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20 year old with a 30 cm cyst!

Hi all!
About a month ago, I went to the emergency room because I had severe pains in my right side. 10 hours later, when I finally received some help, all they told me was that I probably had some menstrual pains. The week after my visit to the ER, I had constipation/gas pains for about a week, when I finally took some dolculax to relieve the pain. The funny thing was that even after all that, my abdominal still consistantly hurt for the next three weeks.

I finally cave in, and decided to go to my family doctor to see if they can find something wrong with me.  That same day, the doctor made me go get an Ultrasound, where they found a cyst approximately 30 cm in my abdominal. A week later, I had a CT scan, where they comfirmed that it does exist. The only problem is that it was so big that they didn't know where it came from.

But my doctor sent me to a gynecologist because she assumed that the cyst came from my ovaries and blew upwards. My gynecologist then informs me that I will have surgery done, and will a bikini cut incision. She also mention that if they can't get it out, I will have a midline incision done as well.

My surgery is schedule for next Thursday, but I'm very scared. I'm only 20 years old, and I plan to have children in the future. The doctor said that she will try her very best to maintain my insides for me, but still I'm still very scared. I have a lot of  concerns right now. I'm considering telling my doctor that I do not want a mid abdominal incision, because it will leave a big scar. I never had a boyfriend, and I'm not married, so I'm worried that this scar would ruin my chances of ever finding a mate.

Another thing that bothers me, is the time it takes to heal. Does it really take 6-8 weeks to heal? For me, that's a lot of time I have to be on the sideline. I have a job, and also school is starting up in a month and a half, I can't afford the 6 weeks that it takes to heal.

Any feedback would be great!
- Tania
3 Responses
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Avatar universal
I agree with Trudie C and Pro728.  I was scheduled for a laparoscopy to remove 7 and 8 cm bilateral cysts but woke up and they had performed a laparotomy. No choice too many adhesions from endemetriosis. Health is much more important than the scar but if it can help you my bikini line incision is healing nicely and I think after several months it probably won't show that much.

I totally agree with Pro728 no instructions whatsoever from my surgeon and no follow up for 2 months. Nothing about the care, when to have sex nothing. So make sure you have your questions prepared ahead of time.
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Avatar universal
I know how it feels.

I agree with TrudieC. You needn't worry about the scar. Just talk it out with your doc prior to your surgery. Let them address all your fears. Before my laparotomy for an app. 16 cm cyst, they told me we will have to do the surgery irrespective of your inferility (I am 26, married and yet to have a baby). I was numb with terror. What she meant was life n health was more important. But anyway you have two ovaries, I thought. After the surgery, they told me there was nothing to be afraid of and that I will get pregnant. I am yet to go for follow-up in 2 weeks. I have a bikini line incision and was not given any instructions at all. Nothing about the care I needed to take, when to have sex, nothing!

Pray well and go for it!
Helpful - 0
483733 tn?1326798446
Wow, that is quite a large cyst.  Trust that your doctor will try to get it out with a bikini cut.  They aren't interested in doing the midline incision unless it is necessary.  They need to get the cyst out without it bursting.  You are young and the scar will heal fast.  I had several midline incision surgeries - two of them in my early 30's and another a year ago.  I managed to have many boyfriends after my first ones and am happily married again.  Do ask her to use all her creative talents to make it as pretty as possible.  

Yes, it does take 6 - 8 weeks.  Unfortunately I think you'll have to put your job on hold for a while but if you do a good job of ensuring you rest which is the best thing for healing, you should be able to handle school when it starts.  You may be tired for a couple more weeks but if you can get your rest after hours and avoid heavy lifting, etc. you should be OK.  Talk to your doctor.  Your age is on your side but it is still so important that you don't overdo it.  I felt much like myself at the 4 week mark except for the fatigue.  Do come back and let us know how it goes and if you need any support after your surgery.
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