Ovarian cyst operation, prepare me!

[Pinkywoo]

I have a dermoid cyst (the type with teeth and bones in it!) on my right ovary that's being removed in a few weeks, however I've never had any type of operation or hospital stay so don't know what to take. I've been told to get peppermint oil capsules to help get rid of the trapped gas, and have big comfy pants for the trip home, is there anything else (apart from normal overnight stuff) I've missed? General recovery advice appreciated.

Anyone? I'm starting to get nervous now, and hoping the surgeon can save my ovary as we'd really like to have children and at 37 the clock is ticking.

I have a dermoid cyst too (no teeth!) but never had it removed. Is yours massive?
For hospital take bottled water, a dressing gown, a good book or 3 and coins/debit card for the bed tv.

I had a large cyst removed along with the ovary. I later had 3 children in my thirties. Concievied easily. You only need one!

I had my two dermoid cyst removed during my c section but I'd imagine it's a similar recovery.
Peppermint capsules are a good idea, although the trapped wind only lasts a day or two.
Make sure someone leaves you everything you need within reach before they leave. Just walk carefully and remember to take your painkillers.
I conceived my DS while I had the cysts and have since had another baby so hopefully it won't cause you any problems.

Thankyou, and relieved to know one ovary is as good as two! The solid part is about 5cm but with the swelling surrounding it it's the size of grapefruit so causing lots of pain, acid reflux and constant trips to the loo. I have read the general anaesthetic can cause constipation, do I need to get anything for that?
I hadn't thought of a dressing gown IfNot, thanks

I had my gallbladder out 3 days ago. Not quite the scale of your op, however -
Take dressing gown and slippers for the walk to the anaesthetic room, as your arse will be hanging out of your gown.

Take bottled water, tap water tastes a bit rank and is drying after the anaesthetic. Toothbrush and toothpaste isn't a bad idea for the dry mouth.

Can't help with the constipation question yet, I would wait and see! The trapped wind is in your peritoneal cavity rather than your intestine, so peppermint oil won't really help - but I think it works well as a placebo! I was very lucky and didn't have any wind pain, they did a good job of deflating me.

Definitely something stretchy and comfy for the trip home.

It'll be fine, given the choice I would avoid doing it again but it's over very quickly and they are very kind and reassuring. Good luck!

Thanks, I'll definitely take a dressing gown as I don't want to inflict the sight of my arse on more people than necessary, and hopefully they'll deflate me properly!

Take pyjamas too and a wash bag with things including deodorant as it’s hot in hospital! Take change for the machines selling snacks and a card so you can pay for tv
I was in hospital after I had a large cyst removed (not dermal - but it was HUGE sonhad a laparotomy so big scar - it’s sore afterwards but just keep taking pain killers -
Good luck you’ll be fine

Ear plugs and an eye mask....hospitals are not restful or quiet!

I had mine removed via keyhole. However, there is no way I would have been comfortable wearing pyjamas. My stomach was really bloated and I didn't want to wear anything that cut across it. I bought a couple of long nighties to wear both in hospital and at home for the first few days. I took my own pillow too.

I had a large ovarian cyst removed. Took dressing gown and slippers. Was in a hospital gown for op and came home next day so didn’t really need nightware. Make sure you take something comfortable/baggy to go home in. Only wind I had came out in shoulder pain and only lasted 24 hours. Hospital gave me both laxatives and softener to make going to the loo easier. It did take me 6-8 weeks to recover so make sure you take it easy afterwards.