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Laparotomy Tomorrow to remove 22cm cyst...Any Advice?

Posted , 10 users are following.

Beccy53756
Beccy53756

Hi ladies! After eleven weeks of waiting and going through the processes, I have finally got my date for my surgery! It was a bit of a shocker and short notice as I got a call today asking if I was free tomorrow! Fortunately, my boss is very understanding and was very supportive in me going off like this. So I accepted the appointment and I go in tomorrow at 7:30am....

I am can't tell you how nervous I am!!! I have never had any kind of surgery before so I don't even know what to expect!! I've been in today for bloods and a couple of forms (no consent form yet though) Does anyone have any tips? Tonight I am mostly packing my bag and getting things organised, trying not to get myself in too much of a tiff and praying that you lovely ladies that are still waiting get your dates soon!

Any advice is greatly welcomed from a very freaked out lady!

Can't wait for this time tomorrow when I am in recovery and finally rid of this horrid cyst!

xx

0 likes, 40 replies

40 Replies

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  • Bek
    Bek Beccy53756

    Posted

    Just found this smile

    So pleased for you, you really deserve it after all the stress of the last few weeks. It really needed to happen sooner rather than later.

    Let me know how you are feeling. I expect not to hear from you for a few days, but will be good to hear back from you when you are feeling well.

    Will be thinking of you, feel like have have shared the ride together a bit.

    Good luck hun, catch up with you soon. 

    I would say try not to be nervous, but it is only natural.

    Back to normal meals, exercising and feeling like socialising again! 

    You take care and sending you my love for tomorrow. Go get them! x x x 

    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 Bek

      Posted

      Thanks! I feel like I should be excited but instead I am just terrified. Had a dodgy tummy ever since she called me this morning! BUT I will be happy once it has been done and I am rid of my invader for good!

      Thanks for the well wishes, it certainly feels like we have been going through it together! lol

      I am taking my iPad etc (so that I am not too bored!) so I will be sure to post something as soon as I feel well enough to! 

      I have my fingers crossed for you and I hope that you get something through the diary soon! Hopefully before the end of the week since we like doing things at the same time! haha 

      Good luck love! xxx

  • jenny13771
    jenny13771 Beccy53756

    Posted

    Hi Beccy I had the same surgery for a 20cm cyst on the 3rd March with a vertical scar.  Try not to worry you will be fine and Im sure in good hands.  The build up to the surgery is the worse thing.  The surgery takes about 2.5 hours, how long you take after in the recovery room is individual, but you will be well cared for and the nursing staff will make sure your pain free.  You may stay in hospital for a couple of days or for longer if necessary, I was in for 7 days, but mainly due to the fact that I live alone and I needed to be fully mobile, to be able to cope at home.  You will feel sore for some time, but take all the medication you are offered, dont try and be brave. You are likely to be constipated after too, so accept the offer of laxitives, it will be uncomfortable otherwise. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to recover, it is major surgery and recovery can be a slow process.  It is two months since my surgery and I am still unable to return to work, as my job as a child care officer is quite physical. Hoping to return soon though smile I can do most things now, but tire easily and am careful not to strain myself, as I still feel sore if I do get carried away.  I am also in the middle of a surgical menopause due to both my ovaries being removed, not pleasant at 48! On a good not my tummy is returning to pre-cyst size and it feels great being free of worry. I hope all goes well for you, if you want to chat feel free to contact me XXX
    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 jenny13771

      Posted

      It certainly is the worst! I am trying not to think about it and just have my normal evening tonight....had a nice fillet steak for dinner and just packed my bag. Anything that you can recommend that I might need? They have said I will likely be in for 3-4 days, I have packed a pillow for if I sneeze as someone on here said that that was a good idea. 

      I have no intention of turning down medication! I am a wuss so I want all the pain relief I can get! lol I've also heard the same on laxatives so I have been eating a lot of fruit over the last week to keep things *moving* redface so hopefully that helps!

      I am glad that you are feeling better in yourself and that you are recovering slowly. I don't think that you could be back at work with kids! haha Are work ok with everything? How does it work when they sign you off, do they give you a note as my boss needs one from me.

      How is your scar healing up? 

      Thanks for all of your tips! smile

      xxx

    • jenny13771
      jenny13771 Beccy53756

      Posted

      Hi Beccy hopefully your in the hospital now and will soon be recovering smile Yes a pillow is a good idea to hold over the wound when you cough or sneeze, it does help.  I also found the hospital disposable knickers they have on the ward, (not very pretty!) helped.  They stretch over the bandage and feel like they are holding you in,  comforting lol! On day 2 try to move around, but ask a nurse for assistance the first time you may be wobbly and dizzy (I was).  Try to walk around the ward a few times a day, it helps the healing process.  Drink lots of water to flush out the toxins too.  Come home when you feel ready, dont be rushed.  If you need an extra night or two ask the doctor, they want you to feel comfortable and confident when you leave. They will give you a sick note for two weeks and a follow up appointment. You then make an appointment with your GP for further notes as needed.  Once home take things slowley and get lots of rest.  Hopefully you will have help at home so allow them to pamper you smile  2 - 3 months recovery time is normal for a laparotomy so be kind to yourself, dont rush back to work until you feel well enough.  My scar is healing well, it is a large one from my pelvic bone to above my belly button.  I have some Bio Oil to rub on it now, hopefully it will start to fade. Looking forward to returning to work soon, starting to get bored with daytime TV lol!   Best of luck honey lets us know how it all goes XXX            
    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 jenny13771

      Posted

      Oh yes. I have had the disposable knickers....beautiful. Also the long socks, they are lovely too wink

      i have been been drinking lots of water, purely because I am so dehydrated. My mouth is dry like glue all the time. So lots of fluids. 

      I was nearly discharged yesterday until I mentioned that I had not been to the toilet for a number 2 yet and then they kept me in. But they have not given me a sick note or anything, just told me I will be seeing my surgeon again in 12 weeks???

      i am not going to rush back to work especially as my work requires a lot of travelling. I meet suppliers all over the country so lots of running about.

      sorry you had to have a long scar like that, that's what I was told I would need but I have ended up with bikini line. I don't know if that is to do with the fact that it was so fluid filled. 

      glad you are feeling well and getting lots of rest xxx

  • Suki8
    Suki8 Beccy53756

    Posted

    Beccy! Fantastic news!

    really good you don't have much time to think about it, and it morning.

    i had to wait about in Hospital for mine all day as it was moved to evening!

    when you go in you will get numerous people come and ask you the same questions over and over again. wink

    you will get a gorgeous pair of pressure stockings to slip on. Mine were a lovely shade of green cheesygrin

    then you will eventually go through to theatre.

    they are so lovely, the whole team, well am sure yours will be too. They chat and take your mind off what's about to happen. I was nervous yes, but I wasn't as scared as I thought I would be.

    before you know it you are waking up in recovery, then shelled not ward.

    and if like me you will be so surprised at how normal you feel.

    i had a cup of tea in the morning. And some breakfast.

    sore yes. But was so happy I didn't feel terrible in myself.

    you will be fine and will soon be all over with.

    best of luck to you xx

    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 Suki8

      Posted

      Yes, its been a bit of a whirlwind as I only found out this morning but kind of good in a way.

      What is the process? Do they weigh you etc when you get there? Will I have some time with my consultant before theatre? 

      I have heard about the pressure stockings....all the way up to the top I heard?! Going to look super sexy in those! wink

      I hope that they all are, I have not met this surgeon as they swapped for me so I am a bit nervous about that as my surgeon was so friendly and made me feel really at ease. Now I know no one! lol

      I just look forward to waking up and hopefully hearing that everything went well and all is ok. 

      Thanks for your well wishes! smile xx

    • Suki8
      Suki8 Beccy53756

      Posted

      I won't answer questions as you will hopefully know them all now. 

      Thinking of you today Beccy, and look forward to seeing how you are when you're well enough to tell us.

      all the best xx

  • Bek
    Bek Beccy53756

    Posted

    One final good luck for tomorrow. Speak soon x x x smile
    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 Bek

      Posted

      Thanks Bek! Keeping my fingers crossed for you for some positive news! smile xx
  • bid24
    bid24 Beccy53756

    Posted

    Hi Beccy, 

    if you are not asleep. Good luck. All will be well. Drink loads of water up to your fast period and lots and lots after yr op - will really help with post op passing water and constipation. Green beans and prunes too. I ate clean diet for few days after till bowels started to wake up...be kind to your body by not over stuffing it after op and will find it easier afterwards. 

    I had a 20 cm diameter, ovary and Fallopian tube removed on jan 15th and took it easy for six weeks after and felt fine after two months. I asked for bikini line cut and surgeon agreed even though cyst was way over my belly button...I asked again on morning of op! Think recovery time is shorter with bikini, but either way fine and you'll just be glad it isn't there anymore...

    pain relief was great and just everything was much easier than I had expected (and I was terrified) too, so really hoping your experience is as straightforward as mine was... 

    I was on just cocodomol and ibuprofen after day 2 as didn't want to feel too out of it, and that was great..! Just take what they advise, but may will get a choice and I didn't want tramadol as one of the girls on my ward said it made her feel a bit sick and groggy but each to their own. 

    But lots of water, rest, keep yr pressure stockings on and try to get up as soon as u can. 

    Don't forget to breathe and take it easy. 

    I felt much SO much better now! almost four months on. Even though cyst was painless except once when I had torsion, realised it did have a big impact on me emotionally and physically so altogether feeling better now, as you will too! 

    Green beans, water and don't worry xx 

    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 bid24

      Posted

      Thanks bid! Still awake :-/ haven't been sleeping anyway so this coming doesn't help. Although I am sure all will be fine!

      i have taken your advice and I'm drinking water. Only an hour and a half before my nil by mouth starts so getting it all in now! :D

      I too too am having my ovary out sad its sad, I feel like I am deserting one of my girls! Haha 

      thanks for your well wishes. This forum has helped me no end over the last couple of months, I'll be sure to post my updates when I feel well enough to get online. 

      Glad you are feeling so much better and recovery has been good! And Thanks for your tips! smile xxx

    • Bek
      Bek Beccy53756

      Posted

      Hi Beccy,

      Thinking of you today. I am guessing you have been in and out of surgery. 

      Hope you are o.k. and comfortable.

      Again sending you lots of love for a speedy recovery x x x

  • Beccy53756
    Beccy53756

    Posted

    I'm feeling a bit more with it today, went in for my surgery at 10:30 yesterday morning. The ovary was way too ravaged to save so that's gone but they managed to do a bikini line cut instead of navel to pubic bone as it was not attached to anything. They drained 1.5 litres of fluid out before removing it and they took a picture for me when they took it out and it was still quite sizeable after draining.

    good news is he doesn't think there looks like any cancer, although it's still going for tests along with other samples from places any cancer would show.

    I am still in pain but was given morphine all day yesterday so that helped, today I am off the oxygen, morphine and drips. I still have a couple of cannulas and my catheter though. The catheter should be coming out today. 

    Not been eating much as. Don't have a big appetite right now but feeling quite ok. Compared to what I expected anyway, although I have not been able to move yet so ill update on that once I've been up (apparently thats happening today) 

    thanks for for all your support ladies,. to Bek especially, it wasn't as bad as I thought! I know everyone said that but I suki was right....xx

    • Bek
      Bek Beccy53756

      Posted

      Hi Beccy, So pleased to hear from you, wasn't expecting to this week.

      That was one big cyst! I bet you are feeling better already. So glad to hear that you are a bit more with it and I have to say I am not surprised at all that you don't feel like eating.

      Had a little good news myself today. I have my op scheduled for the 28th May. I think I took about half an hour to stop crying, relief not saddness. Looks like I will actually make it to my own wedding!

      You sound pretty positive. Are you relieved that the op is over and done with. I can actually feel the weight lifted off my shoulders just knowing my date.

      I hope you carry on making a speedy recovery. Glad it is all finally over and you have to look after yourself whilst taking it easy. 

      You'll be back to your old self before you know it.

      Keep us posted on your progress x x x x

       

    • Suki8
      Suki8 Beccy53756

      Posted

      Beccy it is great to hear you are doing ok.

      really glad they could take it out without the huge incision. 

      I was on oral morphine with paracetamol and ibuprofen.

      they didn't mention anything to me about tests for cancer after the op, but I reckon they have done that. 

      Just take things easy. It hurts but try and walk up and down the corridor in Hospital as will help moving. 

      I would do a little walk after I had gone to the toilet. 

      And try and drink as much as you can. 

      Look forward to hearing how you are again soon. xx

    • bid24
      bid24 Beccy53756

      Posted

      Hi Beccy, so pleased everything went well for you. Sounds like everything is progressing perfectly. I didn't get biopsy results back for about a month, but they probably wouldn't have told you it looked fine if they didn't have a very good idea.  Keep drinking water and eating greens and prunes!! Hope you're back on your feet very soon, but enjoy the rest in the meantime. B 
    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 Bek

      Posted

      Oh that's fantastic! And not too long to wait either! 

      Funny, i have noticed that I have lots lots of my side effects already, pins and needles, numbness in my legs, back pain, stabbing pains in my legs. All gone. 

      Obviously I still have pain from the surgery but I am ok for the most part. Just so happy it is gone! Recovering is easier than dealing with a huge cyst and all the worry and battle to get it dealt with.

      are you looking forward to your op now? Amazing news that you will be able to make it to your wedding, you must be thrilled! Also, think of all the weight you will lose in from it. I am so curious how much mine weighed but won't find out until the path lab comes back to me with results.

      thats the next hurdle anyway! Results! Xxxx

      xxx

       

    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 Suki8

      Posted

      It is still quite big, I just can obviously hide it now along the bikini line!

      I don't know how long it will take before I hear results because they didn't say but I hope not a whole month. I am more concerned about recovery right now but I am sure I will get anxious for results soon! 

      Have ve been trying to do little walks as well to keep myself busy and moving about. Will continue to do so as well, going home today so will probably be more inclined to just go and do things. 

      Are you feeling ok now? Xx

    • Suki8
      Suki8 Beccy53756

      Posted

      Sounds like you are doing really well! So glad.

      i am doing ok thanks. I get sharp pains at times, I think windconfusedand the actual wound area is a bit sore/tender. But nothing to what it was. 

      Hardly taking any painkillers now, and when I do, say at bedtime, just a couple of paracetamol. 

      For some reason I can't get through a whole night without having to wee at least once, and desperate to when I wake up. Really don't understand that as I used to be fine. I don't think it's the fact that my bladder has been sort of disturbed in op as it is full when I have to go. Maybe excess fluid? 

      Hope you're soon home Beccy, and glad your already feeling better without the cyst. xx 

    • blubberbabe2
      blubberbabe2 Beccy53756

      Posted

      Hi beccy I was just wondering how long the numbness. In  your feet  etc lasted and what causes it in first place ? Do you know?
    • Beccy53756
      Beccy53756 blubberbabe2

      Posted

      I think my cyst must've been leaning on a nerve to be honest. It's all gone since my cyst has been removed! It used to come and go and wasn't there all the time xx
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