Laparascopic Surgery

I'm scheduled to have lap surgery on Feb. 24, to see what this large cyst is in my pelvis, and where it's originating from. Hopefully it can be drained without a problem, but I just found out that my doctor may have to take the ovary and tube, depending on the situation. Now, I haven't had my pre-consult yet, but I found out this little info.

I just have few questions before my pre-operative consult. For the ladies who have had this type of surgery, what was your experience like? How long did you recover? How soon were you able to go to work?

Remember..I'm asking specifically about LAPARASCOPIC CYSTECTOMIES OR LAPARASCOPIC SALPINGO-OOPHORECTOMIES! Thank you ladies!

I'M JUST BUMPING THIS UP SO YOU LADIES WON'T FORGET ABOUT ME!!! I REALLY NEED SOME ANSWERS, HERE!! THANKS!!

This may not pertain to you 100% but may be of some help. I had Laparascopic surgery as my hysterectomy procedure in which both ovaries and tubes were removed. I had 4 small incisions, and was back home only a few hours after surgery.

After all of this my doctor released me for ALL normal activity after only 1 week post-op. However, the first 4-5 days didn't feel like doing much of anything. Not any real internal pain as I had expected but the incision sites were tender. Was glad to have someone around who could help me get out of bed and off couch.

Anyway, after 1st week things were much better but took it slow anyway. Incision sites remained tender for several weeks. Was pretty much doing everything I used to do (although carefully) after 3 weeks but avoided heavy lifting.

I bet you'll be good to go back to work in a week or two.

Hope this gives you some answers until others answer.

Sheree32,
I had this done on January 21st and I went back to work today. I had alot of scar tissue from my c-section 20yrs ago and that has caused some pain, but otherwise I feel very good. I have two small incisions and the DR went through my belly button. The second day was about the worst as for as discomfort. I'm taking Motrin for cramp like pain during the day. If you have any questions please let me know and I will try too help. Good luck and I will keep you in my thoughts. Also I'm 42 yrs old and had my surgery for precaution, Mom died of OVCA.

Thanks, ladies for the replies. I suppose the positive side is that I'm having the procedure done on a Thursday, 7:30 a.m. I can recover the weekend, and hopefully return to work Monday. I just started a new job, and I can't afford to lose much money. I already ran this past my boss, and she's very understanding. I'm nervous, though, and pretty stressed out overall. My personal life is the pits right now, as my husband and I are going through problems. However, I know I have to keep going, with or without his support. By the way, I do not plan on his being present for the operation. He acted such an *** when I had my hysterectomy, I never want to experience that again. I'd rather him not be there at all. My sister will be going with me this time.

I know things will get better. They have to. They could be worse, but it just has to get better.

Hi Sheree32,

I had mine done 8 days ago. I'm feeling great, but still a little foggy mentally. If I had to work I could, but with lots of breaks and not too long of a day because of fatigue.

Good luck with you. I hope things get better.

Sirap

I had my hysterectomy 3 year ago - I kept both ovaries at that time. I had lapraoscopic surgery to have my right ovary removed 7 months ago. I started having problems with cysts about two yers after my hysterectomy - my doctor had been watching the cysts for any changes. They had gotten larger and turned from simple, fluid-filled cysts to complex, solid-mass cysts. The right ovary was adhered to the top of the vaginal cuff and covered with adhesions and cysts - it was removed. The mass on my ovary was benign. My left ovary had some fluid filled cysts that were drained and then the ovary was wrapped in mesh to protect it. I also had numerous adhesions removed.

Some cysts go away on their own - some need to be removed. When I began to have problems last year my doctor and I decided to take the "watch and wait" approach for a few months. I had vaginal ultrasounds every 2 months to check the status of the ovary and cysts. The reason we decided to go ahead and remove the ovary was because the cysts changed from simple, fluid-filled cysts to complex, solid-mass and my pain was greatly increased. My doctor said when a cyst begins to change in size and appearance (complex & solid) it needs to be evaluated surgically.

Whether or not your cyst needs to be removed depends on the size of the cyst, its appearance, any symptoms you may be having related to the cyst. Sometimes just the cyst can be removed and the ovary can be saved. Sit down and discuss your options with your doctor.

I had a baseball sized hemorrhagic cyst removed laparascopically Sept of 2004. Dr. also removed adhesions at the same time. I spent one night in the hospital, and didn't require anything stronger than over the counter ibuprofen.
My recovery period was 2 weeks because of my job(lifting more than 10 pounds).
No problems after going back to work.
Essie