How long is recovery from Laparoscopic surgery?

[scootchie]

WOW!.....I've read all the posts up to 'last year' then I realized that it might just be easier to 'ask this' then to search for it....i'm one of those gals that 'wants to know NOW', sorry.  
My surgery is an 'outpatient' one at a local hospital, they said i'd be home by late afternoon at the latest (providing there's no 'issues') but i'd be 'out of pocket/recovering' for at least 3-4 days....NOT WEEKS....are they wrong with that diagnosis?  I really need to know, i'm the only one that works here in my office (it's a company that has two venues) and I do 'everything' and there's NO replacement or stand in.  I'm not even sure how my boss is going to handle this news, but HEY, it's my health and it comes first!  Please advise ASAP!
P.S. I really liked the idea of 'pre-making & freezing' meals, this way I don't have to rely on hubby for that.  As for the 'constriction' after surger....been there done that with my hip surgeries and there's no way I want to go through that 'feeling & situation' again....YUKKO, I think i'll research the bran muffins and 'fiber' supplements this week.  You ladies are great, i'm so happy I found this site!!

[MarieMichele]

The most common recovery period is two weeks at home.  I can't imagine a mere 3 or 4 days to recover.

Is this to remove a cyst?  If so, what size?  Do they know how many laparoscopic incisions they plan to make? (it is usually more than one)  

Sometimes a person goes in for laparoscopic surgery and ends up getting a laparotomy (open surgery) when the small incisions are just too small for them to work.  That requires an at-home recovery of about six weeks and a longer hospital stay.

I had a laparotomy, but from what I've seen, the majority of the ladies here that had laparoscopic surgery required more than 3-4 days at home.  Hopefully more will respond to you soon.

[Flogert]

I found I was really pretty tired the first few days--and the bloating seems to come and go.  I have discomfort in the abdominal area during the day but can usually easily ignore it!  Have been taking one pain pill at night but that's about all.  The bloating thing-- it bugs me!  I hope it goes away soon!  I am five days post op!!   Thanks to all of you for sharing!!

[comment0]

“Dr Obodo I think your spell are working on my relationship with my wife!  Before she wanted to separate and divorce – these days she’s calling me! She texts me: “Maybe we should think it over about your leaving…why can’t you talk to me?”  God bless you!” Hang-on to Dr obodo info: ***@****

[kimmery]

I am also having laporoscopic in 2 weeks time and my doctor said it would take me up to a week to recover. I know it's not incredibly helpful, but I've heard it really depends on the person... Some people are up and at it within 3 days or so; others, it takes longer. It also depends whether or not they remove 'girl parts'. I most likely will lose my right ovary, which the doctor said could lengthen my recovery period by a few extra days. I had laporoscopic for a cyst when I was 18 and I hardly remember the recovery, side from the nausea from the anaesthetic. I guess being young really helps with recovery!!

To be safe I'd tell them you will need a week off. Good luck!!! :-)

[ArmyPrincess819]

I had ovarian surgery in jan of 06. It was supposed to be a minor surgery and I ended up with complications during the surgery and while recovering. For me it was a fluke thing. I was told about 4 wks would be recovery that is with out complications. Some women can recover alot sooner than that. I hope you feel better soon.....

AP

[kimmery]

Sorry to hear you had complications, AP. Do you mind telling us a bit about what happened? I didn't even think about the possibility of complications!!... I know this thing needs to come out (dermoid) -- I also cannot deal with the pain anymore -- but I also want to fully understand what I am doing. I hope I'm not being too intrusive by asking...

[Sandymac]

Hi,
    All I can do is relate my own experience.. I had laparoscopic surgery last year.. 3 small incisions. Outpatient. Told not to drive, lift anything heavy, no heavy housework or heavy yardwork. Felt fine after a few days...not really pain, but sore when I tried to bend over, reach for something or sleep on my side. Stitches out in 1 week.And, I went to grocery store later in day (I didn't drive). But truly feel that 3-4 days for me would have been pushing it for work I'm retired so that was not an issue.Do you have to stand for long hours? Or lift much?. Even though you feel fine, and the stitches look good, there is still healing to be done internally..
     As one of the above posters said, everyone is different,.. I'd sure plan on more than 3-4 days.. I'd go for a week anyway..
Good luck..

Sandy

[scootchie]

WOW.....I really appreciate everyone's input.  I haven't talked to the doctor yet, I was told to make a list to ask at pre-opt but that's only a week before the surgery....YIPES!  

     Here at work I usually sit at my desk so I have access to the phone & computer when needed but there is an 'L shape' sectional here in the office I guess I can 'lay on it' and get up when necessary.BUT if i'm not allowed to drive (I don't have a stick), i'm screwed...unless I take a cab...but that's '$$ I really don't have'.
     My surgery is on a Tues and I was thinking of taking off the remainder of the week and going back the following Mon giving me 5 days at home OR since I have an "L shaped" sectional in my office (it's a huge room) I could 'settle in there' and just get up and go to my desk to record a rent payment or to use the computer when necessary, the phone is a portable so there's no worries there...I could put any duties (especially cleaning) that require lifting in/on the back burner.
    OH did I mention that the first week of the month is the busiest here...wonder how the boss is going to react to this one, though we do have a drop box for that purpose and maybe I could 'forward the calls' to my cell which I always have with me.
     I agree with the 'every person is different' as they told me i'd need 4-7 weeks after (each) hip replacement but I returned after 3.  I was bored being at home so the doc said I could do that but to NOT stand on my feet for long intervals...keep a bar stool/chair behind me if I started to feel weak or hurt in any way. I got away with that for 2 weeks and then the chair was forbidden...no worries there, I felt 'healed' by then.
     Thanks ladies, you've been very helpful with your comments...but keep them coming please....I have less then 2 weeks to ask questions and then it's 3 weeks til surgery.
Janel

[Sandymac]

Have you checked the post "10 things I learned from my laparoscopy"?  It's fairly close to the top.. really cute,informative and funny.. sounds like you may have seen it already. A gal on the cyst forum started it last year.. It has gotten very long, but we don't want shorten it since there is such a wealth of information on there .

I think so much is an individual thing.. I also think a lot depends on one's general health before the procedure, and the "mental" outlook. We have a very good friend who is a surgeon(thoracic)  who told us years ago that it's common knowledge in the medical community that one heals  quicker and easier if their "mental" state is postive .. Of course, that's not always possible especially when dealing with major surgeries. But I know that for myself I was told it was a piece of cake from the ladies on this board (actually they didn't have a ovcy board then.. it was combined with ovca) so I went in thinking it was a piece of cake, that's what my expectations were and I think it helped my recovery.

Please keep us posted on your outcome !
Good luck,
Sandy

[Little_Black_Duck]

I had a laparoscopy on Feb. 12 to remove a 7.5 cm simple cyst on my right ovary. The ovary and fallopian tube were also removed. I had to stay in the hospital overnight as my heart rate was elevated post-surgery and they wanted to monitor me. I kept insisting it was "just nerves" as I get very anxious re. medical procedures, but they wouldn't hear of it; they were cautious. They even did bloodwork twice to see if I was having a heart attack - talk about unnerving! Next day, my heart rate was back to normal and I went home that afternoon. Anyway, I went back to work (I'm a schoolteacher) on the 24th, and I felt that the twelve days of recovery was perfect. That first week of work, I still felt a little soreness around my right incision and some internally, but not enough to be too distracting. After that time, I felt completely normal. I think it must vary with the individual - 3-4 days of at-home recovery seems awfully short, though. Give yourself whatever time you need. Good luck to you!

[sue3576]

I had laparoscopic surgery on January 27th.  It was 4 small incisions to remove a softball sized cyst.  It was outpatient as well.  Dr. told me as well I could go back to work in 2-3 days...but I'm glad I took more.  I actually went back to work on February 9th (just short of 2 weeks).  After 1 week I felt pretty good, but insides still felt pretty sore and found I got really tired.  Even my first week back at work I was exhausted by about 2 pm.  I would take up to 2 weeks if you are able.  Mine was pretty "uneventful" surgery, but even though on the outside everything looks so minor....you will certainly know that more went on on the inside.  Take the time you need or at least as much as you can.  Good luck!

[scootchie]

Morning ladies, thanks to all of you for posting your suggestions/experiences.  I too am a firm believer that everyone is different especially when it comes to medical situations.  I have decided to tell my boss that I definitely need off the remainder of that week (that'll give me 5 days after the surgery) and then i'm going to propose a limited 'hours per day' for the first couple days of the following week, DEPENDING on how I feel.  THEN depending on how I feel and how tired I get (working limited hours for those first few days), i'll go from there....either more limited hours or plain & simple 'days off' til i'm completely healed.  I love my job and I know how dependant he is on me but Truth Be Told my health does come first!!  I'm into doing crafts & my fellow crafters recommend that I 'plan a craft from start to finish' OR finish one i've already started to help me relax....they may be right ; ), crafting has always relaxed me and it isn't something that takes alot of 'moving & lifting' HMMMMMMMM
L_B_D  I had a dream last night that I had some kind of 'complications' and they kept me over because of my blood pressure.....didn't like that dream at all....just as they were letting me go (to go home-in the dream) the Dr came in to bear bad news that it was cancer UGH!!!!  I think i'll watch 'sappy' movies or comedy shows before going to bed from now on....I made the mistake of watching a nasty movie that had a bad ending & it was also very sad.
Thanks again girls, I hope to hear more from all of you....post those suggestions please especially the 'food ones' LOL  I'm going to start making a list of things 'to do' and 'eat' while i'm laid up so 'bring it on' : D

[scootchie]

Hi ladies, i've had my surgery and i'm back to work (4th day) but i've been working limited hours each day and it's working for me & my boss ; ).  I just posted a really long message on my other 'watched threads' on what i've learned & how things went....don't want to type all that again so if you're interested in hearing my story and seeing & learning some good tips, please go to the thread titled:
10 things to know about laparoscopic surgery.
  It's a very long thread but there's SOOOO MUCH good stuff there, especially if you have to or are scheduled to have surgery some time soon!
Just a quick note, surgery went well and I was home by early afternoon (12:30)....staying overnight was not a good thought for me and my stats were fine.

[scootchie]

Sorry ladies I mis-spoke on the name of that thread....it's proper title is
The top 10 things I learned from having laparoscopic surgery to remove a cyst/ovary

[scootchie]

DARN....I hope I get it right this time!
Top 10 things I have learned from Laparoscopic cyst/ovary removal

[chess17]

Hi!

I'm getting a surgery tomorrow. And this is my first time to undergo a surgery. they will do a laproscopic to get rid of the cyst and endometriosis and on top of that they will do DNC and put blue dye to check if my fallopian tubes are open. I told them i want to get pregnant that's why they are checking my tubes too to make sure they're open.  now my question is, does someone here would happen to know how long the recovery time?  thanks in advance.

[HopeDr]

Give yourself 2 solid weeks of rest if you want to really give your body a chance to heal properly.  The third and fourth week, keep a low slow agenda or you'll regret it in the years to come.  It takes a good 2 -3 months to heal internally, so don't stress your body out during that time.

Let it heal, go slow, be gentle, eat easily digestible healthy food, take good quality vitamins, especially B's, Omega 3 oils (Olive Oil, NOT flax if you have endometriosis), D3, Magnesium is very important for women with endo, Purezyme is great for post surgery healing and help endo, Natural Progestelle has a great success rate of healing endo, and Bromelain (500-2,000 mg) reduces scar adhesions from forming AFTER surgery, DON'T take it before surgery, it might cause bleeding.  Excellent afterwards.  Also, to help dissolve scarring, put a cloth with a good dose of castor oil on it and place it over your waist. Wrap it with saran wrap and place a heating pad on for 30 -60 + minutes.  Castor oil softens scars and dissolves scar tissue in the body.  

I had severe case of endo, adhesions everywhere, but my doctor (who is one of the leading experts in the world in Boston) said they were all dissolving by the time (1 month later) he cut me open. I had a month to spend with experts and holistic practioners to find cures so I never have to go through surgery again.  Found out cures are out there!  Pregnancy heals endo because of the progesterone it releases.  But don't use any progesterone, use natural progestelle, and when you do, it's important to cut out ALL xenoestrogens before using.

Xenoestrogens are estrogen mimicing chemicals in our foods, laundry detergent, deodorants, shampoos, plastics (esp. heating food in plastic...DON'T!) Endometriosis is caused by too much estrogen in your diet and enviroment.  If you're not aware of it and don't make lifestyle changes, you'll probably get it again as it is the disease of the 21st century that 1 in 20 women have, most unknowingly.  There is WAY too much estrogen in our world that is sterilizing us women!

Let me know if you want more info, I'm thinking of starting a blog site with all the knowledge I've learned this last few months to help other women and sell them the right Progesterone, as I was buying the wrong one and making my condition worse.

My email is: ***@****.  If there are enough women who want info, I'll find the time and figure out how to set up a blog. Also, I've learned alot about cysts too, since 3 years ago I had several and was supposed to lose both ovaries.  But I didn't let them operate and found info that made my 2-3" cysts disappear.

Keep the faith!
Been there...ain't going back!

[missunderstood1965]

Hello: I had laparoscopic surgery to remove a cyst on my right ovary that was the size of a softball on April 9th 2010.  I returned back to work on April 15,2010. I have a desk job so I am not doing a lot of moving around.  I feel pretty good but I do recommend very light work and no fast moving. Do not do a lot of bending and DONT lift anything. I am driving with no problems. The hardest part is getting into my jeep but once in I am good. I would advise anyone having this surgery to give urself 2 to 3 weeks to fully heal inside and outside.  Also eat light and healthy. Heavy, greasy food will play with u in the worst way.  Also drink plenty of liquids. Oh one more thing make sure u have GAS X PILLS. The gas after surgery will make u feel like u r dying. The pain was in my neck and shoulders. Hot tea also helped a geat deal.  Good luck.

[memphis84crystal]

Had my surgery on April 27 2010. I had four excisions. May 1 still real sore on the inside at the bottom. My doctor told me I should fully recover in 2wks.

[amankahlon]

i wanna conceive & doctor suggested laparascopy.. will it be successful?

[rache100]

i am going into surgery for second time in 6 mnths... my last surgery i had a 18cm cyst removed had few erruptars n alot of dis comfort... and my cyst grew back and they said probably be taking out my ovary left one, i am scared. and the pain after being pumped up is really hard to deal with what can i do make it easier on my body!?

[Famoxa]

I just had laproscopic surgery. Still in recovery. Ovarian cystectomy. I was told 3-4 days also. I went in on wednesday afternoon, has a small complicatin with bleeding, so didnt leave the hospital until early evening.  I was off work thursday and friday. Saturday I was still dizzy, and spent most of the day resting. it is now tuesday. I am at work, and thankfully it is a desk position. I dont need to move around much. Surgery "pain" lasts for approx 4 days. Now I am just sore. My belly button incision is really sore to the touch, but healing pretty well. I think it also helps that i had a lot of help around the house. You really need help, as you cant lift, bend over, get out of bed on your own for the first couple days.

[bee109]

Boy, It feels good to know I'm not alone.  I had my surgery on the 21st and had a 16cm cyst drained and removed that had 1 liter of fluid in it.  I kept thinking, am I being a baby??  This pain just isn't going away and I just don't feel like me yet.  It helps to know that I'm not alone and I can see that all of you are out there with me.

[jademom]

I had a hysterectomy in June that left me with such severe adhesions that I had to have laparoscopic surgery to remove the adhesions, as well as my ovaries and tubes.  Three weeks after the 2nd surgery I am still nowhere near full recovery.  I also developed a post op infection and am just finishing a 17 day course of antibiotics.  This is a far cry from the 1-2 week recovery that my doctor predicted.  Has anyone else had this experience?

[cherryblossom727]

Gosh Girls! I am so happy to NOT be ALONE on this!

I have been struggling with rapid weight gain and pain in my abdomen for 2 years...never realizing what it was. I had my daughter in Dec 2007 and doctors checked for cysts, found a few, but let them go. I was back to yearly routine visit and in 2009, cysts were a little larger then he let them go...again finding abnormal periods, more weight gain, tons of abnormal hormonal bloodwork. They had me on birth control, nothing worked. I ended up getting a new doctor because mine were completely worthless to my health and upon my FIRST visit he felt a cyst in my abdomen just by pressing on my waist. I had an ultrasound done and it was indeed a 4 inch by 3 inch by 2 inch follicular ovarian cyst on my left ovary. Well THIS EXPLAINS ALOT, I thought! He scheduled my surgery and I went in (outpatient)....He removed this large beast and to find another one BEHIND IT!!!!!! It was on my fallopian tube and that it was called "paratubular cyst". He removed that one cutting into my ovary a bit and caused bleeding. About 3.5 hours later I was awake and felt very very nauseous and was running a fever. They monitored me, I was stable, sent home.

At home I felt crappy, ended up going back to the ER on my 3rd night of recovery with a very high fever and chills. Turns out I got an infection @ my laparoscopy site and they fueled me with antibiotics. Gave me a script for the pills and sent me home to recover ..... again.......

About 2 days later, I woke up, peed blood, fever again......Went back to ER - UTI infection now! (God help me) I lay there, sore from surgery, that carbon dioxide gas from surgery is literally cutting into my neck and arms at this point just like totally feeling like a massive heart attack! LOL Seriously it's horrible!

Anyways, I ended up being admitted to be monitored 2 days and had another ton of IV antibiotics fueld through me again!!!!

It is now days later , finally, I am stable, healthy feeling, and at home.

Ovarian cysts seriously are nothing to wait on. I obviously had these in me for almost 3 years now and this is CLEARLY the bad "bacteria" in my blood and body that was causing my severe acne, weight gain, mood swings, bad periods...everything.

I am hoping my face clears up and I can easily lose weight now.

I cannot wait to have blood work (endocrinology-hormone wise) done again to see if I am actually normal.

I hope my comment helps someone because if you had any symptoms I had, call your doctor! Do not wait! It is better to be safe than sorry!

I had my daughter @ 190 lbs in Dec 2007 ---literally about 4 months later I was up to 243 lbs and I had no idea why. I never changed the way I ate or exercised so it was odd. I just figured "oh well it's being a mommy". I was totally unhappy.

I got myself SLOWLY and I mean SLOW--down to 232.

It took me almost 2 years to get to 232. Pretty sad I know...but I worked harder than I ever did in my life! I used to watch what I ate and run or walk and lose like 10 lbs in 2 weeks before all this ovarian cyst crap!

Anyways - I am now 232 again (still...days after surgery) hopefully in a few months , watching, waiting, if I return to 190 then it is no myth that ovarian cysts cause weight gain.

Has anyone else had acne or weight gain due to these buggers?!?!

I am 25 years old...if that helps -

[Payroo]

I too had a large cyst removed in November 2010.  I was out of work for three weeks.  I had been in severe pain for 15 hours prior to emergency surgery.  The cyst, right ovary and fallopian tube were removed laproscopically, going through the belly button and two incisions on the left and right side of my abdomen.  CO2 had been used and I've got to tell you that was the most awful pain I experienced.  My doctor informed me exactly where I was going to feel the awful pain and she was right on.  That pain lasted me for approximately one week.  I was going to go back to work after two weeks being home, however my doc suggested taking one more week due to the severity and I listened to her.  I have to say that I was glad I took her advice as I felt much better after three weeks.  I still couldn't do strenuous things or dance, but felt much better.  I have to mention that my symptoms prior to finding out I had a cyst were very like flu-like symptoms.  I was very tired and nauseous.  However I had one symptom of when I walked I always had some pain in my groin area where you would probably think you pulled a muscle.  The night I began to experience severe abdominal pain that was just not giving up and then I began to vomit was when I figured I had to go to the ER.  All I can say is most of us know our bodies and how they feel. Don't discount any type of symptoms.  I am actually feeling some of the same symptoms again and will be getting my left ovary checked as I did have cysts, but they were not large.  Cysts are normal to have and they usually go away on their own, however I will not discount my present symptoms and have it checked once again.  So back to the question of how long is recovery........it depends on the severity and person.