ovarian cyst

[angele27]

i am 27 years old and have a 7cm cyst on my right  ovary i am scheduled for a laporscopy next week they don't know if they'll be able to remove the cyst without the ovary until they get in there. I have never had surgery before so i am really scared  how long will i be out of work if i am a fulltime cashier? what will i be able to do after the surgery? ,


This discussion is related to Getting ready for Surgery.

[Nt2L8]

Good advice fungirl, because that first cough after my surgery almost did me in, lol.  No funny movies the first few days, because laughter is painful in the beginning.

[fungirl1011]

I thought of a few more things.

1.  Make sure that you have plenty of fluffy pillows.  You can use them to put on your stomach and gently hold there when you are getting up or down.  It also helps when you have to cough.  
2.  You may want to get some books or movies to keep you entertained as you will be spending some time on the couch.  It will help make you down time a little better.

[Nt2L8]

Hi

I agree with both of the above post and I would definitely get some prunes.  I did some walking, but for three days I was bowel movement free, so today I drank prune juice and it made a big difference.  I read alot of post before my surgery and so I was prepared by buying foods high fiber, but that did not aleviate my problem.  The surgery is really not that bad and you don't have to be scared.  Wish you well!

[luba28]

Welcome to the forum - you've found the perfect place to get all the emotional support you will need and much advice from many of us that have already been through what you are about to experience.  It's perfectly natural to be frightened, especially when you don't know exactly what will happen, but everything will be OK.    Fungirl1011 gave some great advice and there are only a few more things that I'd add that were told to me before my laporoscopic surgery.  
(1)Prepare for the gas and have on hand any of the following: Gas-X, Prunes, Bran Muffins, fruits. I went overboard and bought all of these - and as it turns out I barely needed any of them as I made it a point to walk around the house as much as possible - in order to walk the gas out of my system.  
(2) Prepurchase lots of large sized high-waisted panties (that don't hit you at your incision line) and drawstring sweats so you can be comfortable with the bloated stomach.  I did have the distended stomach and was thankful I had been told in advance to prepare for it.
(3) If you live alone prepurchase (or prepare) lots of frozen meals so you don't need to cook - as you most likely won't want to.  I also purchased Ensure as I thought some times I might not want to eat - but was told its important to keep up your strength so you can heal faster - so I drank it when I didn't feel like eating, or felt nauseous.
(4) Also, if you live alone you might consider borrowing a walker so you can manuever around the house the first few days.  I found mine at a second hand shop and found that I relied on it very heavily for the first 3 days.

I'm sure you'll get lots more input from the wonderful ladies on this forum and you'll sail through your surgery with no problems at all.  Do take care and keep us posted with your progress.

[fungirl1011]

HI and welcome to the forum.  You will find that you get great support and advice here.  
When you have a laprascopic surgery you can count on theses things:

1.  3 or 4 small incisions (about 1 inch long)
2.  you should be able to go home a few hours after you come out of recovery.
3.  You may experience gas pains.  
4.  You may feel some pain or pulling when you stand up or lie down.
5.  You my be off of work for 2 weeks.  The usual recovery time for this surgery is 2-4 weeks.
6.  You should not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for a few weeks.
7.  Walking will help with the gas pains.
8.  Stay ahead of the pain by taking you pain pills on time.  If you let the pain get too far out of control it is really hard to get it back under control. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!
9.  If they have to take the ovary you may find that your period could be affected for a few months.
10. You could also find that you may be emotional.  This is normal.
11. Make sure you have some help.  You will need it for a week or so.

Ok, I can't think of anything else right now.  I know it is hard not to worry, but it will be ok.  Do something for yourself that you would not normally do (like getting a massage, buying new pajamas to wear when you get home, etc).  You can always come here for support anytime you need it.  Good luck and please keep us posted on how you are doing.  Prayers coming your way.