Whether To Have Gallbladder Removed

[painter33]

I had an infection, was hospitalized, and had gallstones removed. I had zero pain before, during, or post infection, but the surgeon wants to remove my gallbladder. It took my entire life to develop a few stones, but even without present pain they recommend surgery. I don’t fear the procedure, but I do think my life will be impacted by the effects, like diarrhea that might keep me from lengthy outside activities like golf. I’m in a conundrum: have the surgery and accept the limitations or put it off assuming there won’t be a repeat infection. Is it a given that one event foretells future ones?

 

[Jangles]

I had an infection, was hospitalized, and had gallstones removed. I had zero pain before, during, or post infection, but the surgeon wants to remove my gallbladder. It took my entire life to develop a few stones, but even without present pain they recommend surgery. I don’t fear the procedure, but I do think my life will be impacted by the effects, like diarrhea that might keep me from lengthy outside activities like golf. I’m in a conundrum: have the surgery and accept the limitations or put it off assuming there won’t be a repeat infection. Is it a given that one event foretells future ones?

My gallbladder ruptured and was removed about 20 years ago. I had laparoscopic surgery and recovered within days. I have had no side effects. I eat anything and everything. I remain extremely active. I haven’t put on weight. I feel no different than before the operation.

 

[fla4fun]

I had an infection, was hospitalized, and had gallstones removed. I had zero pain before, during, or post infection, but the surgeon wants to remove my gallbladder. It took my entire life to develop a few stones, but even without present pain they recommend surgery. I don’t fear the procedure, but I do think my life will be impacted by the effects, like diarrhea that might keep me from lengthy outside activities like golf. I’m in a conundrum: have the surgery and accept the limitations or put it off assuming there won’t be a repeat infection. Is it a given that one event foretells future ones?

My mom had hers out about 15 years before she passed away, and never in that time did she have any issues or side effects due to its removal. She ate what she pleased and she had no issues with diarrhea at all. I am sure everyone has different outcomes, but I would not assume the worst.

Your regular doctor is probably the medical professional who knows you best. Have you discussed this with them? I read your post as all discussions had been with the surgeon, not with your regular doctor. You should get a second or even third opinion if it makes you feel less anxiety about after effects, but definitely discuss with your regular doctor as well.

 

[nw6675]

Personally, I would schedule on my time rather than waiting for the attack

 

[painter33]

Wow! Good for you - terrific. That’s the best thing I could read. Thank you!

 

[painter33]

My gallbladder ruptured and was removed about 20 years ago. I had laparoscopic surgery and recovered within days. I have had no side effects. I eat anything and everything. I remain extremely active. I haven’t put on weight. I feel no different than before the operation.

I replied below.

 

[painter33]

Personally, I would schedule on my time rather than waiting for the attack

But, I am assuming there will be no attack, per se as I had no pain, only the accompanying effects of the infection. Am being treated with antibiotics, feel quite well, and am a very healthy person, aside from osteoarthritis pain. My chems came back strong, which leads my confusion about the necessity of gallbladder excision. Is it “once you have stones the dam breaks and…? Or, is this a one-time event? Those are rhetorical questions, but they are running through my mind right now.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Since you aren't having any pain, maybe you could ask to have a scan or ultrasound in 3 months or so to see if any more gallstones are forming. If so, it may be a trend that would serve as a warning that your gallbladder is no longer functioning as it should and removal would be best for your health. If no stones or other symptoms are present, you could maybe go to a 6 month follow-up regimen. I would never want to go into an unnecessary surgery as there are some people who do have complications.

I had GI issues for YEARS and had just about every test available and no issues were found. I still had GI issues and as a cautionary scan before undergoing chemo, a gallstone was found but I had no inflammation, so my GI doctor didn't see a need for treatment. The night after a minor surgery to insert a port in my chest, I was up all night with a gallbladder attack. SO.....my GI doctor and oncologist decided my gallbladder needed to go before starting chemo. Wish I had it removed years ago as it solved the periodic nocturnal nausea/vomiting I had been having for years. I have had no complications from the surgery and I don't need to follow any special diet.

 

[disney-inspired]

The gallbladder procedure today is minimally invasive and barring complications, is an outpatient procedure.

I guess my thought is, if insurance covers it 100%, sure why not LOL

 

[TwoMisfits]

But, I am assuming there will be no attack, per se as I had no pain, only the accompanying effects of the infection. Am being treated with antibiotics, feel quite well, and am a very healthy person, aside from osteoarthritis pain. My chems came back strong, which leads my confusion about the necessity of gallbladder excision. Is it “once you have stones the dam breaks and…? Or, is this a one-time event? Those are rhetorical questions, but they are running through my mind right now.

This is usually the norm...once your gallbladder goes haywire, it's very, very unlikely to go back to perfectly normal function. That said, if this was your 1st major issue, you can see if the issue comes back before taking it out. But then you'll probably be reliving your recent infection, hospitalization, and recovery all over again.

 

[loves to dive]

I would talk to a gastroenterologist. Surgeons want to cut, it's their job. I've had a couple of issues through the years for things that were either removed through biopsy or were one off kind of thing. I've been to surgeons who said absolutely you must have surgery. When asked why, without fail I've been told because that's the way we have always done it, I walked away. I'm currently having some sort of GI issue and the closest Gastro. appt. I could get was week after next. My GP thinks it sounds like either an ulcer or gall bladder issue but the symptoms don't exactly fit in either. Meanwhile she gave me 3 months worth of miracle pills (actually used to treat ulcers but I like miracle pills better) and I've only had slight problems since. One time after drinking a soft drink, which I rarely drink and one time after eating raw onions two days in a row. She also gave me a different miracle pill to take if an attack actually happened, popped one of those puppies and everything was fine. Hubby and I have been sitting around hoping for gall bladder problems since the gall bladder can be removed with practically no issues. An ulcer can go away and maybe another will be developed, there is just no way of knowing. Pretty sure since the miracle pills have seemed to clear the issue, Mama has/had an ulcer.