gall bladder removal and still in pain..

[scojos]

hi, just wanted to ask you some advice please
i had my gall bladder removed 12 months ago and am still suffering with pain and am seeing a gastroenterologist, who has confirmed there are no stones in my bile duct but thinks there may bean issue with my kidneys

physically i cant do what i did, i tire easily, which annoys me massively, and we travel to wdw next week.

does anyone have anysuggestions for dealing with this whilst at wdw?

i have decided to wait a few days to see if i need an ecv(we wont be doing commando as we have an asd son, and therefore a GAC with him, but should i get one for myself?) i know ill struggle to stand (we are doing the "wise" in early/out lunch/pool and chill type days , there will not be any long days.
Is there anyway i can get a "wait in a quiet area" gac added to his gac to avoid needing 2? we will not be splitting too often.

any suggestions on dealing with this issue..anyone done wdw after a gallbladder removal and how did you cope?
all my dr said was "drink lots of powerade to put salts back in your body or eat crisps... helpful huh??
thanks for any info you can give me, im slightly scared tbh..
thanks
tracy

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

WDW's official policy for dealing with stamina problems is get a wheelchair or ECV. Because of that, they tend not to give out any type of GAC for this particular problem. And as with a mobility aid, no GAC is needed (need is than visable); no GAC. That is basically left in case there are extra other needs.

Besides that, I would also really advice you to NOT wait a couple of days and get yourself the ECV. Honestly, you'ld rather NOT find you need one as you'll be later than need be at that stage already. Commando or no commando style does not matter, doing WDW on a non-commando style will be tiring enough allready. Simply think about the miles you'll be covering at a park. If you tire easily, those alone will be enough to get more than the best of you. Than all of the standing in line. Climbing in and out of rides. Keeping an eye on the kids (more draining in big crowds). And the list goes on and on. Really, do yourself and your family the favor of getting an ECV. It will result in you not having to use your precious energy on 'non essential' things like standing and walking, so you can use it for having fun, watching kids, getting in and out of ride vehicles etc.

If you need a rest; know you can also use the First Aid stations in the park. Sue has posted some pics of those, think they're also in the FAQ's. Definately still do the breaks, but usage of the first aid stations can help if you find parktime is still needing a rest. For instance when the other adult(s) do one or 2 rides with the kids that don't particularly make you go anyway. You get a quick rest, they have some fun, you meet up again and go further for another ride, show or 2.


Have you considered your flight yet? I reckon you haven't flown since you started to deal with the tiring? If that is the case, prepare for the flight! Transatlantic can be a whole new level off draining than you're used from having done the flight before and the tiring you can get now from the health problems. Find out what can work for you to reduce this effect. Then; implement it during the flight! Forget about perhaps looking silly or something; if it works, it works! Have you found that you experience pain (easier) because of this? Any other problems, aillments, whatever? If so; talk it over with your GP. Stamina isn't something they can help with (if only! ), but some other things they can sometimes help you with for during the flight on a 'one time'-basis combined with you acting wisely with the whole situation. For instance if you find yourself in more pain, sometimes painkillers can help but it is smart to not take that benefit and run with it. Rather still take it easy, use the day after arrival to rest etc.


For both, it's probably smart to discuss all before going on the trip. With kids, there is a real risk of mom going and going and going, simply because she's mom and the kids need............. Not too bad if you're at home or if it's for one day, but this is a whole trip. At WDW, in a plane etc. All in itself tiring enough, let alone if you've got stamina issues. It will be of great value if you've got a basic plan of who will do what. What if somebody has a meltdown? What if mom needs a day off to rest? Is it easier on mom if the others go to the park or stick around at the resort? What if for whatever reason the kids need splitting up for a moment? It helps all of you involved to have some kind of idea of what you could do. For you it might just help you not to keep on going on the Mommy-has-to-do.........bandwagon if you're beyond done and ask for help. The other adult(s) knows what they can't expect off you that you'ld normally be able to do. It helps the kids realise mommy also still needs to rest sometimes and unfortunately isn't cured because you're at a magical place. I know it might be different with your asd son and might be impossible on some subjects, but talking it over again and again can't hurt.

 

[scojos]

thank you so much for your response
i had considered everything except the flight
we have booked bulk head seats for ds to have some space, so ill be sat with him, which will, indeed, be draining, we are travelling down to london the night before so we can relax in the evening and have a quiet meal before early start the next day
once we get there, ill be handing over to dh, he drives, so no stress there, but you are right on the mommy keeps going as we spent £ to get here, and i will need to chill and relax we have used the 1st aid stations before for josh, and ill remember that tip if i need it.
im v reluctant (its ok, you can shout) to use an ecv..pride, ignorance, removing it from someone who needs it...not sure why, i have quiet an active job, so can keep up..BUT i know the heat/humidity is going to kill me, it always does
i have some high dose drugs which i havent taken for a while, may take them "just in case" though i can normally survive on co codamol/paracetemol.

i will be eating low fat and hope that this prevents any flare ups
thanks for the advice, ill show it to dh...maybe he ll listen to you
tracy

 

[buzz for boys]

Think I have told you this before m8 but ill tell you again just in case.
On our lst trip I had just been diagnosised with an underactive thyroid which meant that the weeks before we wnt I was in agony with my legs and could barely get out of bed I was so tired all the time. I was so worried how we were going tot tour the world was determined not to cancel - I had painkillers by teh 100s in my suitcase and was determined to take as many as i needed.

Well I did need painkillers and yes I did go bed and sleep everyafternoon and missed out on pool time with the kids but we had the holiday of a lifetime (again!!) and the pace was slower but not a bad thing just different. The atmosphere meant that i stopped orrying and taht meant that I felt so much better in my self.

Do as much or as little as you can m8 - he at least you are with your kids on holidays - what more could you want ??

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

For the flight; find out if you can have DH with you guys. In that case, if you need a helping hand it's a lot easier. Including doing a 'switch' of 'duty' if need be. Already prep son about this. While his asd can be a problem (depending on how he reacts to these things), it's best not to 'surprise' him with this if you do need help. Nothing's worse than you being drained and him having a meltdown at said moment.

The ECV; what would you tell your best friend if she was in your situation and with the experience you've already got about how much energy WDW takes? You'ld probably say 'ECV all the way', right? So why not give yourself the same proper love, care and support needed? You are NOT taking it away from anybody. It does not chance you. You're still the same you, but simply need some help because of some healthproblems. So be it. Pride? Directed in the wrong way, I'm afraid. I won't shout, I kinda know that why-make-it-easier-on-myself-syndrome by hart also. But really, if you find yourself tired at home to such an extend you're needing medical advice? ECV all the way. Even if it is just for a quick dash to something or just to have the energy to watch your son. Hey, that already is a beyond-fulltime job probably.


Meds; get your paperwork in order. Don't know what the "high dose drugs" are you're talking about, but they might need some preperation to take them into the US legally. Very simple rule of thumb is that any meds that might be abused for addiction (and thus smuggle worhty) need some extra work. Opioids, sleepingmeds, some types of anti-depressants, codeine, those kinds of things. What you'll need? Have the meds in their original packaging, with the pharmacy labelling on it. Have your doc write a letter. In it should be; your name, adress, date of birth, and the letter needs to be dated. Doc has to put down the meds you're using and which dose. Also; amount of days you're travelling and dose you use and total amount per drugs you're taking along (simply amount of days x dosage per day). The doc needs to sign it, handsignature (name can be a stamp).

Most of the times they won't check and most folks will think it's peachy to bring whatever into the US because it's a medication in their own country. Not the case. If you do get checked, the papers will allow you to not only enter with it but also not be seen as a possible smuggler. If you vary in your dosage; have doc write down the expected average or highest dosage. take along enough for a couple of days more in case flight gets delayed, cancelled, a certain Icelandic vulcano acts up again etc. You can only bring FDA-approved meds into the US. Most painkillers prescribed in the UK will also be FDA-approved. Most important thing is that you know the name of the working substance, as brand names can vary. (that's easily found in the little leaflet that comes with the meds)


Who are you flying, by the way? VA? Bulkheads tend to not have any extra space, rather be a bit less of it because of no space to extend legs into. Could be worth to check the lay out. If the wall itself does help son, that downside could be worth it again.

 

[scojos]

thanks louise ill sleep if i need to, grace says im a polarbear good job shes loves bears as i hybernate
we are flying AA, the space is essential for ds, we are both claustrophobic, so having no one in front makes it "ok" iykwim.
drugs im (not) taking at the mo is tramadol, have already checked on here and the lovely dissers have saids its ok to bring in, have a dozen or so to bring (boxed with labels)but havent taken them in about 6 months due to side effects (nausea/diah/vomiting) they are the last thing i want to take at wdw, and think ill stick to the co codamol.
and yes, you are both right, if it was someone else i would tell them ECV all the way,
thanks again for the advice
tracy x

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

drugs im (not) taking at the mo is tramadol, have already checked on here and the lovely dissers have saids its ok to bring in,

Please always be somewhat aware with -well meant- advices like that! It still is internet, wrong info can be found/given easily. Incl. this posting. I read them all over. Unfortunately those advices are based on folks having lucky experience rather than fact. Fact is that CPB most of the times won't check and thus folks will think all is peachy. Not the case. Tramadol falls under opioids and need the formentioned paperwork. Again, the chances you do get picked for a check aren't big but if you do you'll be happy with the paperwork.

Because the info online from CPB, TSA etc. on this is very unclear for those of us travelling from without the US, I did some research on this when I did my first trip. Consulary; no help. Ambassy; no clue. In the end I talked to a couple of CPB-offices at a couple of airports that clued me in on what I'ld be needing. On that first trip and some since, I've talked to different CPB-agents about this. What was needed to bring my meds in legally, did I need any other papers, was I overdoing it or not, that kind of things. It was always confirmed to me that the drugs that fall under opioids and other drugs that are 'smuggleworthy' to have the mentioned paperwork with me. I always travel with a fair load of opioids, other 'addiction worthy' meds etc. so don't ever take any risks with those.

have a dozen or so to bring (boxed with labels)but havent taken them in about 6 months due to side effects (nausea/diah/vomiting) they are the last thing i want to take at wdw, and think ill stick to the co codamol.

It's probably too late for WDW by now, but talk it over with the doc. Within the opioid-group it can be a trial and error before you find the type that fits you best. What can make you very sick, will make another person function great and vice versa. Besides that there are lots of things that can be done when it comes to pain. If you haven't seen one yet, a pain specialist perhaps could help you out on this department. They tend to be aneasthesiologists with an extra speciality in this department. While side effects will always be around with these stronger types of medication, you shouldn't have to settle for something that prohibits you from using the medication when needed because of the side effects, unless other options have been found to be a non option.

and yes, you are both right, if it was someone else i would tell them ECV all the way,
thanks again for the advice
tracy x

Have fun! Only a week more to go, wow!

 

[pbrim]

You should be aware that some drugs containing codine that are over the counter in other countries are prescription in the US. I don't know what co-codomal is, but the name sounds like it might contain codine. It couldn't hurt to have a doctors note for that was well.

 

[scojos]

You should be aware that some drugs containing codine that are over the counter in other countries are prescription in the US. I don't know what co-codomal is, but the name sounds like it might contain codine. It couldn't hurt to have a doctors note for that was well.

co codamol is an over the counter drug here which i dont have on perscription, but does indeed contain codine.
can i not bring that into the country then?
tx

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

co codamol is an over the counter drug here which i dont have on perscription, but does indeed contain codine.
can i not bring that into the country then?
tx

You can, but you'll need the paperwork for it. Talk it over with your GP, shouldn't be any problem to have him/her right the needed letter. Officially it would also need the pharmacies label on it. Easier would be if you could get it through the pharmacy this time so it's already got the label on it. Aren't totally in the loop about UK options, but for most countries here within the EU you can still get over the counter meds 'prescribed' by your doc and get them through the pharmacy. You pay for them like you'ld always would (sometimes a bit more because of the prescription involved).

Label on it combined with the docs letter with your info on it, dosage you use, total days of travel, total amount of meds taken with you, docs info and his signature (last one has to be written) and you're all set to take it along legally.

 

[scojos]

wow thats complicated, can i bring paracetemol instead?

might be easier just to buy pain killers when i get there

 

[WheeledTraveler]

co-codamol is definitely something that would need a doctor's note/pharmacy label to bring legally into the US (although I can certainly say anecdotally that I was never stopped the couple of times I brought it home by accident from holiday in the UK).

Paracetamol by itself you can bring in as it's non-prescription here. In the US, if you want to buy it here, you can look for Tylenol (name brand) or acetaminophen (generic).

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

wow thats complicated, can i bring paracetemol instead?

If you're used to codine, I wouldn't go down a level. Especially during a trip that will take more out of you than being at home would. After all if paracetamol would've been enough, you would've taken that at home already.

Sounds complicated for a first time, but really it isn't. All it takes is a docs note. I assume your GP has an assistant? Talk it over with them. Those notes are done in like a minute. Knowing your history, being familiar with the fact you're already taken painmeds a longer time and that a transatlantic trip isn't particularly always easy on pain, there hardly is a GP around that doesn't want to write up the note. If you want a shortlist for it, yell. I'll PM you one that you can print and give to GP/assistant. Saves you remembering what you need, explaining and worrying if all is covered. Really, it's easy. I do it each year for about 10/12 types of meds. It's no work at all. Getting my prescription filled is more work and that's also very easy.

might be easier just to buy pain killers when i get there

Easier? Let's see;
- Have you got a shopping trip planned on the first day?
- Have you got the energy for that?
- do you know which US meds will be effective enough to deal with your pain and possible extra pain because you've been on the flight and will do slightly more on a trip?
- do you expect GP to refuse writing the note up?


I know how daunting things can look when you have to take care of it the first time. It did for me. But talking from experience; really, it's a lot easier to get the note -done like that, and each year will be easier- and have the meds at hand I know and know how my body will act upon them.

If you can do fine with the paracetamol in regular life; great! If that is enough for the extra pain you might expect during the trip; even better! If not, I wouldn't take that risk personally. As you've found out, over the counter painkillers are stricter in the US than in the UK. If you already struggle with paracetamol at home, what if you are in the US? How would it impact you and the family if the pain becomes really bad and either you need to arrange for something else (get doc in, etc. etc. ) or try to bite the bullit and pay the price for that?

Again, if the para is enough at home; go for it!! If not; think about what you would tell your best friend if she was in your position.

 

[Schmeck]

any suggestions on dealing with this issue..anyone done wdw after a gallbladder removal and how did you cope?
all my dr said was "drink lots of powerade to put salts back in your body or eat crisps... helpful huh??
thanks for any info you can give me, im slightly scared tbh..
thanks
tracy

Avoid this doctor and his advice - without a gall bladder, and possible kidney problems, adding 'salts' and fats (crisps to you are called potato chips here, right?) are the worst thing to do to you, especially in a foreign country! Hydrate with plain (bottled) water, stay away from your trigger foods (if you know them!) and eat small, steady meals. Plan lots of indoor rest times in the parks, as well as the resort break.

I'm going through the same issues (gall bladder removed almost a year ago, diet problems still!) and have the best success when staying on a bland diet in the heat and humidity. Low salt/fat crackers, carbonated water, gelatin, ice pops and fat free fruit snacks can set my system straight after 1-2 days. I have to avoid dairy, meat and fiber when my digestive system goes haywire.

 

[nanadeb]

Avoid this doctor and his advice - without a gall bladder, and possible kidney problems, adding 'salts' and fats (crisps to you are called potato chips here, right?) are the worst thing to do to you, especially in a foreign country! Hydrate with plain (bottled) water, stay away from your trigger foods (if you know them!) and eat small, steady meals.

I agree about the advice about the reduced fats. Crisps are way too fatty. Try salted pretzels instead.
I'm afraid plain water will not be enough in high heat and humidity. You need to replenish your electrolytes, which include both sodium and potassium. I find that the easiest way to do this is to eat a banana or orange daily, or drink orange, pineapple, or tomato juice. (Yet another reason to get a Dole Whip float!)
Think tropical fruit for tropical climate relief for your body. It's best to use this before you start out for the day, since it would take a while to digest after you already have a problem going on. Avoid drinks with caffeine.
I had my gall bladder out 20 years ago, and I still have problems with digesting fats. It can cause quite a bit of distress.
Go ahead and get that ECV. You need to thoroughly enjoy your holiday. Renting one from an outside agency is much cheaper and you will be assured of having one every day.