Still in pain

[krchelle]

I had a laparotomy to remove a 14 cm ovarian cyst, ovary and Fallopian tube last May.  It has been nearly 4 months and I am still experiencing soreness on the left side where the cyst was and on the left side just under my belly button.  The pain is not severe, more just a very annoying soreness that never goes away.  it's worse with increased activity and also first thing in the morning or standing after sitting for long periods.  I also have swelling in my lower abdomen.  The soreness and swelling have increased over the last 2 weeks.  My incision/scar looks great.  I have an appointment with my doctor next week, but wondering what could be causing this.  Research brought up the possibility of scar tissue.  A friend with a similar experience wondered about a hernia as she had one after her surgery.  Any thoughts? anyone else experience pain months after the surgery?  And What caused it?

[krchelle]

My Gynecologist thinks I have a hernia.  I have a CT scheduled for Friday and a follow up on Tuesday to discuss results and the plan.  It's looking like, either way, I'm having another surgery.  If it's not a hernia and nothing else alarming shows up, they will assume it's scar tissue and likely to a laparscopy to look for and break up scar tissue/adhesions.  

Anyone out there have a hernia after surgery?  I'm not quite sure what to expect as we haven't gotten that far in discussing it.  Any thoughts are appreciated.  recovery time?  when were you able to return to work?  how does the pain compare to the cyst removal? etc

Thanks!

[krchelle]

My family doctor thinks it may be adhesions. I have an appointment with my gynecologist on Monday and I need a CT scan as well to rule out any problems with my organs. If more serious things are ruled out,  I will need a laparoscopy to look for and break up adhesions. She also checked my blood count and white cell count to rule out problems with bleeding or infection.

[krchelle]

Thanks for the responses!

I do not have endometriosis,  and I do not know what type of cyst. Only that it was very large, complex and not cancer. My incision was very large and I had the tube and ovary removed as well, so I am wondering about scar tissue. I feel about as sore as I did 4 weeks after the surgery...it just never went away or got better after that.

I am unable to see my gynecologist first due to insurance reasons,  so my appointment on Wednesday is with my family doctor.  Then she'll have to refer me back if she is concerned.  

My biggest concern is the swelling, it's gotten worse, it's worse that with the cyst.

I'm hoping for answers too! Like I said, it's not horrible,  but I can't think this is normal either.  

[ticked]

It could be scar tissue pulling. Since you have that large scar it can really cause more problems after the fact. What type of cyst was it? Do you have Endometriosis?

[old_before_my_time]

I had mild, intermittent pain for a long time - probably over a year - after my surgery for an ovarian cyst. But my gynecologist also removed more than he should have (all my sex organs versus just the cyst or the one ovary). That pain finally subsided but I now have a different type of pain and other issues as a result of the loss of my uterus as well as surgical menopause.

Scar tissue can cause pain which tends to be a pulling type sensation. Nerves can also become entrapped in sutures and severed nerves can cause pain. However, I would not think any nerves would have to be severed for an oophorectomy. A hernia is also a possibility. It can be hard to get the proper workups and diagnosis especially from the surgeon as they do not want to admit that something went wrong. My gynecologist refused to see me when I called his office in desperation (his nurse actually hung up on me). Hope you get answers soon.