Ovarian Cysts

M. ~
I had an exploratory laparoscopy and they found endomitriosis. They make 3 or 4 small (maybe an inch or less) incisions, one at the belly button; then they inject CO2 to enlarge your abdominal cavity so that there is room for the instruments and to look around. They use a small camera and instruments to do whatever they need to get done. Your consent will probably also say "possible laparotomy," which would be a larger incision at the bikini line. That always depends on what they find, if they need more room to get into there. The recovery really wasn't much....achey, crampy for a few days. Rest, motrin for a few days and you should be OK. You might have shoulder pain from the gas (the CO2)...you can use a heating pad for that. If they take the ovary, it might be a little more painfull, but only at first. Ask them to make sure they "remove" as much of the CO2 that they use before they close your incisions, that will help with the gas pain people feel afterward.

You could make up a few meals and make sure you have snacks, drinks, etc. in the house before your surgery. Mine was done and I was sent home that day. I rested in the recliner most of the time, but had no trouble getting around my house. Although I wasn't up for going anywhere.

good luck!
D.

Story of my life! I have had so many surgeries for ovarian cysts that I lost count years ago.

I seam to recall that the recovery isn't horrible. You'll have some restrictions that your 11 year old can help you with. It's all going to depend on your pain tolerance and physical abilities. If you are pretty fit, no big deal. If not, it will be harder.

I was told that I should have drank aloe juice prior to my surgeries to help with recovery. I can tell you about that if you want.

You'll be ok. Do what you have to do.

S.
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I wouldn't worry so much about the procedure itself, but the bowel prep before and the recovery afterward. The bowl prep is aweful, clear liquids only for 2 days prior. After the surgery, I felt very nausaus from the anesthesia and uncomfortable because of the gas in my stomach. I think the first few days were a litle rough, but got better each day. Just be sure to keep easy foods like soup and crackers around for after. Good luck!

You will be a lot more sore if you have to have your ovary removed (I'm guessing). I've had 3 laparoscopies for endometriosis and just had my gall bladder removed laproscopically last week. The worst will be the first 2 days. Recovery time for me was about 4-5 days for each procedure. As long as you don't have real young ones to chase around you should be fine. Just get some rest and take it easy for a few days. I wish you the best of luck!! Happy Holidays!

M. - I had a Laparoscopy done a few years back. Although for different reasons, and I did not have an ovary removed. I was pretty sore for a few days, and I had to sleep in a chair for 2 nights (could not lay down). I was able to walk around, but certainly not do any work. I would make sure you have meals/snacks made ahead of time for you and your 11 year old. Get your laundry/cleaning/shopping/etc. done in advance for a week post-surgery. You should be OK. Maybe someone else had a more similar surgery and can provide more insight. Good luck , hope it goes well.

I have had this procedure done several times. The incisions they make are pretty small. You usually just need to take it easy, especially the day of your surgery. The most painful part is the carbon dioxide gas that they fill you with to make room in your abdomen for them to work. It needs to be released or it will gather in your collar bone area and hurt like the dickens. So even if you're sore, you will need to move around enough so the gas can get out in the "usual" ways.

M.,

First let me say I am very sorry to hear about this upcoming procedure. I have never experineced it but the thing that rang through was your being by yourself without support or help. You didn't say if your children were boys or girls but at that age is really doesn't matter. You should sit down with your children and explain to them that you have to have a surgery and will need all the help you can get for a week or so until you recover and that you hope you can count on them. I'm sure you have done a lot for your kids over the years, don't be afraid to ask for a little in return from them. I bet they will be happy to help out.

S.

I went through the same thing! The surgery went very good, its when I woke up I felt a little nauseous from the anesthesia. I was sore for about four days but I felt a ton better after I started walking outside and not to sound gross, but after I went #2. My doctor told me to be very cautious for the next couple of months b/c I would be very fertile. Needless to say, he was right, and I have a beautiful baby boy. The best thing I felt after the surgery is I felt almost peaceful, balanced. I don't know how else to describe it but my mind/body felt better. Good luck w/ everything and just stay positive!

I have undergone laparoscopy, oblation, and ultimately a partial hysterectomy. The first 2 procedures did not work for me (still had fibroids), but the best day for me was the partial hysterectomy. Doctors usually try the most conservative method first, but I can tell you, if you are done having kids, go the partial hysterectomy route!! I had it done outpatient, home that night, and a little sore, but so glad I did!! No more periods or pain!! The other procedures have very minimal pain, so don't worry (my menstrual pain was far worse). Best of luck to you.

I had a ovarian cyst burst, very painful for a good four - five days. I had to go through a round of two different antibiotics to clear up the infection from the fluid in the cysts. If yu can have them removed before they burst and the ibfection enters you body. I would say go for it.