my surgery was yesterday

I was discharged about 2 1/2 hours after I went to the recovery area. My incision in my belly button is the worst pain for me so far. I can feel the stitches pull with every step. Overall I don't feel too terrible though like I was fearing. My stomach is pretty gigantic from the co2 gas though. I look like I'm 6months pregnant. They said they drained a lot of the gas out but I can definitely say they didn't get it all! They were able to get the cyst drained and removed without taking the ovary which I was happy to hear. They did manage to restore blood flow to the ovary as well from where it was twisted from the weight of the cyst. One thing I haven't really seen mentioned on here is they want u to cough twice an hour after your surgery to get the gunk from the machines out of your lungs so u don't get pneumonia or anything like that.which ,for me at least , doesn't feel all that great. Does anyone have any tips for how to deal with that?

[AnnieBrooke]

Press a pillow against your stomach and chest when you cough.  It helps.

Delighted you didn't lose the ovary.

[dragonfly6]

Thankyou!!! I'm definitely going to try that. Also do u know if taking gasx helps with the co2 gas to go away faster?

[AnnieBrooke]

No, I don't think so.  GasX works inside the intestines, and that is no where the inert gas they use to puff out your abdomen is.  It is inside the abdominal cavity itself, and can certainly be annoying.  Only time makes that go away.

[dragonfly6]

That's that I thought but I just wanted to double check. He also went ahead and removed my mirena because he thinks the hormones from that are what caused my cyst and he put in Essure since it has a lower failure rate and is less painful of a recovery than a tubal litigation. The down side of that is I'm spotting but I don't really want to reach and bend much. Ugh yeah sorry that was probably tmi

[AnnieBrooke]

Well, be sure not to rely on the Essure for protection for three months or more from now.

[dragonfly6]

Yeah he put me on birth control for 3 months but told us to use condoms the first month too

[BethesdaGirl]

Glad it is done and over with dragonfly!  Hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly. Don't try to do too much too soon even if you feel fine. Your insides are going to need some time to heal. Take it easy. Best of luck to you.

[dragonfly6]

Thankyou so much. I have been resting all day and I'm planning to keep that up. I took off the big bandage over it and discovered part of my pain is from the end of the string that made the stitches is poking me.

[GYNsymptoms]

Walking helps rid some of that gas they insert also.  I took a short walk every day (as long as you feel able to go) after my surgery.

[dolphin8808]

So glad your surgery was ok! Thinking of you and hoping for a fast recovery :)

[BethesdaGirl]

How are you feeling today dragonfly?  Better?

[dragonfly6]

I'm tons better. I still feel sore all over my belly but nothing like before. I'm able to get up and take my daughter to school today!!

[BethesdaGirl]

That's excellent dragonfly!  You're on the mend.  Glad to hear it.  Each day will be better and better.  CONGRATULATIONS, you got through it!

[dragonfly6]

Thanks girl!!!! I'm going to try to enjoy my weekend before I'm back to work on Monday