Need reassurance.

I had my lap almost 4 weeks ago, removing a endometrial cyst and half my ovary, now for the last three days I have had lots of cramps this week ( my first period) and other pains, feeling exhausted. I also returned to work yesterday but was so bad had to leave mid afternoon I work part time I am not back till Friday hoping this will be over by then ??

I have had co- codamol which took the edge off for about an hour now using a heat wrap but still in pain.

I guess I just need some reassurance that the first period is going to be painful after a lap. Any advice appreciated.

[Impatient]

Yes I'm afraid it can take quite a while for your insides to settle down after a lap op. 4 weeks is still early days. and any extra strains on your wounds will aggravate them until they are fully healed. If you've been taking it easy at home and now have to rush off to work and cope with the extra activities that work involves, that in itself can set you back, let alone having a first proper post op period to contend with.

You might also want to check if you have got an infection inside from the surgery. A trip to the GP to get checked out wouldn't hurt, and get their advice and a sick note if needs be.

a woman who has had a hysterectony usually has 2 months off work.

Your surgery was just as complicated inside, so be kind to yourself and don't rush to be back at work before you are ready for the demands of work.

[LittleMissManx Moderator]

Hi Kari

As impatient says a lot of work has been done on the insides and we forget this as the wounds on the outside that we can see are only small. The surgeon will have moved internal organs around as well as excising the cyst and partial ovary removal. All of this will take a while to settle down and you may also have some spectacular bruising.

We all recover at different speeds after a lap and if you are still in discomfort and do not feel able to return to work just yet then please see your GP for advice.

Take care

Caroline

[LittleMissManx Moderator]

P.S I forgot to add that you know your body better than anyone so only you can really say when you feel fit and healthy again. If you feel unable to cope with working your usual hours and feel you would benefit from a few more days to recover at home then your GP should understand.

But hopefully the co-codamol and heat bag will have helped work their magic too

[Hidden]

Thank you ladies for your advice...You are both right in what you say, I will be try to be less impatient to get back to work and normal life. Not easy as I am my husbands carer, its hard relying on others for shopping and some cleaning tasks.

So I am trying to get plenty of rest and just delegate/supervise