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Recovering from open surgery please help

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Bookworm
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2021 6:26 pm

Recovering from open surgery please help

Post by Bookworm »

Hi all

I’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster of a few days. I wasn’t happy with the rates my levels were dropping after my second dose of methotrexate and the amount of pain I was having. So I called the hospital on Friday and it was decided I should have a laparoscopy.

However, when I got down to theatre the surgeon told me he didn’t do laparoscopy only open surgery. I was quite upset but that’s a story for another time; as I was already down in theatre I didn’t feel I had much choice but to proceed.

I have a bunch of questions around recovery, I’m still in hospital currently as my heart rate has been high since having the op but my blood pressure is low. I was supposedly only cut on the left hand side but the right hand side is really hurting as well and I can’t sleep well because laying on either side is incredibly painful. Does anyone who had the open surgery have any tips for getting comfortable and keeping calm? I feel like I’m going mad. Hospital is so busy they haven’t changed my dressing yet so I haven’t even seen the cut but I’m feeling frightened and worried about my recovery.

EPT Host 20
Posts: 3155
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 10:58 pm

Re: Recovering from open surgery please help

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear Bookworm,
I am so sorry to hear that you have had to have surgery.
With any kind of animal surgery, you are going to feel pain all around the area, this is completely normal, especially so soon after your surgery.
If you are uncomfortable and still in hospital, please make staff aware so you can have appropriate pain relief.
We have lots more information on surgery and recovery from surgery on our website here-
https://ectopic.org.uk/treating-an-ecto ... anagement/

Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy is a huge ordeal and you are in the early stages of recovery. Your body needs time to heal from your surgery which is in itself a gruelling task. You have also had to process the loss of your baby and been through an immense rollercoaster of emotions - all of this will take time to come to terms with. This is the general information I usually post about recovery -

You should take it very easily for about six weeks after surgery. Your body will be using its energies to heal internally. It is normal to feel physically and emotionally exhausted during this time and please do be kind to yourself. Recovery can take time and some days will be better than others, one day you maybe ok and the next you maybe in discomfort or more emotional. This is perfectly usual and the healing process will go back and forth in this way for however long you need. It is important to listen to your body's signals and pain and feeling tired are your body's signs to tell you to rest. We suggest keeping a healthy balanced diet, drinking lots of water and resting. Once your wounds have healed, very gentle exercise such as a short walk can help, but please do take this slowly.

I hope this helps,
Sending much love,
Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards
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Bookworm
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2021 6:26 pm

Re: Recovering from open surgery please help

Post by Bookworm »

Thank you, I’m really struggling to find much detail about recovering from open laparotomy surgery as most information about surgery seems to be aimed at laparoscopy. The hospital gave me next to no information when I left so I’m mostly relying on bits I can find on the internet about the recovery.

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