Endometrioma Removal Journey
Hi all,
I just wanted to share my experience getting the my endometrioma cyst removed and the healing process because this sub has been incredibly helpful for me.
Background: I went to the doctors for chronic pain above my left hip, and after 4 months they were able to determine it was an ovarian cyst, and suspected that I have endometriosis. While my cyst was only about 4cm, they recommend removal since it was so symptomatic (it’s kinda crazy how much pain a 4cm cyst caused).
Surgery: I am now 6 days post-op and the healing process has been a lot smoother than I anticipated.
While I was under, the doctor luckily only had to remove the cyst (she was concerned she would have to take a portion of my ovary). She confirmed that I had endometriosis, but did not find any implants that needed to removed. She only found some deep tissue scarring. I was maybe under for 1.5 hours, but with pre- and post-op I was in the hospital for 6 hours.
I also got an IUD to treat my endometriosis, which has caused some mild cramping/spotting.
Healing: The first 24-48 hours after surgery was by the worst. The soreness in my abdomen was unlike anything I ever experienced, and the gas pain brought me to tears at one point. For the first 4 days I was rotating Tylenol and ibprofuen every 3 hours, per my doctors orders. I could usually tell when I needed my next dose because I would start hurting at the 2.5 hour mark. I also could hardly move because I was so sore. Getting out of bed or off the couch took 10x longer than normal because I had prop myself up to avoid using my core. However, I was able to walk around (hunched over for the first few days) and eat normally. At day 6, I feel pretty much back to normal as far as pain goes. I find myself hunching over sometimes when I walk, but I am taking medicine every 6-8 hours now, instead of every 3 hours. I can get out of bed much easier, with almost no issues at all. Showering is still a hassle because my incisions still have glue/aren’t fully closed.
I have also been more tired than normal, and napping during the day which is not super typical for me. I am still overtly aware of my lower stomach, and have not lifted anything over 5 lbs or really bent down at all. I also still can’t sleep on my side because it hurts my incisions after a while. The biggest issue I’m dealing with now is constipation.
Hopefully this helps someone get a rough idea of what they can expect during / post surgery. Thank you!