Questions when going for laproscopic surgery

[Leodragon]

I'm going for Lapro. surgery and wanted to know if there is Q's I should ask, you know something you wished you had of asked but didn't, or things you realized now that you should have asked! I have a cycist about 5 cm right now and there is a solid mass that they are worried about but my CA125 has come back within normal range,  I have been given a pamphlet and thats about it, it says recovery is a couple of days but from reading everyones Q & A it seems much longer and apparently there will be bleeding (not as if I haven't already been dealing with that) but how much and how long??  I have a ton of Q's so if you could elaborate on your own experiences that would be great!!

Much appreciated,
Leodragon

[monster05]

I am 38 & scheduled for laproscopic removal of a cyst and left ovary on January 5th, 2010.  At this time, I do have both of my ovaries.  I do not have any children and I just got married in September for the 1st time!!!!!  
The OBGYN-ONC had given me 3 options:  wait & see, biospsy but with the risk of fluid escaping, it didn't seem like the wise option pending the results of a biospy and then #3, surgical removal along with the ovary.  This seemed the ony definite preventative option available!!!???  I have a complicated cyst on my left ovary since July.  I have had a few irrregualr periods which made me sceptical in the 1st place.  Not really anything else except occasional bloating.  My cancer marker bloodwork all came back w/in normal ranges.  I went in for my pre-admission tests today.  Am I doing the right thing with the surgery?  I preach preventative medicine and truly do believe it is an opportunity to be thankful for but when you are face to face with the decision of your own, you start to question your own beliefs!  Please advise, thank you very much!!!!!

LGP        

[Leodragon]

Thanks so much to both of you!  Your much more informative than the OBGYN I've seen, but in her defence I was a bit in shock and didn't ask Q's when I should have......LOL!!  I didn't even think about pain meds LOL!! If you or anyone else has any more info. please let me know!!  Again thanks a ton, you've given me great knowledge so I can prepare better!!

Leodragon

[cirella]

Hi, thank you for the additional information.  I've had 2 surgeries for cyst problems.  The first one was for a large "chocolate" cyst.  I was told that my doctor would try to remove the cyst only but if there was some reason he felt he could not then my ovary would come out, too.  I was also told that, depending on what he saw during surgery, my laparoscopy would turn into a laparotomy and the necessary precautions would be taken.  As it turned out, he had to take my ovary along with they cyst via laparoscopy.  This was an out patient surgery.  Recovery for that was fairly easy but it was more than a couple of days.  Pain for a little bit.  Bleeding like a period.  It took a while for my remaining ovary to pick up the slack of two but it did, somewhat.  I was fatigued but I think I bounced back pretty well.  I was 48 when I had this surgery.  You'll be back to doing "normal" things in a month or so.  Like I said, you'll feel the fatigue but it'll come and go.  

March of 08 I had a total hysterectomy b/c of cysts on my other ovary and some other issues.  I was able to have this done via laparoscopy and vaginally.  With this surgery I was down longer.  It's a pretty big surgery but doing it laparoscopically (sp)/ vaginally was a good thing.  I kind of hit the ground running b/c of prior commitments but I really tried to listen to my body.  Pain wise I was OK.  I do well with a Tylenol/Advil mixture.  Fatigue wise was another story.  I did what I could but if I got tired, I'd rest or nap.  No bleeding other than after surgery.    

If you are working, I'd ask your doctor to give you a couple of weeks off, depending on your job.  You will notice the fatigue.  But, as mentioned above, everyone is different.  You must remember that laparoscopy is still major surgery through smaller holes.

If for some reason your doctor feels the need to switch to a laparotomy be prepared to stay in the hospital for a couple of days.  This will, of course, make your recovery longer.  Unfortunately, your doctor cannot say for certain just how it will all go down.  When they get in there for a look they will know more.  So, don't be frightened when all the options are discussed.

I would ask about the plan for the unknown things.  Will a biopsy be done while you're still out?  Will a GYN/ONC be available should they find cancerous cells?  If a hysterectomy is done what are the hormone choices?  Mine put a bio-identical patch on me right after surgery.  I'd plan for an overnight stay, just in case.  BUT...please rest assured that most cysts are benign and all will go smoothly and you will wake up, recover and feel great in a month or so.

Hope this helps...take care.

[babypooh]

If they go ahead with just the laparascopy, recovery time, as I have heard, will be less than 2 weeks to really feel like yourself again. Everyone is different though. If they decide to go through with the laparatomy, recovery will take a few weeks longer, but for me, it was quick. I hardly even took my pain medication.  What I asked was if they would wake me up before they would go ahead and remove an ovary, if the need should come. They said that they would if I wanted them to. They told me that some people prefer that because they want to wait for the definite results from pathology. Good luck with everything!

[Leodragon]

Hi Cirella,  I am 36 and not menopausal, I have both ovaries and my Dr. is talking about cyst removal with poss. ovary removal and consiquenty hysterectomy pending biopsy there is a good chance I'll lose my ovary due to what she sees so far....... so what kind of recovery am I lookin at??? and what sort of Q's should I be asking??? If you don't mind!

Thanks a ton!
Leodragon

[cirella]

Hi there.  Would you mind answering a couple of questions first?  It will help everyone help you with your questions.

How old are you?
Are you in menopause or perimenopause?
Do you have both ovaries?
Is your doctor talking about a hysterectomy or cyst removal with possible ovary removal?

The answers to these questions will help determine your recovery time, etc.  I know people will come along with helpful answers but in the mean time there is a post you can access in the Health Pages with tons of answers.  

Take care.