kind of random but post op recovery for Laparotomy

[Jame0223]

I will be having a teratoma removed from my right ovary in two weeks from today...My question is that...I will be returning to work the following monday..but I am afraid of my pants making it too uncomfortable. Does anyone know if after having this procedure its a lot harder to where pants a certain way. When I think about it, the way I am built I feel like my incision will be constantly rubbing again my pants and that isn't very good..I don't really know what I am asking, but what if its too painful to wear the pants I normally wear to work..should I forewarn my boss that I may work in sweats? lol

[Jame0223]

I have been informed that my doctor has the ability to do a laprascopic procedure...in fact he offered to do one on my mother...but never did. So there has to be some other reason he didn't want to do it. I will ask him at pre-op on weds.

[Jame0223]

I have a feeling that it is because he isn't skilled in that procedure..But I feel like since its already scheduled and I have my pre-op next wed...I will just go and get it done.

[kimbergirl2883]

Hmmm if the only reason your Dr. won't do the laparoscopy is because he can't, you mayyy want to look around or get a referal. My dr. was considering doing it for my 12cm one but because it was so large and they wanted to leave the ovary they didn't, so taking vs leaving the ovary might be a factor that determines it!

Good luck ladies with your surgeries. It was scary in the begining not knowing what I had and how bad it was, but after surgery and recovery was not as painful nor traumatic at all. Let me know if you want a detailed account of what the recovery is like for laparotomy (i had it in a different post somewhere), it may calm come nerves or better prepare you mentally.

[vallieanne]

Hi, I'm scheduled to go on Aug.18th for a laparoscopy for a for a 5.4cm unilocular cyst that may or may not be dermoid, my surgeon isn't sure. I also think you could have a laparoscopy for your cyst. I had seen a different surgeon a while back who wanted to do a laparotomy and when I asked why I found out he didn't have the skills to do it that way. I was out of there in a blink and it took me months to find a different hospital clinic that took my insurance, but I'm glad I did because the doctors are more skilled and up to date with the proceedure.
I can't see why with a cyst that's as small as yours it couldn't be done that way, as its' a faster recovery. I am expecting to be taking it very slow for at least two weeks after, and that it takes even longer to heal internally. I'm also having an ovary removed, so I guess that will be a factor too.  I feel the same way you do, it's very surreal knowing it's coming soon, but I've been trying to get this out for a long time now and just want it over and done with.
Good luck with the consult, and if he doesn't have the experience with doing it that way, maybe he can refer you to someone who does if can wait bit.
Valerie

[Jame0223]

I heard it all had to do with the dr skill and the risks of the perticular situation...he said laparotomy but I will ask him why he doesn't do a laparoscopy. My mom had two laparoscopies and she said the worst thing was the gas pains..I would probably rather do that, but if my dr really suggest laparotomy then I will go with his judgement but I was wondering why he doesn't want to anyways. I don't remember if he mentioned why at my consult...but I will get a refresher in a week from today. Man...its so surreal to know that its actually going to happen!

[kimbergirl2883]

yeah I agree with Ireneo, ask your Dr. if he can do it laparoscopically. For a cyst only 2-3cm I can't imagine them doing an actual large incision. Which would then totally work in your favor cause you would be out an about in no time (from what I've heard)

[ireneo]

You said it was going to be a laparotomy. That's the larger open incision. I had a 10 cm cyst, ovary and tube removed and it was by the smaller incisions (laparoscopy). If your doctor is able to remove the cyst by scope like mine, then yes, I can see you going back to work in a week. I did but I avoided the heavy lifting and strenuous twisting. Even with a bikini cut laparotomy, I don't know how quickly you'll bounce back for work. Those that have been through it know best.

[Jame0223]

Well my dr told me I would only need to be at rest for a week...I have my pre-op with him next wed, so I will ask him then and I will be sure to ask my boss about my pants lol. I need to go buy some pants if I must go by what youre saying. I don't know how big my incision will be seeing at its only a 2-3cm cyst...but still who knows?

[kimbergirl2883]

You will return to work the following monday AFTER the laparotomy? Did your Dr. OK that? I had a laparotomy back in March and my dr told me Id only be out of work for 3 weeks (mind you I do desk work all day) but he didn't ok until a total of 6 weeks after the surgery. I had a 12cm dermoid cyst on my right ovary. However to answer your question, don't wear jeans. I lived in sweatpants and "granny panties" (cause they sit at your belly button not bikini line which was where the 5inch incision was) for the first 5 weeks and then large khakis. Nothing stiff, no belts. You are pretty bloated and swollen the first few weeks. The first few days before I got my staples removed, I used one of those crazzzy thick maxi pads across my bellly to serve as a buffer between the staples and my underwear. (i was nervous the staples would catch on my clothes and pull).

I would suggest checking with your dr. about a realistic time frame for going back to work, then informing your boss about both that and your inability to be able to wear regular pants. Believe me you are quite sore the first few weeks!!

But good luck! Surgery was NOT bad at all and neither was the recovery, you just HAVE to take it easy and slow and give your body the time to heal it that it needs. :)

[ireneo]

I only had a laparoscopy but the area around my belly button was pretty tender between the incision and huge bruise. I found yoga pants to be the best. The waistband is very wide and soft, the leg parts can be trim and neat looking. They also come in some lighter weight material that will hang nicely. With the right top it could look very nice. Better than fuzzy sweats.