Can't have my cyst removed Laproscopically. Help!

[Watermelonkisses]

Please help! I'm scheduled to have a 10 cm cyst removed from my left ovary on Monday November 1 2010 ... in 4 DAYS! And I am soooooooooooo nervous. Here's the rub...I've been thinking I will be having this done Laproscopically for a month. I met with my surgen, (for the first time TODAY) and she told me that I won't be able to have it done Laposcopically because of my size and the size of the cyst. So I'm going to be cut WIDE open...OK, so I am over weight and I understand the difficulty but come on, I'm need some time to wrap my head around this.

Here's where I'm at. I know that having a cyst removed Laproscopically is less invasive but besides that ... what? How is it different from having it surgically removed?  I'm lost. What should I really expect?

Stats:
I'm dealing with a county facility since I don't have insurance so I'm treated like a number instead of a person.
30 yrs old, no children ( been trying so hard though)
250+ lbs
Cyst - 10 cm :(

[Therapymama]

I am exactly one week from my surgery (12/20/10), which sounds very similar to yours, but on the right side.  It was very painful at first, and I am still sore and swollen (no discharge from the incisions but some slight vaginal bleeding).  My "mass" was 13cm.  Benign, so far, as per the MD.  I initially thought that I would be back to work after one week, but I don't think I am ready for that level of activity just yet.  My follow up appointment is 1/11/11, and I expect to be cleared to return to work at that time.  Question:  Has anyone had the Laparatomy and closed with surgical glue?  I have had this and am amazed at how smooth the incisions are (belly button and the one to the right).  The bikini cut is another story.  This, of course is taking longer to heal, so I am not too sure if this "cut and paste" will look/feel as well.

[Watermelonkisses]

I'm so gratful that I'm on the other side of surgery & I couldn't imagine having to go through surgery again, I'm trying to do everything in my power to decrease my chances of forming another cyst so my doctor put me on Birth control pills to regulate my hormones. Has anyone had any experiences with this?
(Side Note) a few days ago I was at my desk on my computer for a few hours and even though my butt was a little numb from sitting so long I was so happy because that was something I would have never been able to do before surgery because the cyst caused sooooooo much pain when I sat for even short amounts of time.
Since my surgen did attempt it laproscopic first I have a little incision scar on the left side of my belly and in my belly button. But the one that still isn't fully closed is the large incision on my bikini area (about 6 inches across) it's getting better though. I had a cystectomy, I go back to work next week, I feel pretty ready I've been off for 2 months, which is crazy since I thought I would only be off for 4 weeks!
I don't have kids but I'm praying that now that I'm cyst free it will be easier for me to get pregnant, and in the coming year I will be trying relentlessly to concieve.

Thanks for the support!

[Watermelonkisses]

Thanks, my mom has been waiting on me hand and foot. It makes it so much easier to concentrate on getting better. This is the 10th day after surgery (going into the second week) and I'm feeling better everyday but I can tell it's going to be awhile before I feel 100%

Thanks for the feedback!

[Watermelonkisses]

Thanks for the comment. I noticed it has let up a bit but it's still too much for comfort. I have no pain, no nasty oozing, no bad odor. I have an appt to see my Dr. this wednesday so I will make sure they take care of it then, until then I'm feeling good I'm just trying to stay off my feet.
It's good to know that somone else has gone through this.

[Honey1973]

I had some leakage after my surgery too and a little is normal I was told but I do suggest you go to your Dr or Emergency and have it checked.  In case it is too open and needs to be taken care of now.  They will probably put a pressure bandage for few days and it will be fine.
Glad you are doing well.

[Watermelonkisses]

ok, so I've been looking around on this forum but can't find the answer to my question which is.

I got my staples removed yesterday, which was 1 week to the day after my surgery. The nurse put surgical tape over the tiny holes that the staples left. But now I have one tiny spot where my wound is still seperated and I have so much drainage or leakage! So much to the point that I getting concerned, it's a light orangey pink color that's draining. Is this normal? I was cut open - C-Section style, & don't let me get started on the numbness......

[MarieMichele]

I am happy to hear the surgery is behind you. I understand the gas complaint. I think many thought I was exaggerating about this, but I wasn't. I thought my body would burst from the intensity of the gas pressure. Not fun but just having the anticipation of surgery behind me made it easy to cope with the healing. I hope you get good news from the pathology. It sounds like you will. Your cyst was very much like mine. Take it easy now. You will gradually feel better but don't overdo it too soon. Enjoy the pampering you are getting right now. This is pretty big surgery for us women.

[Lindita8]

I was told I was going to have laproscopic and woke up to a laparotomy for a 10 cm dermoid and a 10 cm pedunculated cyst!  At least I was symmetrical, lol.  I was wondering if anyone out there every had a pedunculated fibroid removed via laproscopic.  

I am glad you are recuperating and have help.  My husband was stationed overseas and my daughter came and stayed with me for a few days.  I remember those days of slowly regaining my strength.  Walking further each day.  After 6 weeks I was back to yoga, pilates and even running.  Good luck in your results and fast recovery.  

[Watermelonkisses]

I DID IT!
OMG! I'm so glad I made it through. My surgery was Friday Nov. 5 & I just came home Monday Nov. 8th I feel so much better now that I'm here at my mom's. She's taking such good care of me & I'm feeling better and doing more with each passing day. One thing I know for sure, if it wasn't for this forum I would not have been ready for the GAS Pains! which were the worst part!

Good Luck to all preparing for surgery and thanks to all that have given support. Now I'm getting ready to hopefully complete a marathon next year but I don't know if they have one for Ovarian Cancer (my surgen says she's sure my cyst was benign but I haven't gotten the results back yet) She also said that it was bigger than 10cm and completely filled with fluid...  weird huh?

[kizzy383]

Oh what a pain!!! Sorry to hear that news- hopefully Friday will go as planned for you. Well done for staying positive- it wont be long now and this will all be over. I don't know much about the prevention I'm afraid- I haven't been told really very much yet- have an app next weds to see the gyno so hopefully will be a bit more informed then! Sorry I've no advice but just wanted to comment. Take care and good luck for the 5th, xx

[Watermelonkisses]

OK, so I'm waiting to be called back so that I can disrobe and have an I V started when my doctor comes out and tells me that my surgery has been canceled because of an emergency case.  Now I'm rescheduled for Friday 11/05. This has been such a nightmare situation especially since I don't have insurance but I am so greatful that I am able to have this procedure done. I'm trying my best to not worry and stay optimistic.

Does anyone know what you can do beside take birth control pills to prevent future ovarian cyst?  

[Watermelonkisses]

Thanks so much you guys, this information is really helpful. I'm not as worried as I was earlier this week. I know now that it is more important for me to have it done than to wait. I feel like I deal with pain well so I'm just looking forward to the recovery part.

Man, thanks again. You don't know how much this information helps. One more day then I'm going in!

[MrsRia]

I just had my laporatomy 2 weeks ago. My cyst was 5 lbs.... ewe! I'm a little overweight but now I'm 5 lbs lighter! Yay!...

This was my first surgery ever and I was so scared but the staff was great. I had general anethesia and when I woke up I was in pain. It will suck to sit up and stand for the first time but it's extremely important to do this to avoid blood clots.

When you go home from the hospital make sure you bring a little pillow with you to cover your belly area. It will be painful to sneeze and cough! The car ride home wasn't fun for me either. Your little pillow will be your best friend. Trust me!

I will admit... you will be sore. I am still sore but I'm glad it is over. My doctor ended up taking my left ovary and fallopian tube out as well. I have endometriosis and she took what she could, but I will have to take medication when I go to my post op visit. I still have my right side so I'm able to try for another child after my full recovery. I will be out of work for at least 6 weeks.

Good luck and you will be fine!

[joe199]

I was told I was having laparoscopic surgery and woke up and had been cut wide open. I had stage IV endo and two softball size cysts removed. The surgeon just after trying could not do it laparoscopically because of all the adhesions, so needless to say I ended up spending 5 days in the hospital and 10 weeks off of work instead of the 4 weeks we had anticipated. I can not tell you the difference pain wise because I only know how the laparotomy feels but you will be well medicated. You need to take it easy and go at your own pace. I felt better after around 4 weeks and spent the other 6 weeks at home taking walks and naps and reading. It was hard going back to work though so be prepared you will be tired. I was in fairly good shape physically but you will be fine I am sure, you are young I was 41 at the time. You will feel so much better afterwards I know I have not felt this good in years.

[MarieMichele]

Upper left side of profile page under photo will be the opening paragraph of my story. Click on "more" to get the whole story.

[Watermelonkisses]

Thaks so much for the info, it feels good to know someone has gone through a situation close to mine. I tried to read your info, & forgive me but I'm new to this forum, but I didn't see the "about me" section of your page. Maybe I just overlooked it, I'm finding it hard to focus...

[MarieMichele]

A 10 cm cyst is comparable to a softball or a grapefruit although many are not truly round. They get squished in the body and some can end up more oblong than round. A football-sized cyst is even larger, more like 27 cm in size.

10 cm is frequently removed via open surgery regardless of the patient's size.  They contain a lot of material that a surgeon does not want to "spill" into your body, so the only way to cleanly remove it is by making a large enough incision to do so. This is better for a patient's long-term health.  If the cyst were to have any cancer cells (rare, but always possible), the last thing you want is for the cells to get spilled and then spread into your bloodstream.  Spillage is a much higher risk with laparoscopic surgery, although the most skilled surgeons will say they can do it cleanly.

[kizzy383]

I have also been told that my surgery will be open surgery too- but because of the size of my cyst- not of me- what does your size have to do with it? Part of the reason I am big and probably you also is because we have the cyst!!! I've been told mine looks about the size of a football!  Is 10cm a 'big' cyst- I haven't been told the dimensions of mine yet.

As far as the surgery goes remember you will be asleep and they will help with pain relief etc afterwards- I'm pretty nervous too and dont have a surgery date as yet. Have a read of MarieMicheles profile surgery section- it's really detailed and answered a lot of my questions.

I've been recently buying more pjs and nice big comfy jogging pants to lay around the house in after surgery- I've also been making and freezing food as my hubby is not the best of cooks and I'm sure I wont be able to much after the surgery for a while!

Try not to stress about it too much- just think about how much better you will feel once its all over. Would love to hear how you get on as I think our stories are pretty similiar- best of luck. xx

[strongfemale]

I fully understand your position. I have and has had fibroids and endo and I have had both surgeries!! Im not going to lie to you but the lapro is far better than cutting you wide open. The recovery is much more extensive and if they do a bikini cut, its hard to funtion!! You would def need help to move and even use the restroom the first week or two. I know its scary but u def need the cyst out than in!! As far as your weight, I would def change your eating habits diet period. Did you know that cyst feeds and breaths off of sugar and estrogen? Yeah, its pretty amazing what knowledge can do for oneself. I have my second myomectomy the day after thanksgiving, so please let me know if you have any futher questions or concerns please let me know. Goodnight

[MarieMichele]

I understand your fears all too well. My cyst was your size and I had open surgery. My story is in the " about me " section of my profile.