Laparotomy to remove 12cm ovarian cyst

Hello,

I thought I would share my experience to help others in a similar situation. I am 33 years old and had a 12cm dermoid cyst, my right ovary and tube removed by laparotomy by the NHS on 18th May and am now recovering at home.

In early 2017 while on the pill I had a strange episode where I started bleeding between periods. This lasted for 10 days and was so heavy I was scared it would go through my clothes. It culminated in me being doubled over late one night in pain and dripping bright red blood. I called my doctor but they didn't have any emergency appointments and the next appointment was in three weeks. As the pain subsided I didn't ring 111 but just waited for the bleeding to stop and ultimately didn't see a doctor. I know now that the pain was in the same area as the cyst and realise. I shouldn't have dismissed it.

In October 17 I stopped taking the pill to try to get pregnant. I thought it was strange that I straightaway I started to put on weight. Periods off the pill were very painful, to the point that at home I would lie on the floor in pain and it was difficult to concentrate at work.

My stomach grew steadily bigger and I thought it was a side effect of coming off the pill. Looking back I sometimes woke in the night with a sharp stabbing pain in the lower right abdomen but thought I had pulled a muscle at the gym.

In March 2018 when I got my period I cried to my husband in disappointment at not being pregnant. I kept saying to him I think there is something wrong with me.

The next day I was walking at work and I felt a sudden, sharp stabbing pain which I know now was the cyst twisting my ovary. I went to my gp the next week and told him all of the above. He explained that it was likely my bowel pressing on my appendix and prescribed Buscopan tablets.

Two days later I was in so much pain in the area of my right hip that I couldn't stand up straight. I went to urgent care where they tested for appendicitis but didn't think that was the cause.

I had to go back three days later to see the abdomen consultant who said the pain was likely to be muscular but he would refer me for an ultra sound scan.

The scan showed a 12cm growth with solid components on my right ovary.

The gynae department advised that I would need surgery though not urgently as they didn't think my ovary was twisted, but rather was twisting then untwisting. They did the blood tests to check for tumour markers (which came back clear fortunately) and referred me for an Mri scan.

I saw a different consultant the next week who said that due to the position of the cyst below my belly button, they could do keyhole surgery and remove just the cyst.

My operation was booked for six weeks later. During this time I took painkillers every day but went to work as normal and did gentle exercise at the gym.

On the day of the surgery as my operation was in the afternoon I was allowed to eat a small breakfast six hours before and drink clear liquids up to three hours before.

I met the surgeon shortly before the operation and she asked to see the location of the cyst. Unfortunately due to being on my period the cyst had moved above my belly button and she said she wouldn't be able to do a laparoscopy as she couldn't insert a camera. She also said that due to the size of the cyst it was unlikely that my right ovary or tube could be saved. I asked her to make sure the left side was okay as my husband and I would still like to have children if possible.

I underwent the laparotomy and stayed in hospital for two and a half days during which time I had a catheter fitted and was given morphine. The morphine affected my breathing after the anaesthetic so I was not allowed a PCA machine until the following day. This dispensed an alternative to morphine. I got out of bed on the second day but felt sick and dizzy so had to get straight back in. I got out of bed later that night and it went much better.

I improved greatly on the third day after a decent sleep and was able to walk to the shower.

I was surprised that the consultant said I could go home but later that day I was discharged from hospital.

Since I have been back home it has been a lot harder. Getting in and out of bed is difficult and since I started moving I have had a bad cough. The hospital said this is a good thing as it will help to avoid a chest infection.

Sorry for such a long post. I hope it helps anyone in a similar situation to me.

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