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I have a HUGE ovarian cyst and I have to undergo an urgent laparotomy

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allie19819
allie19819

Hello everyone! It’s my first time posting here.

I’m 21 years old and was recently diagnosed with right ovarian cyst (20.5x30x12 cm) (I know, massive!). My doctor said I have to do a laparotomy (a very long vertical incision) as soon as possible as I had one elevated tumor marker (although it’s unlikely to be malignant, and I sure hope so🙏??) and because of the size of the cyst as it is taking all over my abdomen. The problem is that I’m a student nurse in my final year, and only less than a month and half is left till we finish this semester. I’m worried about the recovery period; he told me it would take a month (which would make me unable to finish the semester and therefore repeat the whole semester next year), so did anyone have the same experience? If so, can you tell me about it, and whether is it possible for me to go back to college 2-3 weeks post-op so I can finish the semester? And would it be possible for me to study for my exams like 10 days post-op?

I’d really appreciate your replies 🙏??

Thank you

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Lottie1986
    Lottie1986 allie19819

    Posted

    Hi,

    I had this done mine was huge too. Recovery was 6-8 weeks, first couple weeks are  sore. How long are exams? Because sitting could be painful. No heavy lifting too

  • jackie25411
    jackie25411 allie19819

    Posted

    Hi - I had the same surgery. My incision was horizontal across my bikini line from one side to the other. 

    I can't believe your timing! I would ask your school if there is anyway to make an exception to take your exams a little later - you never know! They may accommodate the request. Realistically I think it's going to be hard. 

    I was operated on Dec 15th and on Xmas day, 10 days later I left the house for the first time just to go to my fathers for dinner with the family and it almost killed me! 

    1. You are still on pain meds (at least I was)

    2. Sleeping was erratic due to the pain and being on my back which I wasn't used to. I could not sleep on my side for at least 8 weeks I think it was. I had to take pain meds every 4 hrs on the clock.

    2. I could not sit for any length of time (the car ride was excruciating!!!!) 

    3. After the car ride I could not sit at all once I got to my fathers - I stood the entire time and had dinner standing at the kitchen island and went home right after to lie back down. 

    You might be able to study in between sleeping, propped up in bed. The one thing to consider is how heavy any of your text books are. I couldn't hold a heavy novel, it was too much. (maybe you are online? just prop a laptop up?)

    I think the bigger issue going back to school post op 2-3 weeks is sitting during the classes for any length of time. Maybe they would let you stand the entire time? OR sit intermittently? 

    2 weeks is too soon for sure, even 3 will be very hard. I would aim for 4 weeks to try. 

    If I were you I would try it! You will be in pain but it beats taking the year over again! 

    • Lottie1986
      Lottie1986 jackie25411

      Posted

      I feel your pain I’ve had three ops one vertical cut and two horizontal. The pain is out of this world 😬

  • tracy35500
    tracy35500 allie19819

    Posted

    Dear allie i had the same thing done but my was 3 small incension today it makes it 2 weeks since i had the surgery i had my ovary and tube taking out and i am still in pain i am having a hard time still walking up and down the steps it is still hard to sleep on my sides it hurts
  • allie19819
    allie19819

    Posted

    Hey everyone! Thank you so much for your replies! I just wanted to update you, I ended up having the surgery, and fortunately everything worked out with college wink. It was a benign mucinous cyst, and I ended up having a 20 cm vertical incision. In 2 days it will be 2 months post op, and I certainly feel much better now!
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