Recovery Time & Work?

Hello Ladies,
I need advise. I had my left ovary removed via laporotmy a week ago friday due to two benign cysts. I still have alot of pain and am concerned about when I can get back to work. All I could get from my Dr, who is wonderful, was two weeks. I had an emergency laporotomy 17 years ago due to an ectopic pregnancy and was able to return to work in two weeks. But I did not have the intense pain I have this time. I actually had to return to surgery because I started bleeding profusly in the shower less than two hours before I was suppose to be discharged. I lost alot of blood and they had to take me back to surgery so I suspect being opened up two days in a row may account for the pain. I know everyone heals differently but am trying to figure out what to do about work on Dec. 5th. Maybe I'll be able to go back but am worried. I am an Instructor so not really a desk job. I can get another week off if need be but will have to make those arrangements no later than Monday. Should I play it safe and get the extra week? I appreciate any info you can offer.

Just my opinion, but I would take the extra time off. I had my ovary and adhesions removed laparoscopically and I needed 4 weeks to recover - I have been told that if I had needed a full incision to plan on being off about 6 weeks.

To be safe I would allow your body as much time to recover as possible.

You should listen to your body. If your body is telling you that you are not ready then take the extra week. Better safe than sorry =)

I had a laparotomy on Nov 16th to remove my right ovary and tube. I was givven 6 weeks off by my DR for a recovery period. With my TAH this past January, I also had a hemorrhage that required a second open incision. For that surgery, I took off 8 weeks because I lost so much blood and had other complications afterwards. I second what the others have said and would request more time off. I would call my DR Monday to get them to approve more time.
Nancy

Thank you Ladies! I will arrange for more time. I was leaning that way but needed a little moral support.
Hey Naw, I lost alot of blood too and had low hemoglobin (8.3) on Monday. It's not like notice the anemia a mere week after surgery but was wondering how long it took you to shake that? I really appreciate you sharing your story! Thanks!

RavenLady,
My hemoglobin went down to 6 during my second operation. My hematocrit was 18 and my platelets went down to 48,000. I received 10 units of various blood products to reverse a disorder known as DIC. When I left the hospital, my hemoglobin was still low (don't remember the number). My Dr said I could probably have used 1 or 2 more units of packed red blood cells. When I went back to work in the middle of march my hemoglobin was up to 10 (still anemic). I tired easily and would have to rest on the days I was off. I finally started feeling more like myself in May, 4 months after my surgery!! I hope you can recuperate faster.
Best wishes with your recovery,
Nancy

Thanks Nancy!

I just had a laparotomy three weeks ago tomorrow and am still in a considerable amount of pain. My dr. gave me six weeks off, and I am wondering if I will be ready even then. Please get the extra time, and I am thinking more like a few more weeks, not just one more! Hope you heal well, good luck!

I got another two weeks. Thanks for all your support. I also arranged for more time beyond that if I need it. Shelly, I am glad to know I am not the only one still in pain and needing medication. Was starting to think there was something amiss even though common sense suggests that we will be in pain given the type of surgery. It's just that the pain med I was sent home with (works well) only lasted three days! So made me think the expectation was that the pain would be tolerable once they ran out. No dice, had to go in to get a new prescription but beats the heck out of the the deep pain that burns when the meds wear off, can't sleep or even find a comfortable position and get nauseous. hope to be off them soon. Are you taking anything prescription for the pain? If not, what over the counter works best for you? (my names Mary)

Mary,
I glad to see that you were able to get more time off from work.
I had my laparotomy on Nov 16th to remove my right ovary. I have beeen using my pain meds since my discharge from the hospital especially at night. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one still in pain. I had thought things would be better by now!!! I didn't use pain meds for this long following my TAH.
I don't know about you, but I get alot of pain in my right side with any amount of walking or if I stand too long.
Have you had your post-op appointment yet? I go for my 2 week appointment on Wednesday.
Nancy