New: bumpy recovery from laparotomy for endometrioma, similar stories or advice please

[mtc863]

Hi, I had a laparoscopic procedure to remove an endometrioma four weeks ago. Unfortunately, the cyst (about 8cm) was stuck to my uterus and because of the bleeding that the surgeon couldn't stop when they unpeeled the cyst off the uterus, he had to open me up fully to stitch up the uterus. He also removed the one ovary and both fallopian tubes as I am now 51 and don't want to have any more children. I was sent home the next day with a catheter as my bladder was not functioning. That came off a week later and now, four weeks after the op I am still feeling very up and down with my recovery. I'm trying to go for walks as much as possible and am pottering about, reading books, doing domestic work and trying to work from home and so on. This weekend I felt very uncomfortable, nauseous and had a dragging sensation in my bowel, plus constipation. I went to see my GP today who checked me over and couldn't see anything to worry about. So, I am back home once again trying to take it easy and getting fed up and bored!! Does this sound familiar to anyone out there and does anyone have any suggestions/advice on recovery. Thanks!

[Albicat]

Hello there. I am currently 3 months post op and am only just starting to feel 'normal' again. My doctor told me that it will take 3 to 4 months to heal properly. Your body has been through a huge trauma and the best advice I can give is to take things as easy as possible and to rest, rest and rest some more. I know it's boring but I decided that it's better to be bored in the short term than have added pain in the long term. After my previous surgery I did too much too soon which I really don't think helped. Going for walks definitely helped me too. I also have to take Fybogel daily to help with constipation. Sorry I can't be any more help but hopefully it's helpful to know that it's not unusual to still be feeling up and down at this stage in your healing process. I wish you well with the rest of your recovery.

[mtc863 in reply to Albicat]

Thank you so much for your reply. I guess I need to be more realistic.