First week of recovery

HI, I am very new to this site, I just had surgery on monday to have the right ovary taken out - I previously have had the left ovary removed, and also my uterus and cervix, this was all that was left. I have a few questions...The procedure was laparoscopy which I assume is better than being totally opened - but what I am concerned about is that I don't see the doctor for 6 weeks. Is that a long time to wait? Also I don't know how long I have to wait before showering. The only thing I do know is that I have to keep the bandages on, but I don't know for how long. I had to take one of them off because of swelling underneath and the bandage caused me increased pain, all I could see underneath is that there are butterfly strips, no stitches. The other surgeries I had all used stitches where the incisions were. Is it common to use butterfly strips? The other thing I am wondering about is that there has been no mention of HRT. When is this typically started after surgery? I am in a lot of pain - moving around is not on my high list of things to do right now. I keep the pain managed by the meds that were prescribed, is there anything else that helps to ease the pain and discomfort? I have a heated lap blanket and I have been keeping that on me, it seems to help somewhat.
I would really like someone to talk to as this is all so new to me, even though I have had three surgeries prior, this one has me very confused and concerned. Thanks for reading my post. You can contact me either email, instant messanger or here.
Jannye

Hi Jannye,
I can't answer all your questions, but I'm just replying because I just had surgery on Monday too. A TAH including both ovaries and cervix. I have about a 5-6 inch incision, vertical, that is closed with staples and little pieces of tape across each staple. It burns! That's the only pain I have--it feels kind of like a severe sunburn or a scrape. Just taking my pain pills and resting a lot. I'm surprised at how weak I feel. I guess it takes a lot of patience for recovery! I'm not used to sitting around like this all day... Just wanted to wish you luck on your recovery and let you know you're not alone in your pain this week!

Hi Jannye and welcome!

I have never had laparascopic surgery, so I'm not really sure what is "typically" used to close the lap incision site.

Your post has me a little concerned though. I believe that each of us knows our bodies pretty well, and as you say that you have had several previous surgeries but this one feels different and has you concerned, then I would suggest that you call your Dr. right away to report your symptoms.

Let your Dr. know about the swelling, having to remove your bandage...in other words, everything that you've told us. And be sure to let him/her know about how much pain you are in. It is very important to take walks to avoid blood clots and allow your body to naturally take deep breaths to keep your lungs clear; so be sure to tell your Dr. what's going on.

Let us know how you're doing and what your Dr. says, ok?

Best wishes and s