I had an operation to remove an urachal cyst last Friday. Without going into details (because I don't quite understand it myself) this cyst forms at birth at the top of the bladder and can cause abdominal pain, leaking of urine out of the tummy button and can get infected. Mine did all three. At least it didn't burst.
I'm now convalescing in an EMS (at the ripe old age of 33) and I'm trying to work out how soon I'll be able to go back to work (well professional reintegration programme but I call it work). The doctor who operated on me thought I should go home the next day so I'm not very trusting of medical advice.
Has anyone on here had this op? Or I'm told it's similar to having your appendix out or a cesearean. I'm going to try and see if I qualify for Transport handicap Vaud and if assurance invalidite will pay for that instead of my travel pass for a few weeks as I have an uncomfortable and complicated commute... But I'm struggling to get a sense of when I should be ready. Any experiences welcome. I work as an administrative assistant but as it's on a back to work scheme my duties are fairly light... It's the getting there and the fatigue that worries me.
I worked (being freelance) the day after leaving hospital with appendicitis, the appendix had burst 1 week before so I had peritonitis. I had to go back to the hospital 2 weeks later, the Dr said I could go back to work now..... I told him I had been at work for 2 weeks. Basically it's up to you.
I know nothing about this type of cyst or operation, but after a quick Google search, I have to ask if your doctor told you if the cyst will be removed via laparoscopy (very small incisions), or would you have one large incision? The reason I ask is because I think most people tend to heal and feel back to normal quicker after laparoscopy, as opposed to a large incision. And I guess these cysts are often removed via laparoscopy.
But if your doctor has experience with this type of surgery, then I'm sure he/she has a good idea of what the healing will encompass. I had a C-section and was amazed at how much better I felt after just two days. In fact, I only needed morphine for the first day and a half. Then Dafalgan (paracetamol) was enough. I was walking (slowly) on the second day. They said that the sooner you're up and moving, the faster you will heal. And I think they were right.
But I do definitely suggest having someone there, in your house, to help you for a week or so after the surgery.
Thanks for your replies. The problem I have is I haven't really spoken to the doctor who did the surgery - I didn't see him before the op, the op was on a Friday and he wasn't there over the weekend and then on the Monday he just said they were sending me here to recover. I don't know what type of op it was (although I have a small scar). I am in the EMS because neither my flatmate nor my parents can look after me. I guess I need to find out (or push for) a follow up appointment to get some answers.
You could just telephone & leave a message with his secretary, I am sure he will call you back.
Please call your surgeon and if you can't get through or need a second opinion then call your HausArzt. Good luck!
If it's comparable to a c-section, I got two, and after one week I was back on my normal routine, driving, taking the bus and so on. Perhaps not running yet, but definitely functional.
Had a bigger (female) operation last year which left me with a very "nice" incision over my belly. I was up and about the week after the operation albeit a bit slow and was allowed to fly again after 2 weeks. But do ask the surgeon!
I'm so sorry to hear this- and hope you get better soon.
Why are you recuperating in a EMS (Old peoples home)???- seems weird.
But really, you need to talk to the Head nurse, and to the doctor in charge, even if it is not the surgeon who performed the op- and not here on a Forum, as every op is different, for a myriad of reasons. Are you still there after 1 week???
Have you found a home for your dear cat yet? And a solution for your shared flat? Take care, and TALK TO THE DOCTORS.
Thanks everyone for the replies... I asked the nurse here this morning and I have a follow up appointment with the doctor next Wednesday.
I'm in an EMS because I can't go home (difficult situation with flatmate & she's working in any case), and I can't go to my parents because for various reasons they can't look after me - for example they don't have a spare bedroom, just a sofa bed in my dad's study. So it was either go home, be on my own with some from the CMS coming in or come here. Given that I was originally sent to the emergency department with a note which said "Please find out if there is a physical problem or if this person needs to have a break in a psychiatric ward", going for the option with round the clock care seemed best.
Cat is still with my parents, I've decided to find a place on my own but we've agreed that I will look for a new home for Tabitha in January (unless I find one for both of us by then), because my parents can't look after her indefinitely.
The good news is despite several absences I have successfully completed the initial three months of my back to work placement . They are holding a place for me so when I recover I can start the next step.
Isn't there anyone from your Church who can help? Good that you are doing well with your back to work programme, that is a real positive. I've bumped your thread about Tabitha. Bonne chance.
I'm not sure where you're located, but if you live somewhat close to Greifensee and need help with anything once you return home, please do send me a private message.
And I hope you're feeling well and healing quickly!
(P.S. I apologize that, in my earlier post here, I hadn't realized that you already had the surgery).
Hi there,
I also just had this surgery in September. Mine had been long and seriously infected so I had open surgery (a full incision to remove) vs laprascopically (which is done with robotic arms and heals more quickly.) Depending on surgeon and type of what had to be fixed, your healing time will vary. I had to wait 6 weeks until I could drive and now 11 weeks later, I am still healing, so don't rush lifting, working, etc.
If you need more info on the urachal sinus/cyst, etc., just ask as I have done loads of research. I'm surprised your dr didn't give you better info. My ex boyfriend from CH also had this same problem but in diff area of body and his took 2 years to heal. I've been sick since February, so I recommend rest rest rest!
PS... Did your navel/ belly button stay the same post surgery? I had to have mine permanently removed.
Get better!
Thanks again for the the replies. I had the stitches out yesterday and the wound looks much better than I thought - I do still have a tummy button after all. The doctor who originally diagnosed me did offer to go into more detail but I get queasy easily so I asked him not to.
I am now staying with my parents until the weekend as sadly my cat had to be put to sleep today. It never rains but it pours...
Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful cat. You really are having a tough time at the moment.
Take it easy and rest at your parent's place and let them take care of you.
Ditto- thinking of you. Hope you can stay and get pampered for a while.