Gall Bladder Surgery

[YourMajesty]

Interesting thread. I've been dealing with what we think is probably gall bladder pain for quite a while now. I've had every test imaginable and everything looks fine, but since it follows a classic gall bladder pattern the plan is to go ahead and take it out next time I get it (which is now, actually). But after reading all this I'm not so sure I want to, LOL.

Can those of you who did NOT have stones tell me how you were finally diagnosed? Did anyone have it out electively (as opposed to emergently)? Any info will be helpful.

Pea-n-Me,

My ultrasound only showed some polyps. The GI Dr sent me for a function test which I think is called a HIDA scan. It measures what % the gallbladder is functioning. He told me less than 35% for a woman would warrant removal (not sure if all docs use the same %). Mine was funtioning around 20%. I was having GI problems and some mild attacks. Since he was a GI doctor and I take daily OTC meds for reflux he also did an upper and lower scope. It showed a hiatal hernia which can contribute to the reflux. The surgeon said that we would just have to "see" how much improvement I have with the gallbladder out. Anyway, back to the GI dr...he said when you gallbladder is functioning very low you can get it out now or wait until you are in an emergency situation and still get it out with a longer recovery (basically...get it out)! Good luck.

 

[YourMajesty]

I had mine out in 1999.

Now I have to get a scope for reflux. I NEVER EVER had heartburn until after I had my gallbladder out. It has gotten pretty bad and I hope I am OK. Getting a colonoscopy too. Oh the joy of my digestive system.

I hope you feel better soon!!! Just watch that diet and go easy on yourself.

Just wanted to let you know that the colonscopy is not too bad. The bowel cleansing and not eating the day before was a drag. Honestly the tube down the throat was way worse....I was gagging a bunch. Good luck

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you The Hat and Your Majesty. I just had my physical last month and my PCP asked me if I needed a surgeon's referral yet and I said no, felt fine. But after eating rich food on my cruise last week I can feel it acting up again, bummer.

I have been followed by a GI doc and I can't say he's been all that helpful (other than running tests), but it was he who originally suggested that many people who have this type of pain feel better after thay have the GB out.

The Mystery Machine, I had an endoscopy this summer and it wasn't bad at all. They sprayed something in my throat to prevent gagging. I went to sleep a bit nervous but when I woke up I didn't remember a thing.

 

[krcit]

Pea-n-me, I agree with what Your Royal Majesty said about getting it out before it becomes an emergency situation. I had mine out about 2 1/2 years ago . I had had one HORRIBLE attack where I thought I was dying, was minutes from going to the hospital(which goes to show you how much pain I was in b/c I don't do hospitals, lol) and finally the pain subsided after hours of it. That was it for about a year and then it happened again. I went to the Dr the next day and he immediatley suspected gallstones so he sent me for an ultrasound-the us confirmed several stones so I went to a surgeon who explained to me that it was beter to have the sugery done electively then wait for an emergency. I scheduled surgery for about a month later and was so glad I did b/c by then I was having attacks all the time no matter what I ate. Anyway, had the surgery, recovery was a breeze for me, luckily. I am now very friendly with Immodium but nothing crazy and honestly-it forces me to make better eating choices. I lost about 15 lbs.

Photobear Sam-I think you should get checked out. I got to a point where even salad gave me an attack so I bet bread and pasta could do it. Good luck-it really is a horrible pain, isn't it?

 

[DVC-Don]

Had mine out 4 days before this past Christmas. I takes 2 to 3 weeks to really get back to normal. It'll get better.

I had 4 attacks in mid December and wound up in the ER three times, twice via ambulance along with a 3 day hospital stay thrown in. I thought I was dieng. I lost about 20 pounds which was a nice side effect.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

I really can't thank everyone enough for posting their experiences.......I'm calling tomorrow for an appt. Can't imagine having an attack while I'm at WDW in April!! We plan on being there 4/22, hopefully I can have it done soon so I'll be "back to normal" by then..........with Imodium AD in my back pocket.
Again, to hear from "strangers" having the same problems/symptoms as me, makes me feel like I'm not the only one. Thanks again.
OP--so glad you're feeling better and you don't regret the surgery.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks krcit, your point is well taken. I guess I'd feel better about it if they found something there, even sludge - maybe the surgeon will order a HIDA scan before we start. The worst episode I had was one night, I thought I would have to call 911 because the pain was so bad I couldn't take a breath in and I felt like I was running out of air. It only lasted a few minutes thankfully and never happened again that badly, just an off and on "ache" under my rib cage that goes around to my back and sometimes up to my shoulder blade.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Just wanted to bring another story to this one...when I was pregnant with my first son 8 yrs ago, I started having horrible pain in my back one night and throwing up. Not sure if I was in labor (at only about 27 weeks), the MD said to go to labor & del to get checked. Long story short, IVs for dehydration, they figure it's food poisoning & send me home. A few weeks later, same thing. Back to the hospital, this time they admit me & run a ton of tests. Turns out it's my gall bladder. Pain was in my back b/c my organs were all pushed around from pregnancy. Well, we don't want to undergo surgery while pregnant so I stick it out (in & out of the hospital 3 times during this so they can observe baby during the attacks and I would get so dehydrated my MD would call my pee "hot chocolate"--gross I know!) I waited for the surgery until about 3 months post-baby. Horrible, miserable pain and attacks right up until I had it out. MDs agree that it happens often in pregnancy as the stone formation can be triggered by hormones. So, that's my story, glad I got rid of it and good luck to anyone else with it...it's not fun. However, if anyone is pregnant and having similar symptoms, tell your MD to check it out!

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

P.S. I often thought a heating pad helped if you put it right where the pain was, It would dull it enough to let me sleep!

 

[PoohHappens]

Thanks krcit, your point is well taken. I guess I'd feel better about it if they found something there, even sludge - maybe the surgeon will order a HIDA scan before we start. The worst episode I had was one night, I thought I would have to call 911 because the pain was so bad I couldn't take a breath in and I felt like I was running out of air. It only lasted a few minutes thankfully and never happened again that badly, just an off and on "ache" under my rib cage that goes around to my back and sometimes up to my shoulder blade.

I have to say I love hearing another nurse saying that she could hardly breath and yet only had to ALMOST call 911. I had an attack that was so bad I was crying and it lasted 4 hours, the chest pain was awful and I have and extensive cardiac history and STILL did not go to the hospital or even see a doctor or mention it. And then there was the one at WDW that woke me in the middle of the night and I paced the room for 3 hours. The only way we figured out my gallbladder was full of stones, is I had a stone go down my bile duct, blocked it and elevated my liver functions severly. I went to the doctor because the itching was intolerable and had finally put it all together. IF it had been any of my patients I would have suggested they see a doctor long before any of this happened.
About pregnancy, I am a labor and delivery nurse and it is more common in pregnancy to have trouble with the gall bladder. Good luck to all of you who are making plans to have this done. I am feeling better all the time, but am having the bathroom issues with certain foods, it is not always just fat. Most food I prepare myself does not cause me any trouble. Maybe I use different kinds of fat or less. I ate ice cream tonight and it was OK. My noon meal seems to cause the most trouble not matter what it is. ?????????

 

[arminnie]

I have to say I love hearing another nurse saying that she could hardly breath and yet only had to ALMOST call 911. I had an attack that was so bad I was crying and it lasted 4 hours, the chest pain was awful and I have and extensive cardiac history and STILL did not go to the hospital or even see a doctor or mention it.

I called 911 TWICE - went to the hospital by ambulance. Plus went to ER by car two other times and no one could diagnose it. Plus I was BRIGHT YELLOW. I still can't believe that it took my hairdresser to make the connection.

My advice to all of you is to GET IT OUT - it just gets worse. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone who's gallbladder problems just got better on their own.

When my mother was first diagnosed and decided to wait awhile, the doctor told her that she would be begging him to remove it later. And she did reach that point. Then she had to do it as an emergency.

 

[Tinijocaro]

My gall bladder problems have gotten better on their own, without surgery. I've
done liver flushes, and have gotten stones out naturally without surgery. I've been loaded with stones for over 20 years, and only since I've started doing liver flushes have things improved. I had 5 chicken wings last week- not one pain from them, where previously, I would have been in severe pain.

Do a search for liver flush, slightly inconvenient, but doesn't leave you with bowel troubles, as many have after gall bladder surgery. I do not fare well with anaesthesia, so I always look for alternate ways of solving problems that aren't life-threatening. This has been a god-send.

Jackie

 

[Planogirl]

I really can't thank everyone enough for posting their experiences.......I'm calling tomorrow for an appt. Can't imagine having an attack while I'm at WDW in April!! We plan on being there 4/22, hopefully I can have it done soon so I'll be "back to normal" by then..........with Imodium AD in my back pocket.
Again, to hear from "strangers" having the same problems/symptoms as me, makes me feel like I'm not the only one. Thanks again.
OP--so glad you're feeling better and you don't regret the surgery.

Don't put it off! The next attack might really be bad. You can see that everyone reacts in their own way.

Funny but I never had the severe attacks. I had a few days of a constant sharp pain and a feeling that something wasn't right. The pain was roughly in the area of my appendix so off to the hospital I went.

The doctor said that my gallbladder was completely stuffed with gallstones and was pretty much useless at that point. Apparently, none of the gallstones had ever tried to pass and it was just an unhappy gallbladder that I was experiencing.

I was lucky though. While taking pictures they discovered a problem with my liver that was easily fixed but could have been dangerous on down the road. My gallbladder problem was a blessing in disguise!

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

ok folks. Surgery scheduled for next Thursday , thanks for all your advice.

Can someone give me some pointers on what you ate after the surgery, and when you felt like eating/getting up and around/wearing jeans again?!?!?! Also, how long did your surgery last and how long before you were discharged?? I have my surgery consultation Monday, but would like to hear others experiences too. thanks

 

[goofyforlife]

ok folks. Surgery scheduled for next Thursday , thanks for all your advice.

Can someone give me some pointers on what you ate after the surgery, and when you felt like eating/getting up and around/wearing jeans again?!?!?! Also, how long did your surgery last and how long before you were discharged?? I have my surgery consultation Monday, but would like to hear others experiences too. thanks

After surgery....liquids and jello the first 2-3 days...then you can start soft foods but nothing rich or high in fat. (no beef, no pasta for like another month or so) I would get those pre made jellos because you won't feel like making it yourself.

I had my surgery on a wednesday. In pre-op around 1...back in my room around 4. They probably won't let you eat anything that day to prep for surgery. After I got back to my room they were offering me jello and popsicles.... (Really yummy since I hadn't had anything in 1.5 days; I went into the hospital tuesday night and since they did another ultrasound I couldn't eat)

By the way....I had a morphine drip...great for the pain...I was up and walking that night....

With a lap surgery I had about 4 little wound sites and my BB. I was able to shower the next day (thurs). They let me go home that afternoon. I rested/stayed at home pretty much until Sat. Got tired easily and don't lift anything.

I wore loose clothes the first week so wounds didn't rub but probably back in jeans within two weeks. I got back to my gym program after 4 wks and post-op check-up

 

[Desnik]

When I was pregnant with DS my gall bladder symptoms started. I waited about 1.5 years after he was born to start complaining and actually see a Dr. about the pain. The pain got to be unbearable. It was in my back, and in my chest mostly. My Dr. sent me right away for an ultra sound and sure enough I had lots of stones. So, I had the surgery to remove the gall bladder and thought my problems were solved. I was feeling fine after the surgery and it did take about 2 weeks for me to recoup. I was so wrong! I have so many bowl problems sometimes I can't leave the house! I have been back to the Dr's and GI's and nothing is wrong with me. They say it's just a side effect that happens to some people after the surgery. It could last forever or go away. Well it's been 2 years since my operation and nothing has changed. I cannot eat any type of fast food. Which is a good thing! I notice that if I do not eat by a certain time then I will have an attack and have to run to the bathroom! Also for me it really doesn't matter what I eat but I usually get an attack at noon/lunch time. It's really a pain and I have to plan my days around my attacks! I have tried everything and nothing seems to work. I have just had to accept that this is the way it will be for me! I don't regret having the surgery but I so wish this wasn't the side effect for me. I just wish I was normal again!

 

[PoohHappens]

ok folks. Surgery scheduled for next Thursday , thanks for all your advice.

Can someone give me some pointers on what you ate after the surgery, and when you felt like eating/getting up and around/wearing jeans again?!?!?! Also, how long did your surgery last and how long before you were discharged?? I have my surgery consultation Monday, but would like to hear others experiences too. thanks

Best of luck with your surgery, thought I would let you know how mine went.
I had mine at the same day surgery center. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before. At the center they started my IV and I met with the anesthesiologist. My sugery was at 10:00am and I was back to my "room" in a little over an hour, but I was still asleep. Slept till about 2pm at which time I woke up very very uncomfortable, Ok it was pain. I also had a little nausea ( the Anesthesiologist had given me a patch behind my ear that really helped the nausea and he gave me some pheneregan before I woke up) They gave me one dose of morphine in my IV. Shortly after that I was up to take a walk and was dressed and going home about 3:30pm. My hsband picked up my RX for Vicodin. I had made up a couple of containers of jello ahead of time. I was actually able to eat a little grilled chicken and mashed potatoes that night but mostly ate jello and crackers for a couple days. I will tell you it looks like you have some kids, you will not be up to caring for them for at least a week, at least with my experience. I needed pain meds for about 5 days. As far as jeans go, I could put them on but did not like to wear them, even now 2 weeks later I do not like to leave them on. It is just a little uncomfortable on my stomache down by my belly button. 4 tiny incisions, 3 along your right rib line and one at your navel. Even now I get a little sore and do get a little more fatigued. I am having some noon time bowel issues, but it is very tolerable. I have my surgery follow up tomorrow morning. Good luck and I am sure it will all go well for you. You will be in my prayers.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

thanks so much for your responses. Poohhappens--yours sounds like how mine is "supposed to go", home after just a few hours. You're right, I do have children, 2 rowdy boys 5 & 2--guess mom won't be wrestling for a while. Thanks for your honest response, and for the prayers!!

Desnik--I'm a little scared of your experience!! I'll miss my McDonalds fries if this surgery rules those out!! Thanks for your response though.

And Goofyforlife--you stayed overnight?? Mine should be just outpatient surgery from what I understand.

 

[krcit]

Marshallandcartermo, my surgery was a couple of years ago so my memory is a little faded but heres what I remember: I was scheduled for the Drs first surgery-I went to the hospital in my mokey pj pants and the nurses got a big kick out of them, lol. I waited in pre-op, met the anesthesiologist(sp?) amd my surgeon, went up to surgery. Woke up in the recovery room in a bit of pain-mostly in the incision by my belly button. They gave me pain meds and I fell back asleep. Woke up in lesspain but very sick to my stomach Got sick and felt a bit better. They didn't have a room for me yet, so I was in recovery for hours and hours. Finally put me in a room and I immediately got up and started walking b/c I was so afraid of gas pains(i had heard they can be brutal)I was in for a "24" hour admission so I had to stay overnight but I could've went home-I really felt pretty good. Hubby picked me up early the next am and I went home and went to sleep for a bit. I never needed anything other than a Tylenol once I got home. I think I ate some soup that night and just ate lightly for a few days. I really was lucky-my recovery was very quick and easy. I still have some "stomach" issues if I eat the wrong things so I watch what I eat if I'm not going to be close to home(hate using public bathrooms Anyway, good luck. I'll be thinking of you. Let us know how it goes.

 

[goofyforlife]

And Goofyforlife--you stayed overnight?? Mine should be just outpatient surgery from what I understand.

Stayed two nights......It took the doctors two weeks from my first real bad attack to get me tested/results read and diagnosed and into the surgeons office to meet with them. By that time my eyes were yellow. (It's really bad at that point.)

I thought I could wait to have the surgery but the surgeon said I had to go to the hospital that night, get fluids, and have surgery the next day. I actually was in the hospital for two nights because they wanted to re-run blood tests and make sure that whatever levels were returning to normal.
I was glad to stay in hospital because they had a pain pump (morphine) hooked through my IV which kept me comfortable and helped get me up and around sooner.

One of the girls in our office just had same day surgery. I took her flowers to her house the following day and she didn't look good. I don't think I could have handled as an outpatient.