post-op recovery - laproscopic removal of cyst

[Patricia228]

I had an ovarian cyst (13cm), along with my ovary and falopian tube, removed 2 weeks ago (July 19).  I've been searching for some information on recovery from this procedure.  My tummy is still exceptionally sore; very tender to the touch; hurts when traveling in a vehicle from the seat belt and bouncing (worse on my way home from work at the end of the day).  I am also still swollen (2 inches more than usual just below my bellybutton) and most of my clothes just don't fit.  I was in pretty good shape prior to surgery - spinning, yoga and ab exercises almost daily.  Now my stomach muscles feel almost useless.  My scar is only an inch, but this not where my tummy hurts.  It hurts underneath my belly button, approx a 4" circle.  Should I still be this sensitive and swollen?

Thanks so much for your help!

[Patricia228]

10 lbs!  I don't think I've lost anything.  Probably gaining since I'm not exercising at all.  The doc said i could go back to exercising after 1 week, just to take it easy and not go back to the level i was at before this.  i just can't believe its possible to do anything when it hurts like this.  i'm going to call the doc tomorrow....tried today but didn't get through.

[TrudieC]

I had a grapefruit sized cluster of cysts plus my right ovary and tube removed.  In the first 4 weeks after surgery I lost 10 pounds.  I don't think you should be doing any exercising until your doctor gives the OK.  Yes, you don't have much in the way of incisions on the outside but your insides need to heal and you don't want to hurt your internal stitches.

[Patricia228]

It's comforting to know that other women have the same sore, swollen, uncomfortable feelings after this surgery.  They must really stretch those tummy muscles to get in there.  

Brianda, interesting question.  I was wondering the same...how much do you think this 13 cm thing weighs?  Whatever, it certainly took up a lot of space.  I figured I'd be much skinnier.....lol...not more swollen.  When did you have your surgery?

[ireneo]

After my laparoscopy I had a bruise about the size of a 3 x 5 card right below my belly button. Even now, over 5 months later, I can feel a little spot just to the left of my belly button that is tender. All the poking and pushing around in there is hard on your tummy muscles.

[brianda702]

wow. 4 weeks. i lost weight but feel so fat cuz im so swollen.

about how much does it weigh? do u guys know?

mine was about 9 cm long.

[Patricia228]

Week 4...I can work with that.  So probably no exercises before then?  I was thinking about going to my yoga class this Friday... if I take it easy and do mostly light stretching, back & neck exercises.  I'm not sure.  Hubby wants me to take it easy and continue doing nothing for a while.

[TrudieC]

For me the swelly belly disappeared by week 4.  Don't worry - you will feel so much better really soon.  

[Patricia228]

tyvm TrudieC, I just read it!  

If anyone else has comments about when I can expect my jeans to fit, I'd really appreciate it.  I feel like my muscles have been pushed, beat, stretched, bruised and otherwise mutilated (okay...just a bit carried away with those comments).  Seriously, I think I'd like to punch my doc in the stomach about a dozen times...yes, I think that would make me feel much better.  :o)

[TrudieC]

I had a laporatomy so can't comment in same way but I did just bump up an older posting that describes issues around laporascopic surgery - called top 10 things I learned.  I think this may help.