recovering from laparoscopy

[jj1973]

Ok, my surgery was a week ago today. Today, I felt better than any day since the surgery. So, of course I got out and ran errands, spending a lot of time on my feet.  So, now, I'm feelin' it!  Pressure and pain in my stomach and at my stitches. Also, have a lil blood that has started to come from my largest surgery scar. Should I be worried about the blood from the scar?  Its not bright red. Is that normal?  Could it be because I overexerted today?  

[goaliemomt]

Two days after surgery I was feeling fine, aside from consipation everything felt okay.  I took my daughter shopping and did some housework.  Later that night I tried to go to the washroom and was straining a little, and then I noticed blood.  I went to the calendar and notice that I was suppose to get my period in 4 days.  The question I have is how do I know if it is my period (very light flow) or if it is the ovary that is bleeding.  I have been having ovulation pain as well.  

[Nt2L8]

I drink plenty of water, but nothing was working.  This morning I drank some prune juice and all was well!

[fungirl1011]

One of the things that the doctor told me to do for constipation is to drink LOTS of water/liquids.  It will help.  My advice to you would be to do what feels ok when you are up to it, but rest when your body tells you to.  One of the best things you can do for recovery is to take very small walks.  It gets your blood flowing and also helps get your bowels moving too.  I hope you all get feeling better soon!!

[mghnew2you]

me too! In fact, I posted about it recently, about how up and down my recovery has been (I'm 2 weeks post lap for twisted cyst and ovary removal.)

I think not only overdoing it, but also hormones can be blamed, esp. if an ovary was taken.  Just take it slowly and I'm sure in a few weeks we'll all be laughing at how easy life is compared to now!  God bless you.

By the way, good old Bran does the trick for me at the moment for keeping my bowels moving - bran muffins, or bran cereal, or a bran stool softening drink...works good, esp. as it still hurts my back and my side like made when I need to go!

[jj1973]

I'm also having a problem with the constipation. Currently taking stool softeners to try to get it right. But I also seem to be developing a UTI because it really stings when I urinate. My mom told me to drink some alka-seltzer twice daily for it. It helped but the bowel movements are still not regular. :-(

[jj1973]

Thanks ladies!  I had read comments from other ladies about not doing too much and resting...  I really thought I was doing that. But evidently NOT!  It has surely been an "up and down" ride since surgery. I think its hard for some to understand - how I'm so good one day and then back to laying on the couch the next. I was supposed to go out to eat today, but right now, I just don't feel it and will likely cancel that. I'm just tired and having pain in my stomach...   I am enjoying being off from work, though!

[ArielJ54]

It's been a week for me too. And while feeling energetic and walking without pain this morning, after grocery shopping I was walking home slower than an elderly lady with a walking frame! (one actually overtook me).

I think just taking it easy is the only way to go, with some good rest thrown in during the day.

[Nt2L8]

I completely understand how you feel.  The next day after my surgery I really felt 100% with the exception of soreness around my incisions.  I let it go to my head and started cleaning a little, but the next day a paid for it.  I find it hard to just lay around, but I know this is what it takes to heal completely.  My new issue is constipation and it role in my swollen belly.

[fungirl1011]

Sometimes a reddish/orangish color will seep from your incision.  As long as it isn't yellow it should be ok.  I definitely think that you probably did too much yesterday.  Just because you feel better doesn't mean that you are healed on the inside.  Listen to your body and when it tells you to rest, then do so.  You could always give your doctor a call, it may put your mind at ease.  Hope your recovery keeps going so well.