Looking for insight from those who have had ovarian cysts removed (and kept their ovaries)

[gwen's mom]

I am looking for advice from others who have recovered from ovarian cyst removal. I am three weeks post surgery and I am just wondering if what I am experiencing is within the normal range.

I had two cysts removed-a 12cm cyst on the left which was actually growing inside the ovary so the entire ovary had to be dissected and re-constructed. On the right there was a 3-4 cm functional cyst that was removed as well. No cancer found. I was left with both ovaries. The surgery was done laparoscopicly so I had four small incisions along my waist.

I stayed in the hospital overnight and did not receive any narcotics after surgery. I stayed home from work for two weeks. Admittedly my leave was not all too restful as we have 3 kiddos and we home school. I have be back to work for a week and I am simply exhausted. I walk about a mile to work and about half way there my lower abdomen feels as though someone is stabbing me. Even when I am just sitting at my desk my lower abdomen just aches. I can still feel the stitches just below the skin which are suppose to break down but they are extremely sensitive if my clothes touch them.

I was having very abnormal cycles before the cysts were found…basically I had been bleeding continually since July 1. The doctors said that there was no connection between the cysts and abnormal cycles but after surgery I bleed for about a week and haven’t bleed since. I asked the doctor at my follow-up how long it would take for my ovaries to start functioning again but they could not give me an answer. We use NFP and I am confident that I have not ovulated since April...I just really want some sort of regularity back to my cycles.

Does anyone have any experience with this? How long does it take to feel “normal” again? Anyone experienced their cycles becoming regular after cyst removal? I just need some real life advice…the doctor was very intelligent but lacked any sort of bedside manner. I wasn’t able to get any of my questions answered at my post op visit (1 week out) and I have no intention of going back.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[mama1803]

I had a lap about 15 years ago to remove 2 cysts and to diagnose and remove endometriosis. I also had my tubes flushed.

It took a full month to feel normal. I was in graduate school at the time--attending classes at night--and working full time during the day. My surgery was considered semi-emergency (scheduled late Friday for early Monday morning) and it was done on an outpatient basis. I had originally scheduled one week off of work but had to take two.

I was very tender in the abdominal region for several weeks, had to restrict bending down, and forego doing anything other than light housework. Driving was a bit difficult because I couldn't really turn to look behind while backing up and the seatbelt rubbed the tender area. I never felt like I could fully stand up all the way because it felt like the stitches were pulling. Coughing and sneezing also were painful for awhile. I had dissolvable stitches that took forever to disappear and they itched. The one in my naval didn't completely dissolve and had to be removed--it was constantly getting snagged on my underwear. I remember feeling really tired and just worn out and wondering what was wrong with me that a one hour long surgery could leave me feeling so out of it for so long. I had this feeling like I had just finished doing intense exercise-kind of sore all over and just needing to lie down. Sitting up for extended lengths of time was also difficult--my grad school classes were 3 hours long and my day job was sitting at a desk. It was very uncomfortable.

Because of the endometrosis I was put on the pill continuously for 6 months to suppress my cycle, so I can't answer that part of your question. My cycles were never regular unless I was on the pill.

I do remember doing a great deal of bleeding post-op and was told that all the endometriosis tissue that had been lasered was working it's way out. I also remember the doctor saying that they use a gas to expand the abdomin during surgery and that can cause soreness for awhile due to the muscles being so stretched.

I can't imagine having had that surgery and having to take care of 3 kiddos on top of it. I hope you begin to feel better soon!