4 days to my surgery!! Scared.

[Oamanda6]

Going in for my open surgery on Tuesday! Always had laparoscopic surgeries in the past, so having a laparotomy is quite scary for me. Any tips?

[lillyflower]

Hi, good luck I've had a laparotomy and due another soon which I'm not looking forward to. You will need lots more rest than after lap as they cut your stomach muscles your not even ment to lift a kettle for 2 weeks. So be prepared for lots of rest get some good films or books to keep you amused and peppermint tea or codial is also helpful to settle your tummy. Lots of loose clothing and a nighty rather than pjs is a good idea as the scar is obviously bigger and you won't want anything touching it! A pillow for the journey home makes it more comfortable too. The other difference is you'll probably be on a morphine drip which you administer when needed by pressing button which means no waiting for nurses to bring pain relief which keeps pain relief up and actually not any worse than after laparoscopy other than I did have a few hallucinations! Well better than being in pain!

I hope it all goes well and although I'm not looking forward to another big op I've been told it should relieve a lot of my pains so I'm just trying to focus on that! It's natural to be nervous and I know how your feeling x

[Oamanda6 in reply to lillyflower]

Thanks hon. I'm scared about the scar as I'm going abroad on the 10th sept (have checked with airline and they said they recommend 10days at least post abdo surgery).

I know ill have PCA in when I come round but hopefully that will control the pain as I was in pretty severe pain after last laparoscopy.

What surgery are you having (if that's not too nosy) x

[lillyflower]

Hi it took me quite a while to look at mine and kept it covered most of the time from what I remember it was a longtime ago! I know it took a long time to heal and is now quite a flat white catipillar as I call it! Once healed it's never bothered me as below knicker line but whilest healing anything tight was very uncomfortable so lots of loose dresses would be a good idea. You will still be sore and exhausted quickly so hope it's a relaxing holiday. The first two weeks are the worst but you should start improving every week so I'm sure the hospital would say if your holiday was an issue. I have now just received a letter to confirm my op and need to call to confirm date after bank holiday now which is annoying as just want date sorted. I have very swollen tubes with lots of lessions which have to be cut away so doctor can get to tubes , unstick ovary that's stuck to tube then remove tubes! I asked if they could do another lap instead but he said they needed to do big cut so he could see what he was doing and be able to separate ovary from tube and fingers crossed ovary is ok. My hubby asked if he'd cut through old scar I hadn't even concidered that but yes he said they probably will so my scars won't be any worse! He is hopefull that the tubes and lessions are causing most of my pain so I'm focusing on the hope of pain relief, then this big op will be worth it. Also if we decide to try ivf the fluid in tubes would kill embryos so don't really have a choice if we want to try for a child they had to go!

My biggest worry at the moment is my work as I run my own business to close the shop for two months is a nightmare!! I'm hoping for a date near Xmas as I'd be closed for 2 weeks normally anyway but will have to see as they said probably 2 months time at appointment.

My original laparotomy was to remove cyst on ovary nearly 14 years ago before I knew I had endo it was only found after a miscarage when they scanned me! I've been told they have you up and out of bed quicker than they used to but other than that don't think this op will be much different other than removing something different this time!

I hope all goes well and do you know exactly what they're doing? Have you discussed it all at pre op? I've been told about 6-8 week recovery before driving but then last time was still very exhausted for 3rd month and was only working half days as needed more rest. Well everyone is different It took over a week to recover from lap yet some people recover in days so just do as much as comfortable and don't over do it even if you are feeling better as your stomach muscles need lots of rest to heal x try not to panic and just think of that nice holiday as a reward for getting through it xx

[Oamanda6 in reply to lillyflower]

Thanks for replying hon :-). Waiting is the hard part eh! Yeh it must be hard trying to juggle everything if self employed. My work are a nightmare, but it's either have 6ish weeks off and get fixed (for a while at least) or I'm off every month!

They are removing a big chocolate cyst on left ovary, another cyst on right side, removing the endometriosis (which has went from just okay to very severe in 2 years since my last surgery) and getting rid of fibroid too.

I had MRI so know its unlikely to be cancerous. I'm going to stay with my mum in Portugal for a break, so I will get plenty of rest and pampering. Just scared my scar will dehiss in flight!

I need to get some loose clothes and jogging bottoms! And sensible big girl pants! Joy!! I've been told ill be in hospital maybe 3 nights. I just want it over, this condition is ruining my life. I will have to have hysterectomy soon, so been advised to have kids sooner rather than later, but I'm 35 and single and don't want to just rush into anything due to this.

X

[lillyflower]

It sounds like a holiday with your mum looking after you will be lovely and just what you need! As long as the flight know about your op then they will probably keep an eye on you but I'm sure the doctor will confirm nearer time that it's ok and put your mind at rest. yes all this waiting after each appointment has been so frustrating that I'm glad they're finally doing something! I have my jogging bottoms and baggy clothes ready but maxi dresses are good too if you want to dress up a little and have a short strole with your mum or go for lunch etc. You never know you could bump into a gorgeous Portuguese man while your there! The most important thing is to feel better. I'd like a child but need to get this pain sorted first. I'm 36 and been told not to wait too long but I'll need to let my body heal first so going to be a while yet. When the right man comes along you will be feeling good, and be able to enjoy it without all this pain !! There's no rush ivf can help up to 42 years so plenty of time to meet Mr right xxx let me know how you get on x

[Oamanda6 in reply to lillyflower]

Lol that message cheered me up! Forgot I can have IVF until I'm 42, that's something at least.

Yeh my mum lives in Portugal so it's great to just go and chill out. The flight is over 3 hours but ill take aspirin and walk about as often as I can whilst in flight :-).

Let me know when you get your date xx

[lillyflower]

Sounds like youll have a lovely holiday to look forward to and success rates for over 40s is getting better with new techniques improving chances all the time so plenty of hope for us both !

Got letter to say dates now available to choose from so need to call, but being bank holiday have to wait till Tuesday now but I'll let you know, give yourself some pampering over the weekend and get everything packed so you can just rest after op until your flight x and picture that tall dark and handsome bloke ready to whisk you off your feet , well might take your mind off the op for a while and give you something nice to think about ! Lol x

[Oamanda6 in reply to lillyflower]

Lol thanks mrs :-). This site is a god send as lovely people like you make me realise I'm not alone x

[lillyflower]

Thanks, Glad I made you smile! Yep I've had great support and friendship through this site which has really helped me and I'm sure days before my op I'll be needing a bit of company too! Support from people that understand how you feel is very comforting and I'll be happy to chat any time through your recovery as you should never feel alone xx

[Oamanda6 in reply to lillyflower]

I wish i found this site years ago.

Well ill be here to chat and provide some support when your time comes.

I'm sad today as one of my friends passed away from cancer, just hoping I can get to funeral. Life is such a pisser at times. At least other than this condition I'm reasonably healthy. Thoughts to all those who have worse conditions xx. Sorry im rambling.

[lillyflower]

Thanks, ah that's sad news and I hope you get to say goodbye, but don't worry about being able to go until your feeling better a good friend will be watching over you and would understand if you can't make it. Big hugs to you tonight as sounds like you need it! Xx