Ovarian Cyst Due For Op in 2 weeks time

[PinkangelAT]

This is not a question, I just wanted to share my experiences. I've spent the last couple of weeks reading the posts after I was finally diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. Since March I have had 4 emergency admissions to hospital. The first 3 times they suspected appendicitis, urinary infection, IBS, etc. and it was only after I was in for the 4th time that I was sent for a CT scan and they discovered a 10cm cyst on my right ovary. Basically the only symptoms I have had have been extreme pain which lasts 24 hours or less every 4-5 weeks. I had morphine on 3 occasions but refused it last time as it makes me feel so sick, so they gave me paracetamol on a drip instead. I have no symptoms in-between. I have been on tablets to stop my periods, and this seems to have had the desired effect as I've gone past my usual 5 week marker without collapsing in agony. I am due for a laparoscopy on 18th August, and they are planning to remove my right ovary. I have been a bit concerned about going for surgery as I am obese, but I have been steadily losing weight in the last few months by watching what I eat and eating smaller portions. I've also been walking my dog lots and lots - the poor thing doesn't know what's hit him as he's getting so worn out! I figure that the more walking I can do the better. I'm realistic that recovery is perhaps going to take me a little longer than most, but I hope it won't be too bad. Reading the posts here has been great, even the ones with all the gory detail on surgery - in fact they are the best as they have lots of practical suggestions about how to help yourself with recovery. I gather most of the people posting here are in the USA, but I am in the UK, in England. I'd like to hear from anyone that shares my experiences.

[MarieMichele]

Talk candidly with your doctors before surgery to express your concerns.  They should have the answers and should know how to provide you with a successful surgery since they adjust their approach on a patient by patient basis.

Look at the recent posts on surgery (like the one I answered to dcorwin13).  I had the bigger surgery (laparotomy) but really the only difference is that laparoscopy incisions will be smaller and should heal faster with a shorter hospital stay.  

Nobody heals at the same pace and the instructions/healing times doctors give are of the "one size fits all" variety.  Just remember that healing WILL occur.  Just be patient with yourself, take it easy, don't overdue, NO heavy lifting and nothing more strenuous than slow walking, and know that you will feel a lot better in time.  I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you!

[Julesred]

Hi there,

I am post op from my surgery just past a week, and I would say that my experience has been interesting.  My system is settling back to normal, and I am finally starting to feel better.  I would very much agree with MarieMichelle with being candid with your doctor.  I created an itemized outlined list of concerns, questions and past experience surgeries that I shared with my doctor/ surgeon and anesthesiologist.  Questions/ concerns may include:  "I have never had surgery before, however, I am concerned about ____.  What is the likelihood that I will experience____?"  Make sure to include current medications and past surgical experiences too.  For example, I shared that prior, in past dental experiences/ surrgery, my heart rate was very low and they had troubles waking me.  I also shared that I was concerned about bad headaches due to dehydration after the surgery.  Well, I woke up with 4 IV's and an artery monitor.  They listened to me specifically and acted upon those concerns.  If they don't know, they will apply what they do for everyone on a general basis.

Make certain that you have a way to reach your doctor after the surgery (mobile number etc) which I had to as I had a lot of heavy bleeding and nausea post surgery.  Definitely heed the advice of no heavy lifting or bending, twisting etc.

If I can be of any further help, please let me know.  I lived in London for awhile and my granmum lives there.  I know that the health system is a little different, but I will try to advise as best I can.  All the best to you!  

Jules