How long is recovery?

[SouthFLMom]

What is a typical recovery time for removal of cysts?  I had a cyst removed on five days ago and today I feel like I got into a fight with a bat and the bat won.  Is this normal?  I'm suppos:e to go back to work tomorrow and I just don't see me being able to do it all day.  I tried to get out and about today with some friends and I am completely exhausted.  I don't go back to the surgons until Wednesday.  I'm so frustrated!!!  Any advise will help.  Thanks :-)

[katie365]

I had an episode of vaginal atrophy and stomach pain.  The Gyne found a large cyst on my remaining ovary which I agreed to have removed by laparoscopy.  Now one month later I am not in good shape.  The operation has taken a long time to resolve. I have had considerable pain in the groin due to tissue granulation which has to be absorbed by the body.  The side effects have been immediate worsening of the Vaginal Atrophy, now having to take Vagifem and dramatic hair loss.  I am 63.  From looking in my late 50's I now look 10 years older.  The future looks bleak.

[ladybird524]

i had a cyst removed 2 weeks ago and a full historectomy,with the pain from the opp i am now suffering constipation,i have tried eating well brown bread ,healthy cerals,fruit,plenty of juices,but still in so much pain is their anything i can do,i feel like i should stop the painkillers or not eat,dont know what to do for the best as its getting me down so much, i find it hard to sleep what with the pain from my op and now this,any help would be so grateful,,,,,,

[CheesaMac]

I had a laparotomy on Wed. and was very concerned about recovery. I had already prepared for the standard 6 weeks of recovery, but usually I'm a fast healer, so I was hoping for more like 4 weeks. I know that a laproscopic procedure isn't as invasive, but I would still assume you'd need at least a week or two. Everything I've read and everything people have told me suggests that you need to allow your body enough time to heal properly, even though it may not be a "major" surgery, it's still surgery and it's still disruptive to your body, especially if they are removing things or moving them around. I would give yourself the time you need...trust your body to let you know when you are ready. Don't feel bad about it not being enough time.

[Luna1919]

I had laparascopic surgery on 10/25 to remove my appendix which was being pressed in by a cyst in the right ovary. The cyst ruptured in the process so it took care of itself (area was supposed to be cleaned out) but now when I go to the bathroom and I wipe there is blood in the tissue, not enough to make me very concerned but enough to ask some questions. Surgeon said it was normal but its been over a wk since surgery. I did go to my gyn - just waiting for results from an ultrasound done yesterday. Has anyone had bleeding issue after surgery? Great site for support and info, thanks for sharing your stories. I wish you all well and stay focused on your recovery and know that you are not alone.

[maricoetzee]

I had mine removed Wednesday , 4 days ago, and they bond my bladder with tape.  I feel like sh..... and I can hardly walk.  It was done with laparoscopy and I ended with five small wounds which throb.  How long am I goin to feel like this?  I am 46 years old, feel 80, have no strenght in my hands and I am weak.  Pain on my right side, the cyst was on the left side.  And I have no idee when I am suppose to go back to work.  Sure that if I go for a swim I will float so bloated I am.  If I knew this was goin to be so painfull, I would have waited till after Christmas.

I hope all of the rest of you feel better.

[MBcystremoval]

I had laproscopic surgery exactly 2 weeks ago at this exact time. today has been the best day so far in terms of walking without any soreness or even moving with any. its been longer recovery than i thought but now i really want to know how long until i can work out and also until i can have sex again? im scared to do either but im starting to feel depressed and i think its partially because i just sit around everynight so exhausted from the minimal movement ive had to do at work all day. i feel like a bum, the day starts out great but by the time i get home at 530 im so tired im just lazy and doing nothing. i was hoping my depression would be less since they fixed the hormonal problems associated by removing the cysts from my ovaries. then again i have no idea if it takes even longer for hormones to regulate and hopefully feel happy again. im so tired of feeling drained and depressed. each day gets better physically so when will the emotional things lift? i feel like nothing keeps me happy and im just drifting.

[SouthFLMom]

My surgery was laparoscopy and had to be done due to sever pain that I had.  I was admitted one day and the surgery the next.  They kept me overnight for pain control and I left the next night.

Today is day 8 since I've had it done and I can honestly say...it's been the best day yet.  I'm still very tired and sore, but I'm moving and getting up a lot better.  The doctor said I'm healing nicely, but it will still take some time to completely recover.

I suggest you not return to work the next day.  I found myself saying that I felt like I got into a fight with a bet and the bat won.  Although it is not a major surgery, they are still cutting you open.  They have to move things around to see what is going on.  They will also put carbon dioxide to make sure that they can see everything clearly.  I think that's a big part of what hurt...the bloating.  I'm still not able to get back into my normal clothes...it's al bagging stuff that don't press on my stomach.

Keep and touch and let us know what is being done.  This is an awesome site and will help with many answers.  I do suggest reading the post about the Top 10 Things I learned about laproscopic surgery.  It will help answer a lot!!

[Laney8463]

Hi There,
Exactly what are you having done? Some procedures are a longer recovery than others..
Let us know...take care
Laney

[chirpybirdy]

Is this recovery time for a laparoscopy or laparotomy? I am planning on having a laparoscopy soon and was only planning on taking the day of the surgery off and then going back to work the day after. I was under the assumption that this is minor and isn't major surgery. My doctor didn't say anything about the surgery just that it is a minor 'day surgery' that is done in one day without a hospital stay. I have not scheduled the surgery yet. Should i intend on a week off or is a day enough. Or maybe if i do it on a Wednesday and take the rest of the week off.

[sobermommy]

I agree with you...this site is such a blessing. I felt so alone and thought I was the only one going through it. I was so relieved to find such wonderful women who share their experiences, advice and support with total strangers. You ladies are the best.

[SouthFLMom]

Thank you all so much for your advice.  It's been really nice to be able to speak to other that have or are going through the same thing.  Although I'm out of sick and vacation time at work, I've decided that my health is more important.  I've taken today off and will only work 1/2 day tomorrow as I go back to the surgeon.  If I could just get a little energy to make it through the day I could deal with the pain.....Thanks again....it makes me feel much better!!!!  

[sobermommy]

I hope you feel better soon. Recovery is an adventure for sure. I am shocked that you are heading back to work so soon...and before you see the surgeon. You would think he would want to be sure how you are doing before sending you back. My recovery time is 6 weeks but this is for a hysterectomy. Gook luck...God bless...Lynn

[Sandymac]

Hi,
    Everyone is different and heals at a different rate, but 5 days might be a little soon to be feeling too chippper. I was fortunate and didn't have too much pain..I wasn't able to drive or lift things for 2 weeks, although I had the stitches out in 1 week and felt pretty good.. I'm wondering .. are you lifting ? or doing a lot of stairs ?
    Jaxsie: that's funny about the Dr. saying a day or two.. My Dr. had a video that she has all her patients watch before the procedure. The "patient" was a school teacher who had the procedure on a Friday .. She was back at work early the following week. .. Well, I was planning on attending a craft show with my daughter shortly after my procedure. She said she doubted I'd be up to it.. I mentioned the video and said it was only a few days for that patient.. Her answer:  "Well, was that patient a 69 year old ??" She had me laughing so hard my stitches hurt..
    But, in all seriousness, 5 days may be pushing it a tad.. I'd let my body dictate what I was ready for. Don't rush it. Each day gets easier.. I'll bet by Wednesday, you'll feel a lot better.. I was able to go to the store shortly after 1 week, but I didn't bend over , or lift anything.. worst part was that grocery cart bumping me exactly where one of the "stitches " had been..Just take it easy and
Keep in touch,

Sandy

[Jaxsie]

Hi there- sorry you are not really good. I have to say I am a fit and 'stron' person and I was knocked for six by mine. I felt awful and like an 80 year old for a least the foirst week to 10 days. The doc had told m eI would be 'up and about' with in a day or two- HA! not sure what he meant by that- yes I could move, but didnt enjoy it.

Hope you feel better soon- maybe you could head to work and leave early? You are in the location where my heart is- I wish I was living back in Florida rather than here in the cold mid-west.

[TrudieC]

I am assuming you had a laparoscopic surgery.  It normally takes two weeks before you are feeling a little more like yourself.  What you are feeling is absolutely normal.  I'm surprised you're heading back to work already.  Remember that beyond that you are still healing insideand avoid lifting and get your rest.  Take a look at a posting for the Top 10 Things I learned about laparoscopic surgery.  I will bump it up for you.