Post-Lap rash? (and other questions)

I am apparently allergic to something they used during my laparoscopy. Mine was this past Tuesday (March 20), to remove a complex cyst from my left ovary (it was 14cm x 10cm x 5cm and non-cancerous). It was outpatient, though the anaesthetic knocked me for a loop and I was there sleeping for hours longer than they'd thought I would be. My recovery seems to be going really well so far, except for this rash that I have.

Wednesday I saw that they must have used some adhesive to stick something to my abdomen, as I have a 1cm wide stripe of raised topical allergic reaction running across my belly above my belly button and below my rib cage. I figure this is my fault as I forgot to tell them that I am allergic to the adhesive in fabric bandages (Elastoplast is worst). I usually don't react to surgical tape, though, so I'm a tad confused.

Yesterday I began to develop a full-on rash over much of my torso. It's well and clear of the surgical site and runs above the adhesive reaction up under my breasts and down my sides. It covers all of the skin in this area, and the skin is bright pink and very itchy. There are bumps but they aren't visible.

I'm not supposed to see the gynecologist who performed the surgery for another 5 weeks or so, but I need to see my GP sooner to get a renewal on my birth control. I am going to try sponging down the rash area today and putting on freshly cleaned pyjamas to see if that helps at all. Has anyone got any ideas about this, though? I'm not used to this sort of thing at all as I'm really only allergic to a very few things (e.g., adhesive, hay, trees, grass, ibuprofen).

Also, I am having trouble with sleeping. I can fall asleep just fine and all that, but I am a side or front sleeper, so having to sleep on my back is incredibly uncomfortable. (Also, the cat wants to sleep on my belly.) Part of the problem with sleeping on my back is that it causes my back to arch, which is painful and stretches my belly a lot; in addition, if I am to be even remotely comfortable I need to have one of my knees bent out to the side and then that leg loses some circulation. Pillows do not seem to get my legs up high enough to make any kind of real difference. Does anyone have any suggestions? When might I be able to go back to sleeping on my front/side? I am guessing once the incisions are fully healed, but I don't know how long that might take. Will it be okay once the stitches are gone? I don't even know for sure that they're the dissolving kind, but I am assuming they are since I'm not to see the surgeon for six weeks post-surgery.

All these questions that I didn't know I needed to ask because I have NEVER had surgery before (except to get my wisdom teeth out, and that is very different). Any help is greatly appreciated!

[asdf125]

Sorry to hear about your problems.
I am allergic to adhesive bandages as well, but I have managed to react to the allergic friendly stuff and surgical tape if it is left on too long/gets wet, so the rash that looks to be from surgical tape might be related to your adhesive allergy.
The rest of the rash sounds very extensive, you should get it investigated. It would be good to know what you reacted to in case you ever need surgery in the future.

As for sleeping, I had to sleep on my side while I had the cyst and having to lie on my back was a bit of a problem. You will get used to it eventually.. I had pillows under my knees, if it isnt enough try sofa cushions or something similar.
I had open surgery and didnt attempt to lie on my belly for two months - once I did it was very uncomfortable until about 3 months post op. Hopefully it wont take you as long after laparoscopy.

Good luck

[asdf125]

Sorry to hear about your problems.
I am allergic to adhesive bandages as well, but I have managed to react to the allergic friendly stuff and surgical tape if it is left on too long/gets wet, so the rash that looks to be from surgical tape might be related to your adhesive allergy.
The rest of the rash sounds very extensive, you should get it investigated. It would be good to know what you reacted to in case you ever need surgery in the future.

As for sleeping, I had to sleep on my side while I had the cyst and having to lie on my back was a bit of a problem. You will get used to it eventually.. I had pillows under my knees, if it isnt enough try sofa cushions or something similar.
I had open surgery and didnt attempt to lie on my belly for two months - once I did it was very uncomfortable until about 3 months post op. Hopefully it wont take you as long after laparoscopy.

Good luck

[MrsCK]

I trust that you're feeling better by now.

If you look at videos from laparoscopy procedures on youtube, you'll see that they mount a thing that closely resembles a small tripod into your belly button and this is then held into place with bandages.
It might be an allergic reaction to that.
It might also be an allergic reaction to the antibacterial wash before the surgery (usually a high-iodene concentrated wash) that caused the rash.

Sleeping was uncomfortable and I slept on my back with my feet propped up for about a week. Later on when I moved to my side (I always fall asleep on my left side) I used a soft pillow to support my tummy and it helped.

[karalianne]

I am feeling better, thanks. :)

There is definitely some adhesive allergy rash on my belly. The rest is probably from the iodine. It's all getting better. I showed my GP today and she said to come in immediately if it gets worse, but I think it will just heal up nicely from now on.

I'm still sleeping with my feet up on a pillow just because the incisions seem fairly delicate still. I'm putting a pillow over my belly so the cat can sleep on me; we both like that better! :)