Sunday, November 19, 2006

My gall bladder surgery


Last October, I posted about my gall bladder dilemma, where I explained my reasons for hesitating to have my gall bladder removed, and my request for information from people who faced the same decision.

There were many interesting answers to that post. I decided to have the surgery, partly based on the replies I got, and partly based on my intuition. I just had a hunch that no matter what I did to help my gall bladder, it would remain a chronic problem, and that I was risking having emergency surgery one day. So on November 15th, I had the surgery. They kept me over night, released me the next day, and now I am at home, recuperating.

The doctor told me that my gall bladder had lots of scar tissue. I think it had been sick for a very long time. I can feel where the organ used to be. When I was a kid, I used to have pain in my side there if I ran very far. As I grew older, it would still hurt there if I ran more than a city block or so. Perhaps it was related.

Below is me, post-op. They shaved my stomach, and made five incisions.





I seem to have one extra hole poked in me. I'm supposed to see the surgeon on a follow up vist at the end of the month, I suppose I'll find out what that was for. I know that one of the instruments is supposed to suck the bile out of the gall bladder and collapse it, making it easier to pull out.

I've been instructed that I can shower with the bandages on, but not to soak in a bathtub or hot tub. I can remove bandaids, but I am to leave the "steri-strips" on until they fall off, or the doctor removes them.

I am sleepy a lot, so I take naps when I can. I do some light housework like washing dishes and such, but I'm avoiding heavy lifting for now. I think it's important to get up and move around, to keep from getting stiff; if I lie around too much, it hurts more.

I was perscribed pain pills, Hydrocodone, but I only took one when I got home. They are rather strong and can cause constipation, so I started taking Advil instead, and it seems to do the job of managing pain just fine. I was taking an Advil every four hours, but now I am taking them less frequently, as needed. Every day the soreness is less.

It's four days after the surgery now, and I haven't had any problems with foods. Other people in my family have had this surgery, and they also were problem free, so I continue to hope that will be the case for me also.

It would seem that the majority of people don't have side effects, or not many if they do. Some side effects are temporary. If you are considering the surgery, it helps to read about people's different experiences, so that you are aware of potential side effects that could happen, so you won't be taken completely by suprise if they do occur. After surgery, I think it's important to eat a good diet that is healthy for the liver, to keep the bile healthy and avoid any complications in the future. Without a gall bladder, stones can form in the liver itself if the bile is unhealthy, so why risk that?



I've been looking at some of the searches people have done that pulled up my first gall bladder post, and I've found some interesting links to other people's experiences. One of the most detailed and informative ones was this one:

2001: A Gall Bladder Removal

It shows some of the side effects that can occur as a result of the surgery.

Everyone is different. Some people have side effects, like Mr. Griggs in the above link, and yet many have none at all. Some of the side effects people experince can lessen or disappear over time.

Some people seem to develop problems months or years later. That is one reason I am sticking to a healthy diet, one that is good for my liver. I believe gall stones form because the bile the liver produces is out of balance, too thick, which causes the formation of sludge and stones. Just because I now don't have the gall bladder to form stones, doesn't mean it's ok to ignore the quality of bile the liver produces. I've been drinking lots of organic apple juice, because the malic acid is supposed to be good for thinning the bile. It helped reduce the inflamation my gall bladder had, and it cleared out the sludge. It quieted the gall bladder, making the surgery a bit easier.

Some people claim that over time, drinking organic apple juice might have dissolved the stones too, but I didn't want to wait that long and take that chance. It took years to get as bad as it did, and I wasn't sure I had years to wait to dissolve stones. The worst attack I had was due to acute inflammation, and that was not something I wanted to risk again. But I have always liked apple juice, and our local supermarket keeps two reasonabley priced organic brands in stock, so I will keep it as part of my diet.

I've also eliminated hydroginated oils from my diet. For example, I've switched to eating natural peanut butter (the kind that needs to be stirred up and kept in the fridge). I've cut back on confections made with white flour and sugar, like commercial cookies and cakes and such, as they were always the things that triggered my attacks. I've always cut fat off of steaks and meats, and I continue to do so.


Some people complain about problems with spicey foods, but I've been able to eat them without any issues. Some people complain that they are not able to drink as much alcohol as they did. I usually have a glass of wine with dinner, and I continue to do so, without problems.

All things considered, I would say it was the right decision to make in my case. I may do some updates on this topic as time goes on, as it does seem to be one that many people are interested in.

     

71 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chas, I'm glad you got that over and wish you a complete and rapid recovery.

Chas said...

Thank you Peace.
I figured it was worth the discomfort now, to avoid longer suffering and the possibility of something worse later.

Thank goodness for the Laparoscopic surgery technique. My recovery time would be much longer if they had to do it the old-fashioned way.

Bob said...

See? Piece of cake!

I'm glad you're getting back to normal.

Anonymous said...

Chas, that extra hole ... that's what we would officially call your "tummy button".

Here's hoping you're up and about and back to normal (relatively speaking - I mean really ... how "normal" can you be if you enjoy blogging and inviting the comments of trolls?).

Dionne said...

Wishing you a speedy recovery. My friend that had it out recently as well recovered pretty fast.

Chas said...

Thanks Bob.

The worse part so far is the ichyness of the hair growing back under the bandages. If that's my worse problem, I'll be very grateful.

Walker said...

BEST WISHES for a good recovery and a Happy Thanksgiving.

Mahndisa S. Rigmaiden said...

11 21 06

Chas glad to know you are recovering. Yeah hair growing back can be a real pain, but heck if that is all you gotta worry about then! You know, I didn't know all of that about the particulars of the surgery, so I learned something too. Thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Patrick and Andy:)

Chas said...

Hmil,

They made a hole just below my navel (really close to it), and stuck a CAMERA in through there! I read that they sometimes they put the hole in directly through the navel... why, I don't know. I'm thankful they didn't to that to me.

Walker, Mahndisa, everyone,

Thanks for your comments, and best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to you all. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi,I am a week post op from my surgery. I had a terrible time a day after my surgery. I was so sick when it came to digesting food. I wanted to vomit and have diarea at the same time. My stomach hurt so bad. It has eased off daily. I dont know if it is because i am eating differently. I am afraid to eat and get sick, honestly. Jello has been my best friend!

Chas said...

Hopefully you will see improvement soon. I think too that the anestesia can have lingering effects; I didn't really start feeling completely normal again till about 3 weeks. People's experiences can vary a lot.

Not all side effect are bad, either. I found that after about a month that my eyesight improved greatly, to the point where I no longer need to wear eyglasses. Needless to say, I'm thrilled!

uppercaseelle said...

Glad you are well, I am having mine removed this Thursday.
Eeekkk!!!
Xox Leena

Chas said...

They've been doing this surgery for quite some time now, so chances are very good that it will all go smoothly. I wish you a speedy recovery, Leena.

Anonymous said...

My turn comes in a couple of weeks. An ultrasound found my gallstones yesterday. Thanks for the great information.

Creegal said...

I had emergency gallbladder removal almost 6 weeks ago and what a nightmare! First I started vomiting on a Friday night for about 4 or 5 hours...it went away...then on Sat around 5:30 pm...I started feeling sick again and this time chills and fever accompanied the vomiting. On Sunday I drove to the store to pick up something for acid reflux...it didn't work so around 9 pm I drove myself to Emergency...I was given a blood test and some pain killers and told to call Ultrasound first thing in the morning for an appointment. I did and made it there for 11 am...once ultrasound took place they sent me back to Emergency...I had my operation that night at 5:30 pm. I was told to expect 4 small incisions and one night in the hospital...I was prepared mentally. When I woke up I learned that they had to do open surgery and even had to take my intestines out to wash them. I do have the 4 small incisions along with one that runs from my sternum and past my belly button...it's a bit over 9 1/2 inches. I have no idea what happened other than they found dead and rotting tissue and had to go the Open surgery route. I never had problems before and can't figure out why things went so wrong so fast. I am still in pain...my incision area is starting to develop a raised purple scar...skin is extremely sensitive...I get pangs of pain doing even the lightest bit of housework. It's a super drag is all I can say...Now I am on a low or no fat diet as well...I am learning how to get by. I wish I could have had an "easy" surgery story to share. This sucks!

Anonymous said...

So I afer a 2 year battle with pain in my right side, they what I feel my useless doctor office has come to discover after a HIDA SCAN that my gallbladder is only preforming at less than 10%. I have went for 2 years of them telling me it is my back that hurts, giving me epidurals, pain pills,pysical theropy, reumitoligist, bone scans and every other test and drug known to man. Good thing I am not a pill popper as I could have enough pain pills to last someone a life time. instead I learn to deal with pain and just do what I can, take lots of alieve and go about my day. My question is what is anyones opinion on postponing surgery as long as I can. I am leaving for Cancun in 6 weeks, I would like to postpone the surgery til the beginning of summer. I really do not want to burn up all my vacation time and personal time before summer as I gave that all up last year while taking care of my father who died of cancer. I am so ticked that this test was not done so long ago and this could have been taken care of. Anyways, I figure I have put up with this pain for over 2 years how much worse can it get?? Please anyone respond and give me comments and suggestions. My emails are : MCarroll4@aol.com and Mcarroll@sertaresto.com.

Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I just had my gallbladder removed 4 days ago laproscopically and I am actually doing much better. That first night (over-night) in the hospital was the worst. I don't think I actually though that I would be in as much pain as I was. Now that I am home I am finding that I am going to have to ease my way back into certain foods. It is easier everyday to walk and bend, and alhough I haven't had a bowel movement my doctor told me that it would be completely normal not to. So all and all I have had an okay experience and I think its still kind of early to tell how things are going to go from here. Hope this helps people in the same situation or that are contemplating this same surgery.

Anonymous said...

Hi
Im glad you have had such a pleasant experience. My gallbladder problem could not be picked up by anyone not even my GP. Funny enough my gynae suggested it may be my GB and it was. I was operated on in 2 days time due to the state of my GB. To cut a long story short after the removal i went back in for yellow jaundice and then kidney stones in a space of 4 weeks. This was a nitemare after i healed i definitely felt better however, i still experienced the same kind of pain from time to time and thought it weird but lived with it. This was 7 years ago, since then i have developed a chronic running tummy as soon as i eat. I had an op to see if my intestines were the problem and they were fine. I only yesterday read up on a site where quite a few people related the exact same symptoms. i.e the same pain after many months of having had the op a running tummy as soon as they eat. So yes i agree that for some it may leave you feeling tons better but for others like us, we have gained weight, running tummies and the pain continues....and no i dont moan and am not a hyperchondriac i love feeling good but this has really got me down

Anonymous said...

I had my gall bladder removed a year ago this month. I had the same procedure that you had.

I had a poor time in the hospital post surgery. The shift nurses failed to tell me that I needed to get out of the bed and walk. It was 16 hours before a nurse caught it. When we uncovered my feet they were three times their normal size. After an hour and painful limping due to the swelling in my feet I returned to my room. Time to eat! Yes!!!! In came the food….the girl bring in the food…(she was barley 18) spilled a glass of water on my chest. She freaked out and lifted up my gown to help matters….that is when she saw my “little buddy and his catheter” She screamed….and ran out of the room….I laughed it off and hit my button of pleasure (Morphine Drip).

Within days, I developed an infection at the incision below my heart. I had no idea other than my scar started bulging and stretching the glue they used instead of stitches. It broke open and started poring out puss and blood as I lay on the couch. Panic to say the least was in my wife's eyes. Back to the Hospital I went.

We all remember how the nurses told us to pass gas right? Well I did…and developed the worse case of hemorrhoids I could muster up. People call them piles. I called them mountain rages…. It would take four other procedures to deal with this and well what the heck…might as well do a colonoscopy right?

Time went on and the pain in my back did not go away nor did my liver enzymes go back to normal. Every three months I would go for blood work. No change or worse. After a year my primary care physician sent me to a different surgeon. He looked at my chart, pointed to a diagram on the wall and said that I need an ERCP. Last week I had the ERCP to correct the problem of adhesions in my bile duct. I felt awesome! Relief was finally mine…..or was it….Three days after the surgery I got another infection. I thought I was dieing. Think all the same symptoms as when you had your gall bladder with the added fun of a fever and a pain that felt like every incision was tearing open inside of me….fun stuff…

The infection is now clearing up and for the first time in four years I do not have pain.

I would do it all over again….just to rid myself of the daily pain and nausea I felt for a number of years before I dealt with it.

Anonymous said...

I was told by my doctor that I had the stones and to consult with a surgeon. I was not experiencing any pain and opted to not have my gallbladder removed after reading all the horror stories on line. I ended up having emergency surgery after having the worst attack which caused me to get pancreatitis. I had my gall bladder removed lapriscopically with no problems. It has been over a month and I can eat whatever I want and I was surprised how much better I felt then before the surgery. Best thing I ever did.

Anonymous said...

I am 5 days post op. The bloating was uncomfortable for a while as was the pain in my shoulder and neck which is from the CO2 gas.I am feeling very good except for slight pain where the Gall Bladder was which feels like the stich pain you get from running. I used to get that occasionaly when running(weird huh?). It took a long time for the diagnosis to be made and each time I had many attacks and I thought I was having heart attacks.I am 39 years young. Finaly the ultrasound showed the stones up which at first the Radiology dept thought the stones were polyps.
I still have trouble bending through my tummy to do up my shoes but this is to be expected seeing that I have been poked and cut inside. The cut below the sternum/heart is a little raised and sore but I think this is just scar tissue and part of normal healing and hopefully not a keloid.
My diet has been fairly normal although if anything I have been constipated. The first motion after surgery was an absolute nightmare. I was sooo constipated that I thought I was going to die. This wasfrom the pain releif medication. All in all I am glad that I had it done. No more attacks.

Anonymous said...

I am now 8 days post-op. I also had 4 incisions with dissovable stitches, havent dared to remove the steristrips yet - although I have changed the plasters through showering. I actually have more pain in my right side than anywhere else, although my top incision is quite tender - i can only assume it is still from where I was blown up - I just hope and pray that its not another problem to deal with. - I will you all well

Anonymous said...

I had my G.B. surgery in Feb.Dr. said it went well. Unfortunately I was among so many suffering from bloating after meals and running to the bathroom within 10 minutes of consuming a meal. After months of feeling miserable and attached to the toilet I did some research and found the perfect fix. Apparently the Enzyme that the Liver is supposed to regulate digestion was running rampid and not regulating, thus my food was being digested too quickly and causing 4-6 trips within an hour after eating. For $37.25 a month I am taking an all natural herbal remedy. I can eat what i want, where i want and when i want! No bloating or "Runs". If you would like more information let me know.

Chas said...

Anonymous,
If you want to tell us what the $37.25 per month all natural herbal remedy is, feel free to do so. I'm curious as to what the ingredients might be.

Anonymous said...

It's been 5 months since my gallbladder surgery. At frist the surgery was suppose in Feburary of 2008, but I started crying, became upset when i arrived in the OR. I told the surgeon, I want to go home. The OR department cancel the surgery and send me home. Frinally, in April of 2008 I decide to have the surgery. Since than I been having pain on my side, but I have not been eating right. My question is, What is cuasing the pain abd What should I eat.

Thank you,
Taby from Chicago,IL

Chas said...

Taby,

What does your doctor say about the pain?

People can have lots of different reactions after surgery. I sometimes have pain similar to the gall bladder attack pain, but much less severe, and without the "tightness" sensation. It's usually short-lived, and happens when I haven't had enough sleep.

In my case I suspect it might be incipient esophageal reflux, which my surgeon told me I had. Your doctor might have suggestions for your particular situation.

I've made changes to my diet, eating less fats and less white flour and sugar (two things that seemed to trigger my gall bladder attacks). I try to include a lot of foods that are good for the liver, in order to keep the bile thin and flowing, and not forming stones in my liver. Cucumbers, string beans, beets - Google diet suggestions for a healthy liver, an you will find all sorts of recommendations. The recommended foods that appeal to you most will probably be the best ones for you.

Anonymous said...

Chas,
Thank you for your post about your surgery. I am only 2 days post op. I have noticed my lower belly is "pooched." Did you have this? I feel now as if I am carrying a 5 lb. weight in my belly, and feel it is hunching me over- in a "C" curve. (rounded spine.) I try to straighten up. I am moving slow, too. Please tell me things get better! Thank you

Chas said...

I didn't have those symptoms. Reactions can vary a lot from person to person. You should probably call your doctor and ask about it.

Things generally do get better for most people. But if there is something not quite right after surgery, it's probably best to have it checked out early on. There might be a simple explanation. But if it's a complication, you want to nip it in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your response. Just a couple of days after I posted on here, I am not as pooched. But, I have a bit of a cramping feeling. I am wondering if that could be the air still in there. I will call the nurse, but just wondering what typr of recovery you experienced. Pain, exercising, etc.... :-) Thank you!

Chas said...

My recovery was pretty problem-free. I took one Vicodine pill when I got home. I took Advil for a few days after that. I was sore for a while, but I had farm chores to do, so that made me move around, and my doctor recommended that.

The first 3 months, nothing was very different. But then I found that in the mornings, shortly after breakfast, I often would have a sudden need for a bowel movement. Liquids (like fruit juices) could especially trigger this. Sometimes it happens after other meals, but usually only in the morning.

One benefit I noticed was, that my eyesight improved, to the point where I no longer needed reading glasses! That lasted for about a year and a half. I eventually went back to needing the glasses though, I'm not sure why.

All things considered, relatively few problems.

Chaya S said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chas said...

Chaya,
No, unfortunately I never heard from that anonymous person about what the herbal remedy was. If anyone knows, I'm sure a lot of folks who read this would like to know more about it.

Chaya S said...

one more question chas.. did you need a drainage bag after your surgery or is that considered a complication?
thanks for your insight

Chas said...

I didn't need a drainage bag, but I've heard of plenty of cases where it was needed. I suppose you could call it a complication, but I think it's a precaution to prevent infection in some instances.

Before the operation my surgeon had mentioned it as a possibility, depending on what he found and how it all went.

chunn37 said...

hi i just had my surgery monday april 6th everything seems to be ok but i had 5 incisions dont know why and its not the incisions that are hurting its right by the belly button on the right side of it. it feels like its stretching or pulling when i stand up sit down or lay down its like a sharp pain has anyone ever felt that before and from what i'm reading they kept yall over night they sent me home that day but they didnt give me any instructions just not to shower for 48 hours after that i can shower and the top bandages will come off when get wet and the second bandages will just fall off on their own and never had problem with hemmroids before but now i do
hope someone can help me out

Chas said...

I had five incisions too, I don't know why. They only kept me over night because I said I didn't care if I stayed in or not, and since I had insurance, they kept me in. If I wanted to go home they would have let me.

The hole by the belly button is, I think, where they insert the camera. It was the most sore incision I had, and right after the surgery it started bleeding. They just changed the bandage and the bleeding stopped.

You might be experiencing pain to the side of the opening, because they may have gone in at an angle. I would ask your doctor about it. If they closed the incision with staples or something, it could be poking you, but there are several different ways they can do things, and every surgery can have unique details, so I wouldn't want to speculate too much. The doctor shouldn't mind you asking questions; if there is something wrong, he would want to know.

Hemorrhoids could probably be just from being less active, and will likely clear up. You should find things getting better as time goes on, but if any problems persist or worsen, you should definitely consult your doctor.

Anonymous said...

hi its cunn37 for some reason its not taking my password thank you for answering. i can try to ask my doctor but i dont know she really didnt want to do my surgery cause of my weight she only focused on my weight yes i didnt have insurance so went to a free clinic. every other doctor said it needed to come out now but she wanted to wait to i lost some weight cause it would be hard on her. i'm sure she will tell me this pain cause of my weight getting a straight answer from her is hard when she went to tell my family how i was she didnt really tell them how i was doing she was focusing on her hands hurt cause of my weight she had to take longer she did tell them that i surprised her by doing very well during surgery but thats about all that was said like i said she was more on my weight then anything

Chas said...

Well, your weight could be a factor in your recovery, I couldn't say. And only she knows how the operation went, and how that might affect you now. Most doctors do a follow up after surgery. I would try to work with her, but if you can't get satisfaction you may have to seek another opinion if there are on-going issues. You may just need more time to heal too. A few weeks from now you might feel a lot better.

Holly said...

I started having these attacks on Valentines Day 2009. I have had every test under the sun. Everything came back negative except a CT scan showing a liver issue..after several more months of tests and ER visits and finally being sent to University of Penn in Philly, I was cleared not cancer but still having pains. Turns out the liver is an adnoma caused by use of birth control.I opted for the gallbladder removal since liver was not cause of pain. Now June 2nd of 2009 I am 6 days post op..eating pizza hotdogs and all with no attacks!! I am sore from surgery and tired however very worth it. The instant bring you to the floor pain is gone. The surgeon stated that upon the surgery the gallbladder was inflamed and covered in scar tissue inside was rather diseased. I look forward to a pain free life. No one can understand the pain of a gallbladder attack until they have experienced it. At one time I told my husband to kill me because the pain was just to much. Now I am happy and ready to live!!

Kathleen O'Malley said...

Holly, I had the EXACT same thing as you did. I had severe pain mostly in my back around my ribs for 3 long years. My doctors also found a lesion on my liver and FINALLY last December after multiple doctors, I found one that said he thought it was my gallbladder. It was removed on December 16th and I have been pain free ever since. I have gained this weird belly bulge ruighr below my belly button, but I will take that ANY day over that pain.

Mazinn said...

I am facing this surgery in three days and am terrified, i'm having an emotional breakdown.

Anyone who's heart compells them to, please email me with any advice or words of comfort at mazinn@localnet.com

I am so scared and have no one to talk to about this as no one I know had it done.

PLEASE, any help would be appreciated.

Chas said...

Mazinn,
No one can give you an absolute guarantee, but chances are, everything will go fine.

I had never had surgery before, and I was apprehensive. But the thought of going through more gall bladder attacks was equally scary.

When I would find myself thinking scary thoughts about the surgery, I would do affirmations instead, affirming that everything would go just fine; that the surgery would proceed smoothly, and be a success.

By the time I had the surgery, I was quite calm; I felt it would go well, and it did.

Right before the surgery, I was offered drugs to calm my nerves if I wanted them. I've heard that's common practice. I chose not to have them, but if you are still feeling anxiety by then, I would accept the offer.

If you have unanswered questions for your doctor, ask them and get them answered. knowing what to expect will make it easier.

This surgery is routine and has been performed many times for many years. Remember that the odds for success are in your favor. Since you have resolved to go through with the surgery, you can best help yourself now by thinking as positively about it as you can.

Anonymous said...

Hello all. Really appreciate all your comments! Hubby had 2 attacks 5 days apart 2 weeks ago. The ultrasound shows gallstones. Today he had a consult to prepare for an endoscopy and the Dr said he is sure Hubby will need GB surgery. BUT, we have a 25 day trip to New Zealand planned that Hubby has been wanting for 40 years. We're supposed to leave in less than 3 weeks. The endoscopy is scheduled for 6 days before we're scheduled to fly to New Zealand. He's afraid of having more attacks, but the last 2 weeks has cut out lots of fat from his diet, and has felt good. Please give us your opinion - can we go on vacation and wait to decide on surgery?

Anonymous said...

I had a severe abdomen pain in April this year and was diagnosed with having two gallstones after an Ultrasound. My doctor suggested removing my gallbladder, but I preferred to avoid surgery after scouring the Internet for info.

I went on a radical diet change overnight and for 3 months kept to a strict low fat diet. Plenty of veg (steamed) and fruits, multigrain or whole wheat bread and brown rice; no more chocolates and diary products, no deep fried or fast food. Out goes all the good (but sinful) stuff...life sucks, I can tell you.

There were no attacks during that period, and a follow up Ultrasound after the 3 months showed that the stones have reduced in size.

I know it is like keeping a time bomb in my body, but I will chance that and keep my gallbladder (even if it is a non-vital organ) for as long as I can.

Chas said...

About the trip to New Zealand; I changed my diet drastically before surgery, and the gall bladder quieted down quite a bit, even though it had been inflamed. Your husband might be able to postpone surgery by doing the same. But your husband's doctor would be a far better person to ask for an opinion, because he's more familiar with your husband's specific details.

The person who posted after you changed his diet, and now wants to keep his gall bladder. There is probably some risk involved with that, but it can be done. Many people choose to live with it and manage it, either as a temporary measure until they are ready for surgery, or indefinitely, as a way of life. The choice is yours to make, after considering your doctors advice for your specific case.

Anonymous said...

Here's the "Hubby" update. After loads of research, I decided that surgery does seem to be the best answer. So, I got on the phone, scheduled an appointment with a surgeon (GOOD one :) who could do the operation the same week. I then got the endoscopy moved up, spoke with the primary care doc, warned our travel agent of our BIG problem, and off we went down gallbladder surgery street.
Monday: confirm MDs with primary care doc
Tuesday: Meet surgeon
Wednesday: Endoscopy
Thursday: Surgery for inflamed gallbladder with stones
Friday: Brought Hubby home
Saturday: Here we are! Hubby says the worst part is the shoulder pain. He takes a hydrocodone pill every 2 hours or so, and is eating fine> Urination is slow - dunno why??? He did some watering in the yard, and is catching up on paperwork. We assume New Zealand in 10 days is OK although no doctor will give us confirmation. The nurses all say go for it.

Any thoughts???

Thank you!!!

Chas said...

I would tend to agree with the nurses. If there are no complications, I would guess he should be fine for a vacation.

Three days after my surgery, I was doing farm chores, carrying buckets of water, etc. My doctor encouraged me to be active, he said I should be able to follow my instincts, and if something felt too strained, to ease up. I was careful, and had no problems.

I think you're likely to have a wonderful vacation.

Enjoy!

brendakpenn said...

what did the dr. say about the scar tissue? Where did it come from? Had you had any previous abd. surgeries? i see my Dr. on Tues. I attend to ask him where this scar tissue came from. He said my Gallbladder was actually OK. It was the scar tissue that was causing my continous pain.

Chas said...

If I remember correctly, the lining of my gall bladder had become "scarred" from the presence of the gallstones and sludge, which irritated the lining of the gallbladder. Creating scar tissue over the lining is the gallbladder's defense against the irritation.

I had read somewhere that once that scarring occurs, it encourages sludge to build up, which helps new stones to form, which is why the surgeons don't just remove the gallstones and sludge; more would form anyway. So they remove the gallbladder, to avoid a chronic problem.

I don't know if that explanation is scientifically accurate, you could ask you doctor.

Anonymous said...

I just had my gall bladder removed yesterday, after years of pain, and even a hospital stay for 'unidentifiable' gastric problems. Thank you Jesus - my surgery was a breeze, only a little nausea afterward, and I was headed home around 2 p.m. after an 8 a.m. surgery. However, I also noticed the 'pooch' around the belly button - tell me this goes away! I exercise more than an our of day, and work on my abs a fair amount on the rowing machine - I'm feeling MUCH better after having my GB removed, but want to trim this belly back down!
How about it Chas; did your belly swelling eventually go away?

Chas said...

I have to say, I didn't experience the "pooch" that you and some others have mentioned. My belly looked pretty much the same as it did before the surgery. But then I was already overweight to begin with. A thinner person might notice a difference, I don't know. I would ask your surgeon about it.

Anonymous said...

They had my surgery on April 16th. They started the surgery at just past 10am, were done around 12:30 and I was on my way home a few minutes after 1pm. My mother in law couldn't believe they were releasing me so soon. (She's a retired nurse) I had the lower abdominal bloating also that day and just got worse that night until I was in so much pain my husband called the surgeon, which we never got a call back from. I
wasn't able to hardly walk for a few days but slowly got better after that. The first month I really had to watch what I ate. I only ate at restaurants a few times because I would get diarrhea very soon after eating some of the time. Even after all of this, I would definitely have the surgery again. I'm not in constant pain any more. I didn't have stones at all. My gallbladder just stopped working all together.

Anonymous said...

I had laparoscopic g.b. surgery one week ago today (Friday, July 9). (51 yo female with lots of health issues including diabetes) I never experienced any gall bladder pain pre-surgery--I was just nauseated all the time, every time I ate something.

Ultrasound showed stones, internist and surgeon both recommended surgery even though my g.b. trouble didn't present as usual. Went in at 9:00 a.m., home by 3:00. I have to admit that Friday night I was in agony--mostly from the CO2 gas. Nobody said anything about moving around to relieve pain--and when I had laparoscopic surgery 20 years ago they said lie flat on your back for 24 hours.

Finally Friday night my husband had me roll over onto my side, and the pain was almost immediately better. Got up to walk to the car to go to the ER, and the gas started moving around (ended up not going to ER). Anyone out there considering this surgery, get up and move around as soon as you can, as much as you can. I ended up sleeping in the recliner where I could wiggle around a lot.

Saturday (the day after surgery) I ran a fever most of the day and night--101 degrees--but didn't call the dr. because when I took Motrin in addition to the Oxycontin the fever broke. Sunday was MUCH better, with the most severe pain still in my right shoulder. Incisions aren't very painful at all. Went to work on Tuesday for 4 hours and have gradually worked up to a full 8 hrs today.

Didn't have a BM until Wednesday but that was because I hadn't eaten any real food since Thursday before surgery. No problems urinating, even from the beginning. Poochy belly--my whole belly is swollen, and I look pregnant, but I've been told the bloating will go away after a few more days. It's not uncomfortable, just makes me look fat!

Every day the pain gets less, and my stamina is increasing. I can literally tell day by day I'm improving. I actually ate a hot dog, something I hadn't eaten in months, last night, and other than a little diarrhea this morning, no ill effects! I probably won't experiment any more for a couple of days, but next week I'm having fried chicken, come what may!

Oh, two other pieces of advice--take a stool softener, even if you have nothing to get out, because that first BM is a doozy and you don't want to have to strain against all the incisions and sore spots. Also, you'll want something for gas once you start eating normal food. Movements of gas pockets can be really painful.

Anonymous said...

Day 4 after Lap Chole, I feel great! I had some discomfort day one and two after surgery, but with movement that went away. Simply put, the more I move the better I feel. Most foods are tolerated well, but I am taking it slow on reintroducing my body to solids. I was two weeks on a liquid diet before surgery. I eat prunes and a high fiber cereal for breakfast, and did not have that dreaded impossible first bm people warn about.

My surgeon also said that I had scar tissue on my gb in addition to multiple stones, I also have always had pain in upper right abs when running, I think you may be on to something of a connection with that.

Janet N. said...

For anyone debating the need for this surgery -- LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR!! I am just completing the 8th month of care for my 83 yr old father who ignored the advice of his physicians to remove his gall bladder for more than a year after several attacks and subsequent infections. He tried to manage his attacks with a modified diet and a lot of unneeded fear of surgery.("let sleeping dogs lie" was a favorite statement.) Well, that dog woke up and bit him in the behind with rabid ferocity. He went into the hospital in May 2010 with another "attack" he assumed they could treat like the other attacks with antibiotics. Instead, he decompensated in the middle of the night, went into septic shock with ascending cholangitis from a bacteria present in his gall bladder that is found in the botulism family, and nearly died. He spent 2 weeks on a mechanical respirator, a full month in ICU, 6 months on a foley catheter (from prostate enlargement that came after the sepsis), narrowly avoided the need for dialysis when his kidneys started failing, 5 months in rehab trying to regain strength enough to sit, stand, walk and feed himself again, was forced to sell his and my mother's home to move near family in another state for assitive care 24/7.

Now, it is January 2011 and he is finally strong enough to have the gall bladder removed. The sepsis caused so much scar tissue inside him the surgery to remove the GB was especially difficult, even though it was done laparoscopically. Today, 3 days after surgery, his hemoglobin plunged and they suspected internal bleeding. No?? Utilizing a procedure like a heart catheterization, going up through an artery in the groin, they determined he not losing blood from an artery leak, but is losing blood from "venous oozing" -- enough to require 2 pints of blood and additional units of plasma in transfusions. Why? Because of all the surgical peeling away of scarred tissue during surgery(and also draining a cyst on the liver) all caused from the tissue damage from the sepsis last spring.

So, if your doctor tells you you need to have a diseased gall bladder taken out, for heaven's sake, LISTEN and ACT ---NOW!!! No organ you can live without is worth risking septic shock and a year of your life, and the lives of your family, too, to recover -- if you ever do!! Any by the way, only about 50% of patients with this kind of sepsis AT ANY AGE ever live to tell about it. It's not just an old man's liability.

Chas said...

Janet,

I'm sorry to hear about the many difficulties you've all had to go through, but thank you for taking the time to share the story with us. It was hearing stories like that, that finally convinced me to have the surgery as the doctors advised. There just seemed to be too many unnecessary risks involved with trying to keep a damaged gall bladder. Best Wishes for you and yours.

Anonymous said...

I will be having my surgery some tine this year (I am living in NZ and there are waiting lists at the hospital) most likely March or April. To be honest I belong to the "terrified group" as the surgery and anaesthesia scares the hell out of me.
I do have a collagen benign disorder and needed a consultation with the anaesthesist, but after a thorough examination he assured me I will have no problem during the anaesthesia.
I have no other choice but to trust him as I have decided to have the operation, I don´t want to risk further and bigger problems and end up having surgery as an emergency procedure which would be way riskier...
So, I am trying to get used to the idea and beat the panic before the day comes :-)
I will let you know how it went for me.

Chas said...

Instead of worrying about what might happen, try to focus instead on visualizing the best outcome that you want to happen. More positive thoughts will make you less anxious.

Also, you may want to discuss with your anesthesiologist, the possibility of giving you something for your nerves prior to surgery. They usually offer something, and it may help you get through it. If you arrange it in advance it could help ease your mind about it.

Unknown said...

Hi Chas,

Thanks for sharing your story, it was an interesting read, as were some of the comments.

I'm facing the same decision; I have a consultation on 14th April. I'm unsure what to do yet, but I think I am leaning towards having my gallbladder removed.

I've not had an acute episode, but more of an on going irritation — it feels like someone is prodding me in my gallbladder sometimes, and other times it feels itchy.

My questions are around recovery — how long was it before you were back up to speed?

I'm travelling on Apr 20th, so would look to have the surgery after then, but, I'm also running a race on July 20th for charity fundraising, and I don't want to have to drop out because of this.

Thanks,
Gordon.

Chas said...

Gordon,

It can vary with each persons particulars. Your doctor is probably the best person to answer that question for you.

That said, I know that in my case, it was not too bad. Laparoscopic surgery can mean a quicker recovery, if there are no complications.

I told my doctor I needed to do farm work every day, which meant carrying buckets of water, ect. I asked him how long I should not do that? He said, don't stop! He said it was important to start moving again as soon as possible, and that I should just pay close attention to what my body tells me is ok. If it hurts or feels too stressful, stop.

I was give vicadin for pain. I took one dose, then switched to Ibuprofen for a few days, then nothing. It didn't slow me down much, I watched the heavy-lifting for a while, but I think in about three weeks I was at normal again. It was a while back, but I think that was about it.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the information Chas!

Looking forward to having my consultation. Haven't had much bother over the last week or so, but today it has bothered me all day!

At least this time next week I should have a decision.

Thanks again for sharing.

Regards,
Gordon.

Unknown said...

Hi Chas,

I'm in for my surgery tomorrow. Feeling pretty apprehensive about it.

I'm sure it'll all be fine, I'm just not looking forward to how invasive it all is.

Hoping it all goes well.

Regards,
Gordon.

Chas said...

It is invasive, but Laparoscopic is less so than the way it used to be done. It's become a common surgery, and while no one can guarantee it will be trouble-free, statistically you are likely to come through it well.

Best wishes for a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery!

Unknown said...

Thanks Chas.

All seems to have gone well. Haven't been able to go home today, not due to complications though, just haven't been able to pass urine until late in the night, so it was too late to discharge me.

I can already feel the difference. The surgeon showed me the stones in there!

It's early days yet, but I'm feeling positive about having it done. I was terrified before coming in, and it's easy to say 10 hours on, but it was completely unwarranted.

Thanks for all of the advice - such a gent, cheers mate!

Anonymous said...

Chas,
I just went through surgery this morning. I am having the What I believe is common post surgery pain, bloating and etc. I am not a prescription pain meds fan but am taking them today. My surgeon said I had a lot of scar tissue. I'm very curious as to what caused it since I have never had surgery before. I will be sure to ask on follow up.
I wanted to thank you for keeping up with your original post from 2006 I have found it a little hard to find good information with actual experiences.

Chas said...

I would guess that your doctor meant scar tissue on the lining of your gall bladder. It's a common side affect of gallstones or sludge in the gall bladder. It also practically guarantees continued forming of gallstones/sludge, and the problems that come with them. Such scar tissue is frequently found in gall bladders with symptoms that require removal.

I'm glad you found the post helpful. It's one of the most visited posts on my blog, so hopefully people will continue to find it a useful source of information.

Robyn Grace said...

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Anonymous said...

My husband was clinging to the book case telling me he was going to die. This is the man who walked to the Dr on a broken leg and drove himself to hospital after severing 3 fingers in an accident. GB pain must be unreal.

Anonymous said...

I had my gallbladder removed on January 14,2018 during emergency surgery. I went to the hospital on the 13th due to severe vomiting and pain on my right side. They admitted me for further testing which included chest X-Ray (done in ER), ultra sound and nuclear trace element Tc-99 scan. I wasn't even totally done with the last test when the surgeon came down to radiology to get me for emergency surgery. I was rushed back upstairs to the operating room and my gallbladder was removed by laparoscopic means. The doctor said it was bad and had turned gangrene. I had a JP drain installed and that was monitored for the duration of my hospital stay of 4 days. I was given antibiotic therapy by IV for the 3 days following the surgery. JP drain was removed prior to my discharge on the 17th. (That hurt when it was pulled) So far so good but I do have concerns over the gangrene thing. Charlie......

Anonymous said...

Hi chas..great blog. What symptoms you had before gallbladder removal and how do you feel now as it's been 12 years?
I have extreme bloating and burping and lightheaded feeling. I intially had non working gb, then it got gallstones.Also I have gastritis with barrets esophagus, so I'm in sidelines to remove my gb or not.

Unknown said...

I am a 56 year old woman, 5'3 1/2" tall and weigh 109 lbs. I exercise regularly 5 times a week and one month prior to surgery, ate only plant-based food (like Quaker oats, oat bran, beans, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables), non-fat yogurt, chicken and seafood. It was not that bad. The only thing is I cannot gain weight on that diet. A laproscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder was performed yesterday. Bloating was minimal and the pain was tolerable, so I decided not to take any pain meds primarily to avoid constipation. Once I came home from surgery, I walked up and down the hallway dozens of times to avoid blood clots in my legs. So far, I will stick to my pre-surgery diet. Last night I slept well with zero pain. Hopefully I will recover with minimal or zero complication. I guess the recovery process is different between people based on their underlying health conditions and the surgeon's expertise.