laparotomy. how long after should u conceive?

[lalatele]

I am going to have a laparotomy next week...sorry if i put it in this section but i have many questions about it
; first for all of u who have had it, how was it? how long did it take u to recover? when did u start exercise again? how long did you keep the swollen belly? AND FINALLY HOW LONG DID U WAIT BEFORE TRYING AND HOW LONG DID IT TAKE U? please advice, i feel quite scared....

lalatele - a laparotomy is an incision down the centre of your abdomen, usually to explore your abdominal cavity.
You will have to fast before the operation. You will have a drip running post-op to keep you hydrated, and you will be checked on regularly - BP, pulse and temperature, as well as checking on your dressing. You can eat post op when your tummy starts to rumble - a good sign that your bowel is working again. This is usually the best slice of toast you'll ever have! If you need to go to the loo, just ask.
Healing post op is usually 6-8 weeks. Your stitches should come out about 7-10 days after surgery. Your dressing will be changed daily. Try to keep the wound clean and dry when you get home. Any redness, smell or discharge should be reported to your GP as this could be a sign of infection.
Exercise could be started GENTLY after this period of time but ONLY on the advice of your Consultant.
You will have a swollen belly for a good few weeks - the muscles will feel battered and sore due to the surgery and will take time to come together and gain strength. Don't rush yourself - you need time to recover.
You will be sore - take pain killers regularly - don't wait until you are sore before getting them. Take them every 4-6 hours as prescribed, even if you don't feel very sore - better than waiting until you're in agony.
Try to get mobile! Try to stand up straight. Support your wound with your hand as this will help relieve the pressure.
Eat a good diet rich in fibre and fruit/veg to help prevent constipation (as well as giving your body the goodness it needs to heal).
Get plenty of rest.
Do not try to lift anything for 6-8 weeks (or as advised).
Sex will be the last thing on your mind immediately after this, but provided you are not told otherwise you should be able to resume when you feel up to it. Ask your consultant for advice.

When you go into hospital it is quite normal for patients to feel scared. Tell your nurse and all the doctors your fears - they are there to support you through this operation. If you don't say anything they may assume all is OK with you.

Good luck with the surgery and trying for a baby!

thanks divedaisy, that was very useful...the only thing that bugs me is the fact that according to 2 specialists, i only needed key hole surgery but according to my surgeon i will need a laparotomy...it is 7 cm btw... the reason is to reduce the risk of chemical peritonitis...
i really do not feel like having the laparotomy...
did some research and found out that risk of spillage depends on surgeon's experience and is very dangerous if cyst is cancerous....but not benign...what are your thoughts?

Who were the 'specialists' who told you you only needed key hole procedure?? They may not be surgeons with the experience and knowledge to make such a statement. In my experience a surgeon will not open you up unless it is absolutely necessary. If he thinks there is a risk of peritonitis and this is his reason for opening you in order to reduce this risk - then trust him. You do not want to risk having peritonitis and the complications it presents. Key hole surgery is 'cheaper' because the stay in hospital is less, recovery is quicker and there are less side effects -ie pain and infection, but the down side is that sometimes open lap can become necessary in an emergency.
Your surgeon can see more and have more control using an open technique. All surgery depends on the experience of the practitioner - but do not worry you should have your Consultant in there with you doing it!
I also wouldn't do too much research on-line as sometimes it can be misleading/frightening as it is not specific to your situation, if you follow me. Also sometimes it is difficult to understand what is being said and it is easy to believe some bit of your research is relevant to you when in truth it is not. If you have any concerns speak them over with your surgical team. But please be reassured an open lap procedure will only be undertaken when the surgeon absolutely believes it is in the best interests of his patient.

As for whether the cyst is cancerous or benign, I'm afraid that is outside my knowledge or expertise - it has been a while since I nursed in theatres and post-op.

I wish you well for the operation and recovery. I hope the outcome is what you are praying for...

hi sorry, it's me again...my internet connection was down... had a chat again with my surgeon and understands the situation more now...apparently the cyst overlaps the ovary so he is trying to keep as much healthy ovaian tissue as possible...i am so worried about my chance of conceiving in the future....i have had 2 mc since my first dc 3 years ago....divedaisy, thanks so much for your advice ....are you there?