Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Recovery -- What to expect

I was taken to hospital by ambulance mid-April and turned out I had a 25cm ovarian cyst.  Had surgery 2 days later -- laparotomy with incision from belly button down, about 8".  Weighed 12-15 lbs and drained over 4 liters of fluid from it.  Thankfully it turned out to be benign.  Was out of the hospital 2 days after surgery.  Had concerns for first 3 weeks that incision was infected in two places where it wasn't holding together.  Was on antibiotics for 2 weeks even though doctor thinks it wasn't/isn't infected.  Still healing in one place but looking much better.  So here's my question to those of you who have maybe gone through a laparotomy before:  I'm not sure that I'm not feeling more tired now than I was a couple weeks ago.  I'm at 4 weeks past surgery right now.  If I go do pretty much anything -- light shopping, out to lunch with husband, etc... -- I'm sore and wiped out for the rest of the day and pretty much the next day too!  My doctor said she was amazed at how good I looked at 2 weeks after and had to remind me that I'd had "major abdominal surgery", but I guess I'm just questioning that I'm not feeling a whole lot better now at two weeks later.  I'm a "homemaker" with an elementary school age child.  I'm not doing a lot of things around the house yet.  Where were you at 4 weeks post-surgery??  Anyone have any advice or perspective on 4-6 or even 8-12 weeks after surgery?  This has all been rather traumatic with not knowing what is "normal".  Also hard to not be constantly blue with being home and not being able to do much.  ??????
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I had my complex cyst removed last September. It took me around 3 months to be back to normal. Of course, everyone is different. I remember I had soreness all the time here and there whenever I walked and couldn't walk long. My tummy was swallen was well. My advice is to be patient. You'll get better everyday. :-)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, I had a partial hysterectomy this past Oct. The best advice I got from my mom was to wear a girdle!!!!  It was my saving grace. I was able to walk and tend to my family without that feeling that my insides were shaking.  Also, dont do what my sister did and use a heating pad on the suture spot.  It melted her suture and she had a longer recovery.  Use ice or pain meds.  Go get those girdles!  Take care.  Linda
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had my complex cyst removed last September. It took me around 3 months to be back to normal. Of course, everyone is different. I remember I had soreness all the time here and there whenever I walked and couldn't walk long. My tummy was swallen was well. My advice is to be patient. You'll get better everyday. :-)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
For the pain, try using ice packs on your stomach, that'll help the swelling and help the muscles heal etc. And whatever you do dont let the pain get out of control! Keep on top of taking your pain meds on a reg schedule for the first little while, I didnt do that once and boy I paid for it big time. Once your pain gets out of control its hard to get it back under control.

When I came home from the hospital, I was just taking extra strength tylenol and motrin.

JBD310, I had the laparoscopy done last April, and although it was little incisions boy i felt them! Getting up to walk for a little bit was a challenge, but by 2 weeks post op i was feeling good and relatively "normal" Good luck, wish you a speedy recovery ladies :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just had a 5inch complex cyst removed from right ovary yesterday. I came home same day and boy was I not expecting this pain! I can hardly get up let alone walk. I get the worst stabbing pain in my right side. And very unusual uncomfortable feelings as well. I also had some bleeding from my belly button incision. I had it removed laparoscopically. I'm hoping I start feeling better soon. I am taking percocet and advil and still in so much pain!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had the horizontal laparotomy in Feb, was in hospital for 3 days. I felt great for the first 2 weeks..... i was up and moving... though slowly! lol but i was starting to do simple things within my limitations. By week 3, i lost all energy again. I couldve just slept all the time, the simple walking down the street to check my mail took all my energy. So i'd said its rather normal, becase its major surgery, and how much your body is working to still heal, and no matter how hard you try, you're still using those muscles. Unfortunately, I didnt get to have a restful recovery as I had to take care of a child for emergency care, and that threw a kink into recovery, its been almost 4 months since surgery, im back to work now, but i still find that my hormones are wacky(even with being on birth control), and i still have days where im just wiped, and stomach can still be tender. Listen to your body, when its too much, stop.

As for advise, I dont have much other thgan if you're tired, rest if you can, and just do simple things for yourself. I know for me i was so aggravated for the first 2 weeks of not being able to do anything for myself like getting a glass of milk etc cause i wasnt allowed to lift the jug etc. Try to relax and remember this isnt long term, its for the best that you take the time to rest for you.. for me it was reminding myslef that if i didnt take it easy, i risked herniating myself and that would mean more surgery longer recovery etc.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cysts Community

Top Women's Health Answerers
363281 tn?1643235611
Nelson, New Zealand
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.