Laparoscopy converted to laparotomy

[Hnew]

Hi, I was diagnosed with endometriosis 3 weeks ago when a ruptured cyst triggered a laparoscopy which had to convert into a laparotomy(incision across the uterus).

Has anyone been in the same boat? How is your recovery going?

[Stoice]

My first laparoscopy became a laparotomy. The surgeon couldn’t stop a bleed where he was removing an endometrioma from an ovary so I had to opened up. Bit of a shock to wake up after fours to be told that. More of a shock for Hubby who was waiting for me and expecting it to only be an hour or two only for the surgeon to walk in with blood down his scrubs. (This was through work insurance and before Covid so he was allowed to wait in my room). So combined with the endo removal already performed I eventually had six weeks off work instead of the planned two, and a phased return to work. (Surgeon gave initial two weeks, GP sorted the rest). Take it easy. You will be probably getting tired really easily but this is normal. Little walks and no stretching or heavy lifting. You will also probably be left with what I call a ‘shelf’ where I was stitched back along my bikini line. Hope you are recovering well. x

[Hnew in reply to Stoice]

How long till before you felt back to normal? And could live life normally? If I'm honest I feel such a disconnect with my body, area around incision feels numb (understandably) but its weird. 30 mins of walking daily, is that okay? I just have no energy and want my fitness back. I feel so anxious when I think of returning back to work, part of me never wants to go back. How long was the incision pain there for you? I've now started getting pain on left side in which there was no issue to begin with and I'm getting a bit paranoid.

[Stoice in reply to Hnew]

I had lots of freaky pains. Some would just be a twinge then be gone, sometimes they lasted longer (considering a fair bit of endo was removed it’s not surprising). I had my op three years ago and still have a numb patch but most of it came back to normal (was tingly and twinging often though). Pain in the incision site finally went when the last know of my stitches went. It looked like a clear plastic thread and was one continuous set with a knot either end. The knots got pretty sore. My laparoscopy stitches were like the cotton type and dropped away quite quickly in comparison. As for your walking, only you can be the judge of what feels comfortable. When I started I could only manage about 5-10mins then slept the rest of the afternoon as I was so tired. It gradually got better though.

[Hnew in reply to Stoice]

This is really helpful, thank you so much. How are you managing with symptoms and managing endometriosis 3 years on?

[Stoice in reply to Hnew]

My endo was diagnosed during fertility treatment. My previous only symptom of anything gynaecological was heavy periods and ‘unexplained infertility’. So after the op, and a good three months of healing we went again for another ivf, which again failed. I’ve just had my fifth failed ivf and had another laparoscopy inbetween to sterilise me. Endo on my Fallopian tubes was causing hydrosalpinx (not good if trying to conceive). So between ivfs and operations I now have more classical endo symptoms of ovulation pain and twinges throughout my cycle. My endometriomas will not go away (one theory is the ivf drugs ‘supercharge’ them). Still have heavy periods although they are shorter. Still not able to conceive.

[Hnew in reply to Stoice]

Gosh, you've been through so much, thank you again for the advice and all the best in your journey, sending good vibes

[Titch1908]

I had my c-section scar reopened, will be 3 weeks on Monday. Recovery is slow, I'm quite unwell with other health conditions which is slowing recovery down. I'm a single parent and to be honest I've hated recovery so much. The first 10 days I could hardly get out of bed. It's been hard but I think it's likely because it's the 3rd time it's been reopened and I'm already poorly. How are you feeling?

[Bluesea7 in reply to Titch1908]

Are you blowing hot and cold shivering ect, as I did when mine cut line after 3 weeks it puffed up , I was infection and went back into hospital

[Titch1908 in reply to Bluesea7]

I have been, having sweats and waking up soaked etc. I can't end up back in hospital because my children will have to go into foster care. Out of hours doc saw me at home last weekend they wanted me in hospital as my heart rates been 180 at times and gave me antibiotics and basically said if I get any worse they will admit me to hospital. Fed up of being unwell now tbh it's been so long.

[Bluesea7 in reply to Titch1908]

Poor girl , hope you start feeling better soon hopefully the antibiotics will work. Takecare.