Ovarian cyst surgery

[DML67]

Hi Everyone.
I have been reading through the posts and thought you all were very supportive and helpful to each other.
I am 38 yrs old and have a 6cm cyst on my right ovary. I am scheduled for surgery 4/24. My gyn/onc said he would be removing my right ovary along with the cyst via open surgery.
I asked how long I would be in the hospital after this and was told if things went well I could go home the same day. Is that correct? I read that is the norm if it is done laparoscopic, but that if you are having open surgery it is 2-3 days.
Also, can anyone give me an idea on what to expect regarding recovery? I read that my other ovary will "take over". Is this immidate or is there going to be some sort of "break in" period for this? I am so lost as to what to expect with all this.

Thank you!
Donna

[smakosgirl]

Hi!  Just saw this post today.  I had my left ovary and tube removed due to a 9.7cm dermoid cyst and a 3cm. dermoid removed from my right ovary...also had my right tube removed...I already have 2 kids.  I had the open surgery on 2/14.  I was in the hospital for 3 nights.  The pain from the gas they inflate you with was what kept me an extra night...I didn't think they did that for the open surgery.  Yes, it's uncomfortable but NOTHING like I thought it would be!  I work in a dr's office at the desk, so I went back to work after 2 weeks.  If you have to lift and walk around alot it'll probably take you longer.  I did have hot flashes and chills for about 2 weeks after surgery but I'm shocked at how fast your body can heal!  You'll be so glad in the long run that you had it done...Good luck!

[DML67]

Wow 2 weeks! That is great!
That is funny... your husband would rather you be nice than have sex!! LOL

[Reinsong]

I'm 35.  After having both ovaries removed, there was some soreness, but nothing like when my uterus was removed.  I was back up and going in 2 weeks.  I tried taking HRT but they just made me crazy, I am currently not on anything and feel great emotionally.  My husband would rather me be nice than want sex all the time!

[Reinsong]

After having both ovaries removed, there was some soreness, but nothing like when my uterus was removed.  I was back up and going in 2 weeks.  I tried taking HRT but they just made me crazy, I am currently not on anything and feel great emotionally.  My husband would rather me be nice than want sex all the time!

[DML67]

Thanks for telling me your stories. It is making me a bit more comfortable with what to expect. I had planned on taking 4 wks off of work. I do a lot of walking and some lifting. So thought it would be wise.
Nina you mentioned stairs.. I have to climb 40 of them to get to my condo... I am not looking foward to trying to tackle that. Maybe I will have my boyfriend and family do the shopping for a bit... LOL  
What kind of pre-surgery tests are they going to do? Mostly blood work?
D

[CindiSue]

Glad you found us! Ditto to the previous comments.

I had one ovary and tube removed and a endo and adheasion clean up via lap and some vaginal procedures done under general on 3/17. My insides were all moved around and glued up with adheasions.

I am 47 and was not having any peri-meno symptoms before unless it was few night sweats, could be meds, though. I have pretty much been on a roller coaster emotionally post-op. I have had some of the best days in years 2nd week post op. (I've been sick for a while.) But I have also had some very tough ones. I had my first ever true hot flashes during the first 5 days or so. Then they went and haven't returned.

I think the only reason I am having trouble here in this 3rd week is because I am supposed to be having my period. I had an ablasion so only have some cramping and spotting but the hormonal issue this week are FULL BLOWN! I am starting to feel better, though. Tommorrow is my 3 week date.

The thought of not knowing what to expect...one ovary, ablasion, wounds internally from the clean up...all that adds to the upheaval emotinally. I have been whinning here all week and the girs say it gets better and so it will.

Good luck and keep us posted. Cindi

[ninabeans]

Hello!  I just went through exactly what you are describing.  I am now at 3 weeks post-op (laparotomy with removal of a 9cm endometrioma and my left ovary).  I was in the hospital for two nights and was home from work for about 3 weeks (I just returned on Monday 4/3 but then stayed home the past two - too tired and emotional to be back, I guess!)  The hardest thing at first is getting up; the pain was not excruciating, but it is very uncomfortable.  You will feel dragged down until you have the staples removed (about a week after).  I slept a lot and only made one trip a day up my stairs after about 3 days home.  You will be in slow motion for a while (I'm still not at my normal pace - the area around the incision still feels tender, swollen, and a bit tingly, so it is hard to walk quickly).  I made it through with morphine in the hospital and then just motrin/tylenol once at home.  As far as emotions go, just yesterday I had moments where I felt as if I could just cry at any second; this is supposedly normal as the remaining ovary tries to take over for the missing one.  I have also had some trouble sleeping, but I think it could just be the stress of all of this coupled with my need to go back to work.  You have found a great place in this forum - I have talked with some wonderful women who have been more helpful than any doctor!  I also believe that the worst is over and that once I fully heal the surgery will be well worth it...so know that better days are ahead!  Best of luck to you :)
Nina

[DML67]

Thank you ladies. Its nice to know I am not alone out here. My family is being supportive, but they have never been through this so its hard for them to understand my fears and concerns.

[terrilg]

Hello,   I had open surgery in March and was dischared the following day, but that was only because I asked to be released. They wanted to keep me another day.  I would ask your doctor again.  When they were setting up my surgery the ladys in the front office kept saying lapascopic when it really was a laparotomy.

[DML67]

Thank you for the quick response!
I thought that getting out the same day was a little odd. I will be speaking with his office again on friday so I will ask again.
Are my hormones gonna go nuts bec of this? I have never had surgery of any kind before and am a nervous reck.

[Gatsby]

Welcome to the site!  Wow, I think you better ask your dr. again because if you are having open surgery, you should be in the hospital for a few days.  As for the other ovary taking over - it does but not right away.  Your body needs to heal a bit from the surgery and tissue trauma.  It may take a few months for it to kick in and do the job, but it will.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha