Recovering from laparotomy (open surgery)

[Bookworm5790]

Hi

11 days ago I had a laparotomy, 6 inch cut across the bikini line to remove an ectopic pregnancy. They also removed my left tube at the time.

I just wondered about people’s experiences with recovering from this? I’m still really sore and weirdly the soreness is mostly on the right side even though it’s the left side that was removed. My external wound looks to be healing well but I’m so sore on that right side inside.

I know overall recovery is 6 weeks but when did you start to feel better? I work from home in an office job so I’m hoping to not need the full 6 weeks off is this likely?

Also we’d just bought a house a few months ago, moving date looks to be the end of September. Once I’ve reached the magical 6 weeks will I be safe to decorate etc or am I still going to need further healing time?

Really grateful for any personal experiences and advice

Both my ectopics were removed via keyhole surgery but I have also had 2 c sections - second one recovery was much better - I didn't have morphine and was up and about within hours and driving within 2 weeks (I had very poorly twins in NICU).
I would say getting on your feet and moving about (gently) is the best way to aid recovery and prevent build up of scar tissue and adhesions etc

I had a massive cyst removed (25cm) and felt rough for the first ten days but was back at work after week 4. I wasn’t comfortable to drive till week 5/6 though.

Thank you both, that’s really reassuring :)

I needed to be cut on my bikini line to remove an ectopic last October. I started feeling more myself just after two weeks which was the amount I was signed off from work and it was easy to start working from home again.

You should try and take it easy as my stitches did take a while to come out and I think that was from trying to get back to normal quick. Sorry for what you went though as I know it's horrible.

I also had my left tube removed but didn't have the pain on the other side. Good luck to you!

Thank you Chica I’m really sorry that you went through it as well. My stitches do seem to be hanging in there but it otherwise looks to be healing well. I think the pain on the right is partially due to the stitches as it looks tighter on that side. I’m 2 weeks today and feeling loads better but still not 100% so think I’ll wait a week or two more before I go back to work.

Yes my weeks took probably triple the time they said to dissolve, they set a weird expectation! Remember to go to the go if you are worried.

Definitely take more time if you need it and don't rush - they won't thank you for it anyway! X