Laporotomy recovery time line

[fmlittle]

I had emergency surgery a little over a week ago to remove a 10cm dermiod cyst.  The reason why it was removed in an emergency was because of pain in my left side.  They found out during the operation it twisted my falopion tube killing the tissue.  Because of the size of the cyst they had to remove it by laporotomy.  I gave birth to 4 children without ever having a c-section..funny how that works out.  I was told 6 week recovery time and can't drive for 2 weeks but would like to know about the inbetween.  They said not to bend over to pick things up..but until when?  Not to lift anything over a gallon of milk..but until when?  How long until I get my energy back?  This all happened so quickly that I'm still wrapping my head around it all and have more quesitons each day.  Thanks for any info/advice.

[Tayemarie07]

Hello, I am three weeks post op and Im nowhere near normal although I am making great progress. I too find holding my stomach with my hand better...in fact, I have to hold it whenever I walk b/c its still so swollen. I am hoping that 6 weeks will be enough time to feel normal again. I still dnt lift much b/c it hurts. When I need to do things like laundry, I have my boyfriend carry the baskets up and down for me. Standing for a while still hurts, walking around a store like Walmart is still impossible. I still have very little energy, after riding in a motorized cart around Walmart, Im done for the day. I feel like such a buzz kill for those around me. The meds work wonders, although they make me tired. My experience hasnt been as bad as some ppl make thiers out to be. I say to just keep a positive attitude.

[JessRae]

Everyone will heal differently, yes thats right no lifting, bending, nothing over a gallon of milk (which to be honest, I found to be too heavy for a long time), some found holding a pillow to stomach to cough, sneeze, etc to help, i didnt, just holding my stomach with my hands was better. Take any medications they told you for pain, and continue to take them faithfully for the first 2 weeks at least I find... Because once you skip a dose because you thought you feel good, you will risk getting pain out of control and it is hard to get control of the pain again. Also no vacuuming, pushing a cart, etc. Make sure you take a stool softner, high protien and fiber diet to help you heal and not strain for any BM's also lots of liquids.

6 weeks is the general rule of thumb. Honestly I felt good the first week home, come week 2-3 I felt like I was dragging and couldnt get enough sleep no matter what i did, etc. By about week 4 i felt I could start doing a little more, going for more walks, etc. You need to make sure you rest, but also at the same time you need to make sure you get up and move a little. Even after, it took me months to get back into regular heavy lifting without being exhausted, etc or feeling any pulling in my stomach. Just cause youre healed outside, you might not be fully healed inside, so best thing you can do is listen to your body!