Large functional ovarian cyst. Laparotomy Mid-November.
Posted , 5 users are following.
I posted not so long ago about the same cyst (which my boyfriend and I have named Wanda) and am basically now at the stage of waiting for the date of my operation. My gynaecologist is super lovely and has put my mind at rest about a lot of my worries and anxities regarding the surgery, so I wouldn't say I'm worried, but I would like to hear about other women's experiences with this kind of surgery? Wanda measures 21 centrimeters long, has 5 different chambers (that are all fluid, no solid masses), is attached to my right ovary, fallopian tube and some of my uterus. When they operate they are also going to take my right ovary and fallopian tube which isn't the best news but I still have the left set and will still be able to have children (I'm 23 and don't have any yet but am planning on within the next 3-4 years). So if anyone has any input for me, then please let me know. I'm not going to be panicking about anything that anyone says, because it might not happen to me, everyone is different after all. But I basically just want an idea of things that might happen. Sorry that ended up being a bit longer than expected! Thank you in advance to anyone who leaves any comments 
0 likes, 8 replies
l95692 katie07190
Posted
I must say, I really admire how you are handling "Wanda." Your cheerful disposition will have you on the road to full recovery in no time at all :-)
I had my keyhole surgery on Oct. 15th, where doc took out my ovaries and a 5cm complex cyst. The uterus was already gone (I had a hysteroctomy for fibroids in 2006). Keyhole surgeries here in the US are outpatient, and in my case it lasted less than an hour. I was in at 8:30 am, and was sent home around 13:00, but I understand it's a little different in the UK.
As for recovery, it depends on the patient's overall health. I am 52 and in fairly good shape, so I bounced back pretty fast. The first couple of days were a bit hard, mainly because of gas. The surgeon pumps gas (CO2, I think) into your belly so they can see more clearly inside our abdomen. That gas is slow to come out, and it can make you constipated and uncomfortable. So my advice would be to start taking stool softners and anti-gas meds as soon as your doc says it's ok. They do help a lot!!!!
One other advice: let your boyfriend (or anyone) pamper you for as long as you can. When I had my hysterectomy (also keyhole), I went back to work too soon (3 days), and I ended up developing an ovarian blood clot. THAT, I tell you, was the most painful experience of my life! The pain of a blood clot (at least in my experience) puts the pain of childbirth to shame. I know because I have had two big boys, with very large heads. So, take it slow before returning to your normal activities. Don't rush the healing process.
Anyway, I hope this helps. I am sure you will come through this just fine. Pretty soon Wanda will only be a memory, maybe not even that.
Take care, and I will keep thinking of you.
Lorena
katie07190 l95692
Posted
First of all, thank you so much for sharing all of that information! I really appreciate it :D
I've been told my surgery will be at least 4 hours, but I think that's probably due to the size of my cyst, but I'm not totally sure. But I'll be asleep so I'll have no notion of time! :p
I've heard about the CO2 and the left over gas being very uncomfortable, but I'm used to extreme period cramps so it shouldn't be new pain? Though it might be I guess.
I've been told I'm not to go back to work for at least 4 weeks, which right now I'm not liking the sound of but I know it's for my own benefit. Chris (my boyfriend) has already got things planned to keep me occupied whilst I'm not working, because I do tend to get bored easily!
Hoping that you're all recovered now?! Sounds like you've really been put through it, with the fibroids and then the cyst?! Hopefully that'll be all over for you now
Anyway, thank you again for all your advice and take care of yourself!
Katie
pennylane909 katie07190
Posted
I am in the same boat as you right now, waiting for the operation
I'm suffering from a lot of unfortunate symptoms though, was wondering if it is causing you any symptoms or is it just swelling and uncomfortable for you?
Penny
katie07190 pennylane909
Posted
I get a lot of uncomfortable symptoms, bloating is really bad, I get random pangs of pain that aren't horrendous but noticeable. Dull ache in my lower back when I've been at work, though I can relive that with a hot water bottle. I also get symptoms of IBS, extremely heavy periods (so much that I can't work for at least the first 2 days) and feel tired a lot of the time.
How big is your cyst Penny? If you don't mind sharing.
Katie
pennylane909 katie07190
Posted
It's 10cm and due for keyhole surgery around about December time, just waiting for the letter!
Penny
katie07190 pennylane909
Posted
Aye, I'm waiting on my operation date too, anxious but also excited to get it over and done with? Doing my best not to worry, my gyne is a really lovely woman and really put my mind at rest about the op so I think I've got that massive advantage
Keep us updated on your progress! I highly recommend a hot water bottle for the IBS symptoms, I don't think it kills the pain but I think it soothes them
Katie
pennylane909 katie07190
Posted
Yeah my hot water bottle is my best friend right now!
Will do and likewise
Penny
janine1234 katie07190
Posted