What can I expect AFTER Gall Bladder Surgery?

[sewer]

I had gall stones when I was very young, and had to have my gall bladder removed. Prior to the removal I had a LOT of pain, and once it was removed I felt much better.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I've read alot of problems so I'm hopefully going to cheer you up some. I had my gallbladder removed December 12th. I am 41 and severely overweight and not in the best physical shape. Dr. scheduled me for the last surgery of the day in case he needed to open me (bigger chance when you are a large girl that they can't get it lap). Well he got it out without a problem and stapled me up. I showed up at the same day center at noon and left by 6 p.m. I got myself dressed (except for the bra) and was able to go to the bathroom all by myself. I did eat soup for about 3 days but I was definitely able to get up and around without a problem and shower by myself. I did relax the first couple of days but by Friday I was running errands and driving (couldn't stand my mom's driving). By Saturday I took my DD to dance class and even did the mom participation part (okay the windmills over the head did stretch a little too much). I didn't lift anything and did relax at times but I was walking and moving with almost no pain. The pain I had ahead of time was much worse.

If you are feeling good, go to Disney. Take the time for relaxing back at the room. Rent yourself an ECV so the pushing doesn't tire your family out. Have a great time. The only bad thing was that I had to plan to stay by a bathroom about 15 minutes after eating. Otherwise I'm back to a normal diet. Appetite is off still so I lost a few pounds - Yeah!!

Bottom line is that everyone reacts differently. I'll keep you in my prayers and hope for the best!

 

[snowwite]

Sorry, but I still have issues..I had the surgery shortly after my DD was born in 1996. She is 10 now

Oh crap.

 

[dzneprincess]

I was told that "it" would probably only last a few days, but that hasn't been the case. I never had stomach/digestive related problems before my surgery. This urgency "problem" is very unpleasant, not to mention that it leaves you feeling weak (potassium loss). I was hoping it would get better with time.

I have never thought about that, but now that you mention it I do feel rather weak after an "attack"

Also, I get chill bumps and feel clamy during an attack...anyone else?

 

[dzneprincess]

Oh crap.

Literally
Lets just say I know where all the restrooms are on WDW property! And there are moments when I will risk a speeding ticket to get out of my car and into a restroom.....It is the most horrible feeling...

 

[RitaZ.]

I have never thought about that, but now that you mention it I do feel rather weak after an "attack"

Also, I get chill bumps and feel clamy during an attack...anyone else?

I'm sending you a pm.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I'll read through the replies tomorrow--don't want to now just before I go to bed.

However, I'm having my gallbladder removed on Wednesday. No trips planned for me, so I don't have that to worry about (that's good and bad, I suppose). Good luck to you!

 

[snowwite]

Literally
Lets just say I know where all the restrooms are on WDW property! And there are moments when I will risk a speeding ticket to get out of my car and into a restroom.....It is the most horrible feeling...

Well that is me now a couple weeks post op but I thought it would be ending soon! Ugh!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Ok great! So my new question is... do they sell Depends on Disney property??? I'm a former CM so I know where all the restrooms are in every park and resort!

Oh and yes I get the cold, clammy feeling during the gall bladder attacks as well. I sweat profusely, have the stabbing back pains then get chills and freeze. I also feel so bloated that I feel like I want to explode. My attacks last anywhere from an hour to 6 hours! I have to take Lortab and muscle relaxers to get any relief at all. Heating pads help the back pain a little bit.

After reading about all the digestive issues I feel like I am just trading one problem for another. Yuck!

 

[momrek06]

Ok great! So my new question is... do they sell Depends on Disney property??? I'm a former CM so I know where all the restrooms are in every park and resort!

Oh and yes I get the cold, clammy feeling during the gall bladder attacks as well. I sweat profusely, have the stabbing back pains then get chills and freeze. I also feel so bloated that I feel like I want to explode. My attacks last anywhere from an hour to 6 hours! I have to take Lortab and muscle relaxers to get any relief at all. Heating pads help the back pain a little bit.

After reading about all the digestive issues I feel like I am just trading one problem for another. Yuck!

HOWDY HOWDY HOWDY, MY CLARABELLE....

It is KAR!!!!

 

[snowwite]

Ok great! So my new question is... do they sell Depends on Disney property??? I'm a former CM so I know where all the restrooms are in every park and resort!

Oh and yes I get the cold, clammy feeling during the gall bladder attacks as well. I sweat profusely, have the stabbing back pains then get chills and freeze. I also feel so bloated that I feel like I want to explode. My attacks last anywhere from an hour to 6 hours! I have to take Lortab and muscle relaxers to get any relief at all. Heating pads help the back pain a little bit.

After reading about all the digestive issues I feel like I am just trading one problem for another. Yuck!

Maybe but the runs cannot kill you and a gangrenous or ruptured gall blabber can!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Maybe I don't want to read this thread.. and maybe I don't want to have my gallbladder out...

 

[RitaZ.]

Maybe I don't want to read this thread.. and maybe I don't want to have my gallbladder out...

Don't read the thread now. Having it removed is the best thing that you can do if you are having problems with it.

I'm sure that you and Clarabelle will have no problems with the surgery. Just take it easy and give your body time to heal after the surgery. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to heal inside and out. You'll be fine!

 

[momrek06]

I'll read through the replies tomorrow--don't want to now just before I go to bed.

However, I'm having my gallbladder removed on Wednesday. No trips planned for me, so I don't have that to worry about (that's good and bad, I suppose). Good luck to you!

TIG...If I do not see you on MH before Wednesday, I want to take this chance to say best of luck to you on Wednesday. You will do fabulously. Try not to stress too much. I will be thinking about you all day Wednesday.
Think all positive thoughts. KAR

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

HOWDY HOWDY HOWDY, MY CLARABELLE....

It is KAR!!!!

HEY KAR!!! You little world traveler, you!

Maybe I don't want to read this thread.. and maybe I don't want to have my gallbladder out...

Me either! Maybe we can go in and get a group discount on Depends or something...

I guess my dream of stopping by Dunkin Donuts on the way home from the hospital is not going to be possible without consequences, huh? Sigh...

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Maybe but the runs cannot kill you and a gangrenous or ruptured gall blabber can!

True and my surgeon didn't want me to end up with emergency surgery while at Disney. I know I have to have the surgery. Ugh Ugh Ugh.

 

[staley7580]

Nine years!!!! The surgeon promised me this would be temporary like 6-8 weeks!

My mom had hers out about15 years ago and still has problems with the bathroom thing. I had mine out about 1 yr ago, aparently, its quite a common problem for pregnant women and new moms. Anyhow, I was back to normal within a couple of days. I didnt have stithes or staples or anything, they used a butterfly bandage on mine, i think. One of my scars is pretty big though. I had a stone the size of a golf ball.......well, probably not that big, but it was huge! You should be okay as long as you rest alot, try not to do alot of walking.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

good luck!!!!

 

[Nutsy]

Wow, I'm kinda glad I stumbled upon this thread. I found out back in November that I have 3 gallstones. Doc said that nothing needs doing unless I start getting lots of pain. I've had pain, but not constant pain.

But what I also find to be very intersting is the refulx.. I've had that for about 18 months now.. have tablets for it and they work wonders. I am almost completely cured of it..still get a bout every so often, but nothing like I used to.

OP.. I wish you all the best.

 

[Nutsy]

.

I would put off the surgery but I have already passed 6 or 7 gallstones in the past month and my doctors are worried the next stone will get lodged and I would end up needing emergency surgery.

You passed some stones??? I didn't know it was possible to pass gallstones, Kidney stones yes, but not gall stones. I'm amazed.

Also can I ask, has anyone ever had pain from their bra? Reason I ask is that the pain I have had I was putting down to Shingles (I've had it before and it's in the same area), but once I learned that I had gallstones and where the gall bladder is situated I figured the pain I was getting from my bra was not Shingles, but the gall bladder. Just curious to know if anyone else has experienced anything like this.