Hi Mary (+Pauline!)

I don't have quite the same experience but thought I might be able to offer some reassurance. I am a week post-op removal of an ovarian cyst. Mine was 14cm and they weren't sure before surgery if they be able to do it keyhole or if it would be open, so a lot of the build up assumed both.

In terms of getting prepared for surgery, I would recommend keeping busy to try and avoid overthinking if you can. I assume you have probably had your pre-op assessment by now but if you haven't, think about what questions you'd like to ask at that.

My experience of on the day was really positive actually - I'll talk you through it incase it helps. It will depend on the hospital, but I was admitted via theatre arrivals - I had my own little cubicle where I could wait comfortably, and everyone who needed to see me came there. The nurses booked me in and sorted things like a gown, checking blood pressure etc and offered lots of reassurance. I was visited by the anaesthetist who explained what would happen in the anaesthetic room, and then the surgeon who went through everything and made sure I was happy. 

When it was my turn I was walked down to the theatre by a nurse, and met by a friendly member of the operating team. They were good at small talk and keeping you distracted. Then I went into the anaesthetic room and lay on the bed. At every point I was made to feel safe and everything was explained clearly. Various monitors were attached to me with sticky pads, and they put a cannula in my hand. I was given a mask to breath through while drugs were slowly given into the cannula. It was all very calm and they chatted throughout - they asked me to tell them when I started feeling funny, which took a minute or so. Next thing I knew it was all over and I was feeling sleepy and a bit drunk in recovery. The breathing tube only goes in once you are fully asleep and is removed before you wake up so you never know it is there.

I was really worried about being in pain when I woke up but I wasn't - I was asked several times and as soon as I said I was starting feel a little uncomfortable the nurse gave me medication in the cannula. I was in recovery for about an hour before going to the ward. In recovery there is a nurse with you the whole time monitoring you and making sure you are safe.

In terms of the procedure itself, they managed to do it keyhole for me, but made a couple of the incisions a bit bigger to get it all out. So, I have 3 cuts about 1cm and 2 that are about 5cm. I was worried initially these bigger cuts would make recovery harder and more similar to open, but actually a week on I already have improved quite a bit. I stayed 1 night in hospital and left the following evening. My advice would be to make sure you take your pain killers regularly, and do not be afraid to ask if you are in pain while you are in hospital - I did during the night and the nurses can quickly get you something extra. I found sleeping slightly propped up on pillows in bed was more comfortable and easier to get in and out of bed. 

I hope some of that is helpful - happy to answer any questions :⁠-⁠)

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