So I had my operation on Monday and I’m so glad to say it was the lesser of two evils in the end: Keyhole surgery for the win!
I can’t BEGIN to tell you how relieved I am that it wasn’t major surgery in the end. I’m also completely overwhelmed to have had so many well wishes sent my way both before and after the operation on the blog and social media. They honestly made me feel so much better, so a massive THANK YOU for those – I may have been very tired and sore, BUT! in my head I was running round celebrating the fact that it was all over AND the beginning of the end, as it were.
The good news is that the operation was a success – the cyst was removed and the doctor was more than happy with how it all went. It was actually attached to the pelvic wall, not an ovary or my womb, so those bits are all intact and healthy I’m glad to say.
The size of the cyst
Here’s the scary part: The cyst was HUGE, or it was at least compared to the size that had originally been described following the MRI and CT scans, which was 7cm long. So I was expecting something the size of my little finger, wouldn’t you think…?
Well, no – after I came to and the doctor came to see me and explain how it all went, he said the cyst came out fine and was “about this big”. He held his hands up with fingertips just touching as if he was holding a ball and my eyes nearly popped out of my woozy head. I asked, You mean, like an orange?! – and he said Er, no – a LOT bigger than that…!
Therefore I’ve been describing it as a large grapefruit, because good GRIEF when he showed me the photos of the cyst during the procedure (sounds gory I know but I love stuff like that) it looked absolutely enormous.
It was drained (hence how they managed to get it out with keyhole surgery only) and part of it was removed. The not so good news is that because part of it is still left then there’s a chance that it could come back again, but at least we now know I have it and we can keep an eye on it.
It’s no wonder I’ve had strange pains and numbness in my leg for two years with a cyst that large. I’m stunned that it wasn’t making my belly bulge out more on the one side. I’ve always had quite a flat belly when I’m fit and healthy, but since putting on weight (due to not being able to exercise properly since my leg has been so sore) I’ve had a much, much rounder tum than usual. I guess the cyst was part of the reason why.
Anyway – I was allowed to go home the same day thankfully and I’ve been at my parents’ house since so that Keith can go to work. They’ve been absolutely wonderful, especially as they’re in their 80s and not all that mobile themselves. I have stairs at home and no downstairs loo – mum and dad have a bungalow so I would have been going up and down stairs to either feed/let Riley out or go to the toilet myself if I’d gone back home. Without the stairs it has been SO much easier.
Resting up post op
I’ve been a very good girl and not done any blog work till this post today – I’ve only replied to blog and social media comments and rested every day. I enlisted the help of an assistant (my niece!) to look after my Inbox and post updates to my social media (I had already written and scheduled Monday and Wednesday’s posts in advance of the operation). And that’s pretty much been my week since Monday, with pain killers in between snoozing and trying not to sneeze (OMG I did once yesterday and it was EXCRUCIATING). The worst bit has probably been the shoulder pain – I was warned about it being a strange side effect but golly, it’s painful.
The irony is that all of this was to sort out a very painful leg/knee and numbness, and it’s my legs that actually feel the best part of me! But I’ve been able to sleep in bed with my legs stretched out flat without them hurting for the first time in ages (longer than I can remember) and a lot of the numbness has gone.
In a nutshell then I’m sore, I’m somewhat immobile but I can tell with each day I’m getting better. My parents have been wonderful and I can’t thank them enough for making me meals and getting me cups of tea and walking Riley for me. I did take him on a short walk this morning (I should call it a “shuffle”…) and it was good to get some fresh air for the first time all week. Thankfully he doesn’t pull at all – he simply walks next to you WHATEVER pace you go, no matter how slow. What an angel – he can sense there’s something not right with me because he hasn’t bothered me for walks or anything and has just stood next to me with his head in my lap before lying on his bed again.
Going back to work
I now have decisions to make about when to get back into going places for blog work again. I have a conference coming up in a few days’ time (that I’d already bought a ticket for ages ago) that I need to make a decision about, as well as a HUGE opportunity with a huge brand that I would ordinarily jump at the chance to do, but it involves a long flight and several days away quite soon… I need to speak to my doctor and ask his opinion on what I should do. I’d be devastated to miss working for this brand but my health absolutely has to come first.
WHY did it have to come so soon after my operation…?!
HAVE YOU HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
P.S. A lot of people remarked on how “glamorous” I looked post op (thank you)… I can tell you that it’s the eyelash extensions that make the difference! You can get away with no makeup but still look made up with them – I thoroughly recommend them for making you feel better after an operation (or any time) when you have ZERO inclination to do anything to your appearance.
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Glad to hear you are on the mend. It’s not a nice thing to go through and I feel your pain. I had an ovarian cyst that grew with my pregnancy. I gave birth to a 10lb baby and my cyst continued to grow. Two weeks after birth the cyst started to twist, I was rushed into hospital and the surgeon drained 3 litres (6 pints) of fluid from it before cutting it out. I was very ill after but on the bright side I lost my 3st baby weight in 6 weeks LOL. Silver linings and all x
Glad to hear the operation was a success and I can’t believe how big the cyst was – my friend had exactly the same thing (and size) happen to her but it was attached to her overy so had to have that removed too. Enjoy the rest! xxx
Author
Aww thanks Leah – it’s amazing how many people have had similar things!!
I was so delighted to hear that your surgery went so well, Catherine! I couldn’t believe how big the cyst was though! Crikey!! No wonder, you had pains – I’m surprised it was just leg pain.
I hope your recovery is quick (although just chilling out and enjoying Netflix is heaven, right?) 😉
Bug hugs from the sunny (but cold) Algarve
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Glad to hear that things went well. Hope you have a speedy recovery. Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a good week.
Author
That’s lovely of you to say, thank you Patrick!
Ah, so good to hear all wet well and you are getting back to being you. Wow! That’s some cyst Catherine, I bet it made you feel so unwell before? Bodies eh?! Iwas a bit jealous of those lashes I have to admit..I liked like death after my hip replacement! Sorry I disappeared for a while, hoping to keep up with you once more lovely!
H x
Author
Heidi hello and welcome back!! Hope you’re doing well, and thank you for the well wishes xo
So glad that you are “out the other side” so to speak. Speedy recovery and you look fab in your post op picture. I never knew lash inserts could make such a difference x
Author
Ohh bless you Joy, thanks so much! x
Happy to see that the operation was succesful. Get well soon my dear.
XO
Miri
https://currentlywearing.com
Author
Miri thank you!! xo
Thank GOODNESS it went well and thank you so much for the update!! Hope you resting and taking care of you. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Heidi
Author
Heidi that’s so lovely of you to say, thank you!! x
Oh my goodness, Catherine, can you feel the love? It’s great news that you’re on the mend, and so wonderful that everyone is rallying around sending you their best wishes. The relief for you must be marvellous. It’s lovely that you’re at home with family to take care of you while you’re so frail. Please do think twice about everything you take on in the next period of your recovery. A GA can have a residual effect for up to two weeks after having it, so do allow yourself some leaway.
Sending you love and hugs,
Anna xxx
Author
Anna I’ve been totally overwhelmed, HOW kind and thoughtful has everyone been?!! Goes to show that the internet CAN be a wonderful place when it’s used in the right way… there’s no need for women to be b*tches to each other! Thank you for the love, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate it!! x
SO happy to hear you are feeling better and the surgery was successful! Flinging prayers for your continued recovery to the heavens.
Author
Liz that’s really kind, thank you xo
It’s so good to have family and/or friends around in situations like that. It sounds like you had the best possible care and I admire your parents for doing that at their age. You must feel very blessed with them. Love, Lieske
Author
Lieske they were wonderful, as are all my friends and readers with their lovely messages and love sent my way! It all helps so much, thank you xoxo
So glad to hear it all went well. I’ll pass this on to my DIL who’s having hers this week, though the top about the eyelash extensions may be a bit too late for her!
Hugs, Mary x.
Author
Oh shame, Mary – maybe it’s something she could have done when she comes out as a treat! I’m going to be getting gel nails done as soon as poss because I couldn’t have polish on during the op. Very best wishes to your DIL, and thank you for the kind words! x
Oh– to help you sneeze, cough or laugh (no joke) hold a small firm pillow or a teddy bear to your lower belly..it really works!!!
Author
Thanks Jo – I can laugh or cough gently now without pain but I’m not chancing sneezes because my sneezes are so powerful!!
I’m relieved that your procedure is over and you are on the road to swift recovery with loving people to care for you, and Riley too. Our furry companions are so intuitive. Other opportunities will come if you can’ make this one!
Author
I’ve since decided against the big opportunity Melanie… my health is too important and it’d mean a long haul flight in a week – I’ll never be able to do it! Thank you for the well wishes, and yes Riley has been VERY intuitive this past week! x
I hope you recover fast. I wish you all the best.
Author
So kind of you, thank you Nicole xx
Glad to see it all went well. I hope you get better soon, Catherine!
Author
Cristina thank you! x
I’m glad you are feeling better Catherine. Good luck with the rest of your recovery.
Nora
Author
Thanks so much Nora ^_^ xx
So glad it all went really well for you and I wish you the speediest recovery. Having caring parents and an intuitive dog helps no end! X
Author
You’re absolutely right Rozanne – they all really did help!! Thanks my lovely x
Enjoy the time recuperating with your family – I bet they love having you to stay with them. I hope you can finally say goodbye to the pesky leg pain! Take care lovely Catherine 🙂
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
It was lovely to spend the week with my folks Emma – it wasn’t planned but I’m so glad I did! Much love to you and thank you xx
So pleased to read that all went well and that you are on the mend. Take care. I look forward to your blogs
Author
That’s really sweet of you, thank you Kathy x
Phew Catherine, what a relief. And the size of an orange and bigger – whodda thunk it?
I had exploratory surgery before New Year to see what was wrong with my vocal chords and last week I found out I needed another op. Remarkably, I’m less anxious about having a general anesthetic than I was before. I just want my health back and hey, I was fine last time. I have a holiday in the Canaries coming up and my op is two days after I get back, so at least I’ll be relaxed.
I really hope you manage to make it up the bloggers’ conference. But in the meantime enjoy chillyout with your folks. Sometimes thatyjudt what you need. X
Author
I’m so sorry to hear you do need another op after all Emerald… you must be gutted! But at least you have the holiday to look forward to and as you say to help you relax. And thank you xoxo
Such great news! Get well soon!
Author
Thank you so much Amy xx
I’m happy to hear you’re recovering, remember to take care and take it easy. I’m sorry to hear that there is a possibility of the cyst returning ( I hope it is a small one) but at least you know about it and you can monitor it. Operation is no small matter, so do get plenty of rest. I had a very difficult operation (Chron’s resection surgery, they cut out a part of my small intestine and colon) 3 months ago and I still don’t feel myself. There is a big chance that I will have to repeat the operation. I’m hoping that I can at least postpone it a bit.
Take care!
Author
Oh gosh I wish you all the best for your surgery if you have to have it again, Ivana… I can imagine how not nice that must be for you to think you have to go through it again! I hope you’re doing well, and thank you for your kind words x
I’m so glad to hear everything went well, I had been thinking about how you got on, I hope you take all the time you can to rest and get better.
Take care and all the best.
Author
Oh that’s lovely of you, thanks so much KellY! x
Dear Catherine, thanks a lot for having chosen my photo. Once more I wish you a speed recovery!
Take care and have a nice weekend.
Dana
Author
Thank you Dana 🙂 x
Catherine, I am so glad to hear this news that surgery went well and nothing more complicated than need be. And what a crazy shock about the size of the cyst. Yikes! But it is taken care of and now you can mend. Take the time you need to rest and recover properly. Sending lots of healing energy your way!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Shelbee thank you – everyone has been so wonderful with their messages of love!!!! x
So happy for you darling girl. Not that I ever doubted the outcome Now rest & get well soon xx
Author
aww thanks MT my lovely xx
Stay strong and get well soon!
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Ruxandra thank you! x
So nice to read that you are doing OK Catherine. You are so lucky to be able to be at your parents – that is so so cute.
Have a lovely weekend.
Yvonne xxx
http://www.funkyforty.com
Author
Yvonne it’s been lovely to be at my parents this week – they’ve been so great…! thank you x
I’m glad that the procedure went well and that you’re on your way to a full recovery and resumption of normal routine. Day by day you will feel stronger but do take your time.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Author
Thank you Rena my lovely xx
Great news it was keyhole and all is well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. XO
Author
Thanks so much Lisa!! xx
It’s all such incredible news. I mean half the battle is figuring out the why, because then at least you know what to take care of!!!
And it’s good to hear that you’re a great patient—that makes the healing so much better and faster!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Author
Aww thanks Jodie – my mum and dad have been wonderful, bless em 🙂
I’m so happy to know that your surgery went well! You do look glamorous and I agree about the eyelash extensions. I hope that you are feeling full of energy and back to normal very soon. I have enjoyed reading your blog!
Author
Suzanne that’s so lovely of you to say, thank you!! x
It’s all good! You will soon be up and running! Have a restful, peaceful weekend xx
Author
Laurie thank you – and you too my lovely xx
Answered prayers Catherine! Wishing you a speedy recovery. And who looks that fabulous in a hospital photo? Oh my word, gorgeous!
xo,
Kellyann
Author
Kellyann thank you…!! Eyelash extensions make ALL the difference…!
Glad your ok Catherine,
I had a similar cyst a few years ago but growing on one of my ovaries. That was big too. My doctor actually kept it to show me before it got sent off for biopsy – I insisted! Bloody awful
Hope thecrias to recovery is a quick
One and I’m sure the big brand will understand if you can’t mske the trip. I agree your your health comes first , Tracey xx
Author
Ohhhh I wish I’d seen mine, Tracey…!!! ;-P I’m predicting the recovery will be reasonably quick seeing how much I’ve rested and how much I’ve got better each day 😀 x
So glad you had the best outcome, you look super – even in your hospital bed, oh and the lashes look devine. x Jacqui
mummabstylish
Author
Oh Jacqui bless you thank you! x
I wish you to be fit soon. Get well!
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Martina thank you! x
Get well soon, Catherine!
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Thanks so much Dana 🙂 x
Glad your on the mend Catherine. Take it easy
Author
I will Sarah – thank you! x
Get well soon, Catherine!
Tatiana
https://myfabforties.blogspot.com
Author
Tatiana thank you!! x
The lashes are still looking fabulous!…. Good to hear you’re on the mend. I’ve had both my bunions done (God, that makes me sound decrepit) so I absolutely know about the unexpected sneezing. Nearly as awful is when you stretch out in your sleep. AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!
Go easy and don’t rush back too soon, surgery takes it out of you much more than you think it does. Be kind to yourself. xx
Author
Oh blimey Kerry bunions must be crazy painful!! And YES to the stretching in bed… I keep doing that every morning and forgetting =OUCH=
Thank you for the kind words, I’m being very good x
Well, that gave me a bit of indigestion but it was a fascinating read haha! So happy you are recovering well and being a good patient. You sound like you have a wonderful family looking after you. Take care, sending you very gentle hugs xx
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Thanks Maria… the fam have been wonderful! x
I’m so fucking happy that you are fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Catherine thank you!!!!!!! Getting there 😉