
I didnt have any bleeding
Your bleeding from wear? Your stiches? If so you should go back to the hospital asap

For the meantime just relax and let your body rest

[SallySch]

Hi - no I am having a period type bleed - pretty heavy as well...

I am chewing loads of Deflatine to try and shift the bloating, but it doesn't want to budge - and yes, it really hurts! What is a binder?

[asdf125]

Sorry to hear you are having a rough time.
As lot12 says, you have been through major surgery and pain is only too normal.
I had laparotomy in november and it took 4-5 weeks for the worst of my pain to go away. I think most people are in pain for 2-4 weeks. I was feeling very rough for weeks, but 2 surgeries, very long incisions, and haemorrhage would be to blame, so I dont really know what is "normal".

Being very tired is normal as well, I recommend mid day naps for the first few weeks. Your body is using a lot of energy healing itself. You would have lost a bit of blood in surgery and a some from bleeding afterwards, it probably isnt severe but it would make you tired as well.
I had next to no vaginal bleeding after my surgery (removed an ovary + tube), but since you had surgery on your womb as well, it might explain the bleeding. Could you be having your period as well? Keep an eye on it and stay in touch with your GP, you dont want it going on for too long.

I would have a word with your GP about the fitness assessment and long drive/hours, it would take some weight off your shoulders if you are told to stay home for at least another week or two. Your employee cant argue with the doctor's orders! Did the hospital mention anything about how long you would need to stay home?
You also need to keep the risk of infection down, returning to work and exposing yourself to a lot of bacteria might not be the best idea just yet. There is also a risk of the incision opening or sliding if you strain yourself too soon.

I was on grapes and movicol for the constipation, it took a couple of days to work as far as I recall, but it definitely got things moving. The longer you are constipated, the harder the stools get and you get more gas as well. Try to eat grapes as well and if nothing happens in a day or two you may need a stronger laxative.

A binder is a type of support, probably a bit like a corset? I never had one either.

Good luck with your recovery.

[SallySch]

Thanks for the grape advice - good idea! I am due to return to work next week but I really don't think I will be ready - so have made a GP appointment to get a bit more recovery time. The surgeon wrote me off for 2 weeks, but said that was the max she could give - the anaesthetist and nurses said at least 4 weeks to recover (until I could do an emergency stop in the car).

Tried hoovering today - that was a mistake :o/

[Blancho]

My first laparotomy was in Nov 09 & it was 8 weeks to the day before I went back to work (I am airline crew) do not let your employer rush you back. You've had major surgery, plus anaesthetic can take 2 weeks just to get outta our system completely!

I've just had my 2nd laparotomy 9 days ago & I'm struggling with the soreness & feeling exhausted all the time, I was in hospital for 4 days.

Everyone's different but listen to your body, when you're fit & well again you'll know!

[rere_23]

I just had my surgury the day b4 yesterday and I'm tired can't sleep good, my neck is stiff, I'm on my period and it hurts where my three incision are n bottom of stomach I have prune juice for constipation but haven't ben able to go yet. I'm suprised to hear how long its taken for people to get there surgury done after discovery of there cysts. I found out about mine 2/22/12 found out they gotten bigger fast from 2cm-6cm n from 4cm-9 on2/27/12. I had some insurance issues so they couldnt do it that day. Went to er 2/28/12 they rushed me in cuz of pain n found one had ruptured. Thank gods they didn't have to take any ovaries I'm only 23. Dealing with my 18 month baby girl is hard while daddy at work but I have my sister.

[rere_23]

I just had my surgury the day b4 yesterday and I'm tired can't sleep good, my neck is stiff, I'm on my period and it hurts where my three incision are n bottom of stomach I have prune juice for constipation but haven't ben able to go yet. I'm suprised to hear how long its taken for people to get there surgury done after discovery of there cysts. I found out about mine 2/22/12 found out they gotten bigger fast from 2cm-6cm n from 4cm-9 on2/27/12. I had some insurance issues so they couldnt do it that day. Went to er 2/28/12 they rushed me in cuz of pain n found one had ruptured. Thank gods they didn't have to take any ovaries I'm only 23. Dealing with my 18 month baby girl is hard while daddy at work but I have my sister.

[asdf125]

It took almost 3 months from my diagnosis to surgery. The wait was horrible! Im 23 as well and one ovary down.

I found it took 4 days before I had bowel movement. Your bowels need a couple of days to wake up from the aesthetics. I think prune juice sounds a bit weak on its own, but it might work for you. I had bowel movement before being discharged from hospital, but didnt know the painkillers would stop my bowels working and ended up being constipated again for a week before getting a laxative.
I think if you dont go by day 5 you ought to get hold of your GP, not being able to go is very painful and puts a strain on your insides.

[Lolacu]

Hi I need some help . I am having my laparotomy for a ovary cyst  at the end of this month. I am very scare is my first surgery . I  am trying to calm down but it is impossible. Looks like you all are very strong person. I am going on vacaction next week because I plan my vacaction before I knew all this and my doctor said that I can go without
problem. I am so scare I just want to have this done and relax. My life is different since 2/21/2012 the day I went to my doctor . This wait is killing me. I am not even from USA the only family close to me is my husband . All my family is far away,  I least next week I am going to be with them before this news I was very happy to go and have a good time with my family now everything is different .

[SallySch]

Yes, I had a really long wait from diagnosis to surgery. My cyst was diagnosed on December 6th, and the op last week...the wait was awful, and the cyst and bleeding was getting progressively worse. I feel sure this reflects on recovery time, as I was so ill before the surgery my body was knackered, on the upside I can certainly feel the cyst has gone (that constant throbbing has gone) however I walked for about half an hour yesterday and feel terrible this morning-the whole left side of my belly aches and I feel sick.

I could just sit and have a bloody good cry, I am so fed up feeling rubbish (perhaps I am hormonal!).

[rere_23]

Hi yes surgury is a very scarry thing, but as long as ur secure in you and ur doc I think ur gonna be fine regardless enjoy your vac with ur family and relax as long as u got someone by ur side when the time comes and ask ur doc alot of questions like I did. Asdf125 thank u for the advice and I do need something more then prune juice.

[asdf125]

Lolacu I was terrified before mine and it will be rough, but you will get through it. Try not to let it get to you.
My whole family is abroad as well, but my bf was brilliant support. It can work, just make sure you have enough people to help you with the cooking and cleaning the first while.

SallySch, it sounds like you are trying a bit too much too soon. Hoovering and long walks already? Ugh no wonder you are sore. Listen to your body and try to take it slow.

[Lolacu]

Thank you very  much for your answers. this is a great page.  I think my doctor is a good one but I still feel panic you all are very strong person. My cyst is about 6 cm the whole thing is that I do not have kids we were trying for 1 year and nothing happens that is why I decided  go to the doctor to find out what was wrong and during the consult he did a ultrasound a found that thing inside me. My doctor made the decision for surgery very fast he wants to try to do the best for me to increase the change of getting pregnant. I am scare but I know I have to do it now is just wait until that moment. I try to avoid thinking in that but it is very hard for me. This is the
first surgery in my whole life everybody tell me that it will be fine that is not that dangerous procedure. I am trying to be positive and wait until that moment. I am leaving next week for my vac I thin that will help me to relax.
I hope you feel better and thanks to all you who answer to my post  I really feel better when I can talk with people who can understand the situacion thank very much.

[Lolacu]

Thank you very much . I hope you feel better .

[Lolacu]

Thank you for you support ,