Prevention and Recovery

[Holmes75]

I had a right ovarian cystectomy on Thursday 6/3. This was my second surgery (first... removal of ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids). My recent surgery was also to repair a small hernia and removing bowel adheshions (scar tissue). Both are believed to be a result of my first surgery - possibly returning to work and daily activity too soon.
I have 2 questions?
First, what is a recommend timeframe to resume daily activities (I.e.driving,etc.). My tentative return tobwork dare isn't until July.
And... Does anyone have any recommendstions for preventive measures fir the ovarian cyst. They are very common in my family and very painful. Despite a low dose birth control pill. I still ended up with a 6cm in diameter cysts 8 months after having surgery the first  time.
My doctor mentioned the Depo shot. I haven't heard good things about it though.
Anyone have any suggestions????

[Holmes75]

The last surgery was laprascopic. The surgery I had back in Sept was a horizonal laparotomy. I read that with the laprascopic the return to work and normal activity is 4-6 weeks. I think my doctor is taking extra precautions because of the hernia and the scar tissue. I am still really sore from the last surgery and very blotted. I just don't want to over do it, but Im already having some cabin fever and it's only been a few days.
If your doctor hadn't already mentioned... Ask about pain management for your incision. My doctor threaded this pin size needle/pain pump that pumped meds right into my incision. It was the BEST. And I was up and moving around the night of my surgery.
Thanks for the advice. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow.

[fungirl1011]

I'm glad that your surgery went so well.  It sounds like you are doing nicely at home.

1.  What kind of surgery did you have (laprascopic or laparotomy)?  If you had a laparotomy, then you probably will not be able to get back to work for at LEAST 4-6 weeks.  You have to give your body plenty of time to heal.  Even though we look healed on the outside, the inside takes quite a bit longer to heal.  July sounds about right for a return to work date.  I am having a laparotomy tomorrow and my instructions sheet (my doctor gave me my post-op instructions at my pre-op appointment) said that no driving, sex, lifting or bending for 4-6 weeks.  I am having a vertical incision.  What kind of incision did you have?  

2.  Usually birth control pills are used to help prevent cysts, but it didn't work for me either.  The dopo shot is one option and Lupron is another.  I HIGHLY recommend that you do your research on both.  Deop does not have as many side effects as Lupron.  My fried was on the deop shot for a few years and she loved it.  It did cause weight gain though.  Lupron can have SERIOUS side effects.  

I hope you continue to keep doing well and get back to your normal self very soon.