Laparoscopy for Ovarian Cyst

[soulfulsarah]

Hi all,

I know that there have been many threads about ovarian cysts but I have struggled to find specific answers to my questions. So I'm posting this in the hopes for answers from women that have had their cysts drained or removed.

In Decemeber 2019, I had severe uncomfortable bloating and really strange lower abdominal pains. They felt like contractions. They would happen in busts and last a few seconds and then stop. This happened for about a week and I finally saw a Dr who sent me straight to the hospital. A few scans and tests later, turns out I have 2 ovarian cysts. A 7cm one on my right ovary and a "sister cyst" next to it at 3 cm. Both blood/fluid filled. I kid you not, I look like I have a baby bump and I'm quite the gym goer who trains quite hard so initially I couldnt figure out why I had this bump and excess weight. Covid19 happened so I've only had my surgery date come through now and I'll be having a laparoscopy keyhole surgery in a few days. Finally! I have noticed some changes in my body and now I suspect I've had these cysts for some time. My questions are as follows:

1) How long did it take you to recover and get back to normal mobility? I understand I will likely not be able to workout, drive etc for a few days to a couple of weeks?

2) Did anyone take anything to the hospital with them? eg: an overnight bag, books, phone, snacks? I know there may be quite a wait an possibility of staying in over night.

3) Did anyone notice a reduction in bloating and tummy bump once their cysts were removed? along with this I have noticed weight gain and excess hair on my chin and neck, wondering if this will reduce or go?

4) How soon after the surgery can me ans OH start TTC

5) Has anyone had another cyst come back after removal? if so, how long after?

6) Does cysts affect pregnancy? Has it caused any issues or pains during pregnancy?

7) Any tips and tricks for recovery? Nutrition, light movements to help me. what to prepare for?

Thanks in advance 😊

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I had cyst removal surgery in November 2019. It was a day surgery. I took my dressing gown, slippers, medication, sanitary napkins, phone and charger. If you are staying overnight then a nightie would be great. Avoid PJ's as you won't want anything on waist. Chewing gum for gas and mints for sore throat. Gas is usually a side effect of laparoscopy and chewing gum helps , you can also take maalox. Sore throat is because of breathing pipe that is inserted during surgery.
You are required to rest for at least 6 weeks so cannot vaccum or lift anything heavy. You can walk around but no gym. You should not drive for 2 weeks. After first few days you would feel alright but would easily get tired. The tummy would go away - but it might take 2-4 weeks. Bloating will be gone by first week. Can't say anything for TTC but do give your body time. Cyst do come back and there is no way to avoid it. But they will not necessarily result in surgery always.

1 - I was in for two nights. At the time I had three children under 5 at home, so they kept me in to have a couple of days rest. I was signed off work for two weeks, told no exercise beyond walking for six weeks and no lifting.

2 - books, nice pyjamas, chocolate

3 - sadly not

5 - no sign of another cyst

7 - I just did what I felt like doing, and ate what I felt like eating. I was tired for a few days after I got home, so had a few naps.

Can't answer your other questions, sorry

I had this 14 years ago now though. Scans showed one cyst, but surgeon actually found two - grapefruit sized, one each ovary. One quite complex and may have been there forever, other was simple but large. Found during MMC scan - first pregnancy.
Both drained then laser cut out, trying to leave both ovaries in tact. Tissue sent for pathology to check for signs of cancer.
Abdomen filled with a special fluid to inflate the abdomen and prevent adhesions forming internally during healing. Stayed overnight as late case and they wanted to check kidney function and urinating well - or I would have been cannulated. Peed like a trouper though so all good. Went home next day - tummy huge due to fluid to prevent adhesions.
Week off work. Tummy gradually went down. Changed dressings regularly to allow three very small incision marks to heal - you may have just two if one side? They healed to nothing though.
Felt pretty good after a few weeks and was skiing at six weeks after surgery.
TTC took a further 13 months (at 35yrs).
Plenty of smaller simple cysts bubbled up afterwards but always smaller (4-9cms) and always self-resolving (painful).
My surgeon was quite senior then, and taught the method - is now head of gynae at prestigious teaching hospital. He has looked after me over the years - I was an interesting case!
First child conceived naturally after 13 months, healthy pregnancy and child.
Second child conceived within 4 months of TTC, about two years later. Healthy pregnancy and child - both now 10&13.

For hospital, just treats for you. A helper/DH/do or otherwise someone close to you who can drive you, carry bags, look after you for first few days when you're feeling most delicate, essential. Drink plenty of water, no alcohol, and healthy diet.
Sorry for length - but this was defining for me, and without my surgeon I would not have my children today.
Take very good care of yourself x

@Literallyfedup this is really helpful thank you so much for responding. I wouldn't have known about the gas and chewing gum to help relieve it. I might have to take some peppermint teas too. Right, I'm on the hunt for a nightie. Preferably a black one incase of bleeding. Or maybe even a maxi dress. Thanks again. x

@intricate56 I'll get on that choclate then. Always a little boost of feel good in a nice galaxy chocolate bar. Was my go to when I was a teen for the good old PMT symptoms lol thank you so much for replying. Its really helpful.

@DoubleTweenQueen I really appreciate your lengthy post and advice. Its very helpful thank you. My worry has also been that I am edging closer to 35 myself and my other half and I wish to try for a baby (our first) but we have put it off until after this surgery. My consultant has told me that my cysts are harmless but due to the severity of the pain I've had this year its best I get them drained, but harmless and wont affect my fertility providing its a straight forward plain sailing laparoscopy.

I have been told it is unlikely anyone is allowed to stay with me or come to see me when I wake from the op due to Covid19 😢 but I'm hoping it will go smoothly and everything will be fine. I'm sure I'll be in great care. My OH is working from home and will be picking me up after and taking care of me. If you don't mind me asking (sorry for the personal question) how soon after the op did you start to try for a baby/doing it ha! I've been told no tampons for a few weeks, I usually use a menstrual cup so I will avoid for a month or so till I feel ready to use again.

sounds like you were in great care, so pleased to hear it all worked out so well for you and you were able go have your beautiful babies. Thanks again for your input, I'm sure I'll post back on here once I've had the op. x

Hello! With TTC, I probably waited until two cycles afterwards so I could be confident that hormones had settled down. It did take us a while, and I had a procedure to check my tubes weren't blocked after a year of trying and dh had a sperm count, but all good. I read during that time that a year to conceive quite normal. Tricky time though!
I was just shy of 38 when first was born and 40.5 when second was born.

Laparoscopy is a very well established procedure. The most important thing for TTC is to look after yourself - physically and emotionally - and diet and exercise.
Enjoy your life before your children take it over! X

@DoubleTweenQueen it's proven quite difficult to enjoy anything this year, but we are excited for the next stage of our life together. My healthy lifestyle has gone a little down the pan but determined to work on myself again after the op and after fully recovering. The gyms opened a few days after I was given my op date so straight into self isolation for me (as requested by the hospital so that I am infection free for the op). 2020 is just a glitch in the matrix and I totally believe that everything happens for a reason. I'm sure my time will come once this is all over. ❤️

I couldn't have thought then, I'd be where I am now. If that is any use at all.
Best of luck & look me up if you need someone x

Just rang the hospital to double check if I can have someone come with me or have someone visit me when I come round from surgery and it was a big fat no no. So I'll be taking a book and some music and a fully charged phone with me. Snacks and water too. little but anxious now.

I would ask them about you having a follow up appointment post lap say a week or two later to discuss the findings. They should NOT at all talk to you about what was found during the lap whilst you are in the recovery room!. This is also poor practice.

@AttilaTheMeerkat thank you for the tip. My op is a few days away but will be sure to get a follow up appointment with mt consultant. x