Returning to work after cyst removal
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello ladies,
I am 22 and I had my large ovarian cysts removed almost 10 weeks ago now, via vertical laparotomy. I had my results from the biopsy which came back as me actuay having borderline ovarian tumours.
I found out in April that I had the cysts and things progressed quickly, resulting in me having my operation on June 1st. I haven't really had the time for any of the information to sink in as it seems it's been a total whirlwind.
I was told that I will need 12 weeks off of work at least. However, a week after my operation I had a large blood clot behind the lower part of my scar (the scar is about 8 inches and the blood clot opened up about 1 1/2inches of my scar) I have been back and forth to the doctors over the past 8 weeks as the hole the blood clot cause was left to heal from the inside out. It is finally closed with just a small scab on it now, however the part of the scar where it was open is still extremely tender and swollen. The Dr said this will go down and everything else seems to be healing well. I have also been having a lot of trapped wind over the past couple of weeks which is causing pain and discomfort.
I am supposed to be going back to work in 2 weeks and was really looking forward to it, but with the pain I have in the recently closed part of the scar, the trapped wind and the general emotions of what has happened are making my return to work seem extremely daunting.
My surgeon has recommended that I have an additional 2 weeks off of work and then a phased return as I am a supervisor at a large supermarket so am on my feet and constantly moving around for around 9 hour shifts each day.
I was just wondering if:
1. Anyone has had the trapped wind problem?
2. Anyone has had their scar open for 8 weeks
3. Anyone has had any problems returning to work due to emotional or physical problems.
Sorry about the super long post, I'm just feeling really frustrated and alone and don't see my surgeon again until October for my check ups I have every 3 months.
Thank you xx
0 likes, 7 replies
vivian89329 Megg1234
Posted
I am sorry you are going through this. I can't help you much in this case but you will find others. What us borderline ovarian tumours?
Vivian
Megg1234 vivian89329
Posted
I can't actually find a good way to define it, it's a tumour/cyst with low malignant potential but isn't benign. It's somewhere between benign and malignant.
The Macmillan nurse described it to me as being a tumour which has the appearance and cells of cancer but does not act/spread like cancer. It can sometimes develop into cancer but not always xx
sue47868 Megg1234
Posted
I feel like we went through stuff at the same time. I discovered mine in April and am also 10 weeks post op. I had a vertical laparotomy and the cyst was also borderline like yours.
My scar is large, about 8/9 inches but it's healed well. Sorry to hear you had so many problems with it.
The trapped wind I've seen a few people mention but it's only something I've experienced recently and it can be painful, if you figure out how to get rid please let me know. I've also been suffering with lower back problems which gets really sore and problematic.
I'm back at work, phased but I think your right given you'll be standing lots to wait to return. Mine is mainly desk work but if I need to get up and out I can. Take it easy and don't do anything till you're ready, definitely recommend a gradual phasing in if it's that daunting to you. They've been good to me and extended my phased period to allow me to adjust.
As for emotions, I spent a whole day last week in work crying for no apparent reason whatsoever. I spoke to my doctor and she said it could be hormones but it's likely because a lot has happened.
Hope you're feeling better, you're really not alone xx
Megg1234 sue47868
Posted
Thank you so much for your reply. How very weird that our stories are so similar.
I think my scar is probably of a similar size to yours,I still hate looking at it but I'll adjust I'm sure!
As for the trapped wind, I have found PG tips peppermint tea and a hot water bottle does the trick!
It's great how your work have been. I can't help but feel I'm being pushed into going back before I'm ready by fellow colleagues and it's tough to know who to turn to.
Sorry to hear your emotions have been crazy too! I guess it really is a lot to take in and hormones can go crazy.
I hope your healing is going well and thank you so much for your reply. Xxx
sue47868 Megg1234
Posted
On one hand I don't like my scar and I imagine with yours taking longer to heal you like it less. On the other it is large and I find even some of my own family only began to understand just what had happened from the size of it, so in that respect I'm proud of my war wound.
Like you said above as well, its really difficult to explain to people what is meant by borderline, most of what I actually learnt is from the Internet.
With regards to work you've got your recommendations from the doctor try not to let yourself be pressured, although it's easier said than done. Be careful I'm sure you already know that if you do too much you'll feel it later.
We have been through a lot and in a relatively short space of time. Remember that xx
allyson46027 Megg1234
Posted
I had a cyst, ovary and fallopian tube removed just over a year ago... but can still remember the awful trapped wind.
The only thing that I found worked was ginger beer not ginger ale, has to be ginger beer...
Hope this helps
Axx
allyson46027 Megg1234
Posted
I had a cyst, ovary and fallopian tube removed just over a year ago... but can still remember the awful trapped wind.
The only thing that I found worked was ginger beer not ginger ale, has to be ginger beer...
Hope this helps
Axx