Has anyone had Laparotomy surgery?

[journey2motherhood]

I just found out that I am scheduled for Laparotomy surgery 12/1.  I thought it was going to be done laprascopically which I was fine with.  Now that its not I'm a nervous wreck about the whole thing.  I'm worried about the surgery, the pain, the incision, pretty much everything.  Has anyone had this out there? Please tell me what to expect!

[journey2motherhood]

Thank you!  I'm unfortunately not having laparoscopy but a Laparotomy.  I hope its as easy and painless as possible.  I have to keep reminding myself that this is all worth it!

[gillianl]

i had a laparoscopy in April, the docs knocked me out for it so i didn't know anything that was going on.  They found blocked tubes, twisted right tube, endometriosis and a skin block at the top of my right ovary.  I've now been told IVF is my only chance of conceiving.  I would go through the surgery again and again as it was pretty painless and i have a very low pain barrior.

I will advise you to take painkillers for after the surgery as it can get a little bit sore.  I also found from sitting to standing was a little uncomfortable for a few days but my partner was a great support.  I wish you loads of luck and don't worry about a thing :)

[journey2motherhood]

Hi ladies,

Thank you so much for all your input.  I am nervous and worried about the pain,I am a huge baby and I have a very low tolerance to pain.  I will be asking for all the drugs they can give me.  Now, as far as the cough goes, I am in big trouble, I have a cough variant asthma, in other words, I cough all the time!!! So that's going to be a big issue I can tell already.  
So after this surgery, did any of you get pregnant? if that is what you did it for?  Thank you again!!

[tarajanes]

Same for me,exactly how trying43 said,I didnt have a d+c,they wanted to have a good look around,it well worth it.the incisions are so tiny,eventually you wouldnt even notice it.you will be out when its done.try not to worry you will be fine.

[Grandmatobe]

When I had my tubes tied, I didn't want to do the whole "burning the tubes" thing through the two small incisions, so my doctor did a mini laparotomy.  He said it would be a small 2 inch incision, but it turned out to be 4 inches long, above my bikini line (therre was no incision by my belly button).  It was done as an outpatient, so after 3 moriphine shots in recovery, they sent me home.  I also had a cough/cold (they almost didn't do the surgery), so after everything wore off, I was in quite a bit of pain, but at least I was at home in my own bed.  It took several days, but then it got better.

My suggestion would be to make sure you don't have a cough (that does NOT feel good with stitches in you belly).  Get plenty of rest that first week and then don't lift anything for a few weeks (I forgot what the doctor had told me).  For some women, it might not be too bad, but in my case, the incision ended up way bigger than expected, so the recovery was more like a C-section recovery.

Oh, and lastly - - asked them for some good drugs to take home with you, LOL.  Good luck to you!!!

[trying43]

Yes if its done lap, then there will be 2 small incisions one in your belly button one above your pubic bone.  He are some things you will need b4 u have surgery.  A stool softner and tylenol pm to help with pain at night and so you can sleep. My RE also gave me pain pills.  With that said, and I am so not trying to scare you but mine was painful.  For about 5 days I hurt!  I was also very bloated. Some people have no problems but for me well I guess Im a big baby! lol(I also had an hsg and a d&c done at the same time so that may have been it)  I had no problems with the incisions though.  Good luck to you.