Laparotomy Recovery, Please Help!!

[evollive]

Hi my name is Anna. I'm 18 years old. I'm graduating from high school in about a week.
I have a benign abdominal cyst. It's huge, 15.4 by 11.3 cm. I just found out yesterday and Thursday I schedule my surgery. Luckily I still get to go to my high school prom which is this coming saturday, but unfortunately I won't be able to attend my Graduation or Grad Night. I'm not really bummed about that, but the thing that worries me the most is I am supposed to leave for London with my family on June 30th and if my operation is June 12th, or so, that only gives me a little bit more that 2 weeks to recover. The worst though, after London, I am supposed to go to Spain by myself for 5 weeks to endulge in Spanish Culture. I am completely devastated and scared and i need some support. If you know anything about this surgery, recovery time, stories to share, please please please let me know. I appreciate it very much. Thank you.

[turtledovemom]

I have the unfortunate feeling that the original author of this thread is not getting the benefit of anything that is being added to it.  
peace,
Anne

[LoLoBoBo]

I was reading this and well I am shocked! I am a younging as many of you know. I am 19, just about to turn 20 and I am 3 months post op. I was driving in a week. But Anna not to sound mean. There is no way you will be able to do spain. Sorry... I have my right ovary, tube and cyst removed. I couldn't even walk around my house normally in 10 days. So don't tell me that by you being 18 is going to make it quick recovery. Yes it will be shorter than say you were 50. Unless you got some superhero powers it anit happening. Sorry to be blunt but coming from someone around your age who just had something similar done. Even though our bodies are diffrent, I was even a quick recovery and I still have issues to this day.

so for you saying, "but im young, and i have more energy and probably a better ability to heal faster. I JUST TURNED 18 MAY 13th." doesn't mean squat. You are having major surgery. Your body is going to be cut opened your muscles are going to be moved around. Being young, having more energy does increase your healing time. But does NOT give you an excuse to come here and act the way you did.

These ladies are here to support you not bring you down (unless you do something like you did, by not hearing what you wanted to hear so you slapped them in the faces). These women have given me some of the best advice. They are buried treasure you have to just ask them and they will help. Your 18 you think your on top of the world, but being 18 doesn't give you the right to disrecpect these wonderful women.

I just hope you don't overdo yourself after surgery. Because you could mess your body up for good and cause more issues. What is more important your life or some trip to Spain and London. They will always be there but you wont.

[turtledovemom]

Belated HB and congratulations on your graduation!  My thoughts and prayers will be with you during all of this, that's for sure.  I've read through all of the above posts.  They definitely come with a lot of experience that I hope you will weight heavily.  Regardless of our ages, we tend to rush through our recoveries.  I think that comes with being a woman...our minds tend to will us to do things even when we are lacking energy, strength etc.  I agree that mindset has a great deal to do with feeling good.  However, I would caution you to allow yourself to recover completely.  I know that you're feeling confident in the outcome (that's a good thing), however there's really no way to predict how everything is going to go as far as incision etc.  If you rush the process, you'll put your long-term health and stamina in jeaopordy.  I'm not writing this to sound negatively.  You strike me as an intelligent young woman.  I just want to encourage you to be patient with the process.  I look forward to hearing good news from you.
peace,
Anne

[fungirl]

I had a laparotomy for a 9cm dermoid cyst.  The incision was vertical and I healed pretty quickly.  The doctor let me go back to work after 2 weeks post-op.  You MUST be very diligent about the lifing!  Who knows, you may feel up to traveling, but just remember that your body will need lots of rest to heal, so plan plenty of napping time.  CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION!! AND HAPPY BELATED 18TH BIRTHDAY!  Kasie

[Gatsby]

Happy Birthday and Congradulations!  Yes, I think you can do this if you are carful and ease into things.  The surgery alone will be tough on your body.  Your insides will suffer severe tissue trauma, but if you take breaks and don't lift anything!! (not even your suitcase!)  You should be fine.  Just make sure that you are pampered and waited on.  You should not do anything strenuous.  Your body will let you know if you have done too much.  Pain and fatigue will set in.  I know you are determined and that is good, just don't push too hard or you could suffer.  I hope you and your family have a fantastic trip.  You are very fortunate.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[SNORCHY]

Congratulations on your graduation and Happy Birthday. I do hope all works out for you this summer.
I also want to say that as someone who works with high school students, your attitude is inappropriate and ineffective if you truly want help and encouragement from the amazing women who responded to you. I understand that you want everything to work out and go your way...I get that...so you probably don;yt want to hear anything that you perceive as negative. You can pick & choose the advice that you get here, but there is definitely no need for the type of response you posted.
Good luck!