Re: Laparotomy/New to board - Kerry-Ann
From: Kayla (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat Jun 28 16:37:13 2003
Denise,
A couple years ago I had a laparotomy to remove two large ovarian
tumors. I won't lie, a laparotomy is very painful and a slow recovery.
I remember being in a lot of pain for several weeks after the surgery.
It took me an extremely long time to recover. I would consider getting
another opinion before going forward with a laparotomy. My RE was able
to determine if I could become pregnant during my last laparoscopy. Look
for a infertility specailist. GOod luck!
At Sat, 28 Jun 2003, Denise wrote:
>
>At Sat, 28 Jun 2003, Kerry-Ann wrote:
>>Thank you very much for responding. You all seem very helpful here. I have done a lot of research on the actual procedure so I am pretty informed on that. I was just looking to hear from people who have actually gone through with it to give me some insight. At this point I am more nervous to wake up. After my laparoscopy they told me they don't know if I can conceive and won't know until the laparotomy. So I am scared when I wake up I will get bad news and I what if I get sick???? I so can't imagine vomiting with an incision in my tummy. After my lap they gave me something in my IV so I wouldn't vomit but it didn't work, I got sick about three times that day. This may be a silly question but what does the pain feel like? Are you crampy like a bad period or it mainly the incision that hurts? Does it subside at least a little every day?
>
>>Hi,
>>
>>I read that you were about to do a laparotomy and thought to respond. My name's Kerry-Ann and apart from doing a laparoscopy I had to have a laparotomy done as well. What happens is that this is more of an invasive surgery than the laparoscopy in which an anesthesiologist will administer general anesthetics to put you to sleep. Whereas in the laparoscopy only a small incision is made in your navel area, in the laparotomy an incision is made along your pelvic area in the region of your hips and can vary in size. Seeing as though you have endo attached to some of your organs as well as an 8cm cyst, I would say that indeed this more than warrants a laparotomy. From the literature I have read on it when there is more than what the doctor can handle during a laparoscopy or the doc. needs to work from a bigger incision to get everything out then a laparotomy would be the next best thing. I know how you feel about the laparotomy because of the fact that it is so invasive. Because of this
>> expect to be out of commission for a while. Walking will be a task and a half, trust me I know; and try not to laugh or cough too much because that would just aggravate things. {Isn't it funny though it is just at times like this that you do feel like laughing and coughing endlessly :> !!!} Right after surgery expect some bleeding and to be in a good amount of pain. But take your pain meds and rest alot. When you do leave the hospital REST!!! And my dear depend on others to help you when you need it because you will definitely need it. Hope this was helpful. If you need anymore info or just need to talk you can contact me personally. Good luck and as we say in Jamaica WALK GOOD!!!
>>
>>Kerry-Ann
>>
>>The Unveiling Endometriosis Project http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnveilingEndometriosisProject
--
Kayla
**Just someone who cares, preparing for the medical field**
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