Anyone had their gallbladder out??

[phamton]

Originally posted by orrnluvswdw
Deno:

You will more than likely have shoulder pain afterwards. Why? The "gas" that's used to inflate the abdomen needs some place to go afterwards. It goes up into the upper body cavity - around the shoulders (lots of empty space there) - & that's where the discomfort comes from. It's really benefical to walk as much afterwards as you can. It helps to disperse the gas.

I had Laparoscopic surgery for my gall bladder removal (I had lots of stones.) I was warned by the nurses about the shoulder pain and was dreading it. I had another surgery years before where I had experienced the shoulder pain from trapped air so I was not looking forward to reliving that pain. Well, after surgery I had absolutely no shoulder pain. I mentioned it to my surgeon and he smiled and told me that he pumps water in to dissipate the air. The air is pushed out, the water is absorbed and viola! no trapped air. I asked him if everyone did that now and told me no but he had learned about it years earlier and now always used it.

I had my surgery on a Thursday and was back at work on Monday. I also had a small hernia repaired near my belly button. I had developed it years before when I was pregnant with twins.

 

[off2disney]

I had my gallbladder removed June a year ago - stayed overnight so they could monitor my diabetes - no staples, just bandades. Had my surgery at 7:30, back in the room at about 10:00 am, waiting on lunch! I was surprised at the lack of pain (discomfort mostly and tenderness) but was nauseated for about two weeks (it could have been the anestheatic, or possibly one of my disbetic meds that had a tendency to make me nauseated). I had surgery Friday and was back at work Wednesday -- climbing the stairs to my office was tricky, especially when I only had 90 seconds to get up and turn off the alarm! Fatty foods don't seem to bother me -- but boy, does lettuce or a salad tear me up!

 

[deno2]

Thanks for all of the information!! My surgery is scheduled for Monday at 11:00a.m. I'm hoping to be home to tuck my kids in. DH knows that is has to play Mr. Mom for a couple of days and I'm planning on taking it easy. I'll let everyone know how it all turned as soon as I can.

Thanks again,

Deno

 

[nativetxn]

My neighbor had her gallbladder removed laparoscopically and had an easy recovery.

I had my gallbladder removed but they were unable to use the laparoscope due to adhesions in my abdomen caused by several previous surgeries. I had what is called an "open" procedure and had 3 days in the hospital plus a little longer recovery time.

20 years a gallbladder surgery was a whole lot worse than it is now. We are so lucky to have the laparoscopic procedures available to us.

Good luck with this surgery. I hope you have an easy time and a swift recovery. Will you keep us posted? Will someone be letting us know when your surgery is over and you are resting well?

Katholyn

 

[DISchick]

I had mine out a year ago almost to the day. It was the best thing I ever did! The surgery was fairly easy and recovery was short. I had it done on Friday and was back for parent/teacher conferences on Tuesday. I tired out easily, but beyond being a little uncomfortable around the incisions for a couple of weeks, it was a piece of cake! Good luck!
P.S.--tell your Dr. that you get nauseated with anesthesia and you'll get some lovely drugs in your I.V............