Laparotomy recovery time / removal of ovary/endemetriosis

[Turnip]

Hi there, can anyone provide some guidance on recovery from a laparotomy?  Was suppose to have been having a laparoscopy to remove my left ovary and large cyst within this along with treatment for endemetriosis, woke up to have had a laparotomy and the latter all done plus part of the fallopian tube with it. It is now three weeks since the op and I can at least move around more, no longer doing an impression of a ladybird on its back trying to get up... The main scar is still sore on the inside and by later in the day I get pain down the left side, still have the shelf overhanging which hoping with time and eventually some exercise will go, still quite bloated but this comes and goes seems to get worse later in the day. Hormones have been all over the place as well.  I have had a first period since the op and the pain was still horrendous but assume this is everything settling down again. Would be grateful for anyone's similar experience to give some idea of what to expect and how soon will feel normal again if ever? Didn't really get much from hospital and main follow up isn't until July?? Any help is welcomed.

[mn4976]

I just have my left ovary and tube Plus scare tissue and endometriosis removed on my left side. It has been two days now and I have to tell you I'm not back to my 100% but I feel good so if you are not feeling at least 90% you should be calling your doctor. I know that they say you should wait at least two to three weeks before having sex but I feel fine and it did not bother me any or I should say that the pain before was more then now! Wish I would have done this before now. Best of luck to you all

[lore2011]

Debbie I had a tubal and partial uterus removal done back on dec 20 2011 due to a type of ectopic pregnancy. They started doing a laparascopy but I hemorrhaged and lost 2 pints of blood so they had to do a laparatomy. My doctor told me I shouldn't bleed at all but a day after they release me I ended back at the ER for heavy bleeding.  If you are bleeding heavy you should see immediate care. In my case when the pregnancy was removed my hormone levels dropped down so my body immediately decided to remove the walls of the uterus like in a normal period. My OB was called to the ER and she did a full check up to make sure that everything was ok with the surgery she did on me.  I hope you have a quick recovery.

[debbiev70]

I'm on my third day from recovering from my right ovary and left cyst removed from my left ovary.  The nurse who was discharging me said I would have some discharge from my vagina.  Its my third day and I am having blood dicharge as if I were on my period.  The blood is not heavy and not light but its very visable when I go to the restroom to wipe myself and on my pad.  Is this common?  My doctor's office is on vacation and the oncall dr has not responded back to my messages.  Should I go to the ER or just wait it out.  

[meme37]

Thanks for all your posts. Its has helped me realize that healing depends on the individuals' body. Had ectopic pregnancy and my right fallopian tube was taken out(1/nov/11), i wasn't prepared for the pain,its about 4weeks now and i havent fully recovered,taking things easy cos once i push my body too hard,the pain becomes unbearable. only wish people around me'd understand that the healing process takes time. Thank u all.  

[WorriedClaud]

Hi, just like to say thank you all for sharing your storys. Mine goes like this; two weeks ago i had a 7cm cyst removed from my left ovary but never was told when will i feel better or how would i know if the surgery was a success.  if its been two weeks n for a moment i feel ok n the next minute its like they are still scraping my ovary. Is that normal or should i worry that something might not b right.??? My appt. Its a week from now so any advice will help!!

[mdes]

Hi,

I had my surgery on August 12.  I had a 17.5 cm cyst removed along with my left ovary and fallopian tube.  It took me a while to recover and was pretty much homebound for the first 3 weeks post surgery.  I returned to work(I am a teacher) in time to begin the school year.  I was still moving quite slowly, but felt way less pain than before.  I still have an indent above the incision and get extremely bloated by the end of the day(I feel like I look pregnant).  I am still so uncomfortable wearing pants and have been buying lots of dresses to go to work.  A lot of my pants do not fit properly even though I lost 10 pounds post surgery. I am hoping to return to the gym soon but am a little nervous about it.  

I had a few questioons for people who have had similar experiences...
Does the bloating go away?
Will I always have this indent in my abdominal area or does it eventually go away?
Is it normal to still feel discomfort at the end of the day after being on my feet for the majority of the day?
How long will it be until I feel completely normal?