Hi,
I'm have my Gallbladder removed via Laparoscopy on the 29th thru VA.

I'm scared. Has anyone had this done?

My pains from Gallstones have never gone above a 2/10 and I never had a major attack nor vomiting ect but it's an annoyance and I think I should do what eventually will be done later to avoid it getting worse.

Any insight?
Thanks

I had my gall bladder taken out last year because it got infected or was causing infection. I went to the hospital for the flu and they found an infection that turned out to be a dying gall bladder. It's a very simple operation . It's a little painful the next day for me at least, it felt like they moved all my stomach muscles around. Usually you go into the hospital and go home the same day.

I know someone who had it, and it nothing to worry about. If I recall correctly, get some decent painkillers to take home just in case, as in hospital you'll be them and not realize just how much pain you'll have when you stop. I don't think it was a big deal though.

I think its like flying for the first time, all you think of is planes crashing, then after a while you stop worrying about it and its boring instead.

From what I understand, the biggest issue with the surgery is the diet afterwards. You will have more problems handling fat in your diet so you need to be careful how much you consume. My sister needed hers out and for the most part, it hasn't affected her life much.

I just had mine taken out a couple of weeks ago. I was one of the 6 % that went poorly so I have a big scar across my stomach. Even with the more extreme surgery it wasn't too bad. The night that it was taken out they gave me a morphine button that I used because I needed it but by the next day I used it twice because of the surgeons orders but I didn't really need it. With the dilaudid I think I am up to maybe 3 taken and that is likely because I lifted over my weight limit.
I was supposed to go on a trip a week after my surgery and all that really happened was I had to delay a day so I could get the staples removed (not much worse then getting a hair plucked). I went to Mexico 10 days after my surgery and I ate and drank all and what I wanted (I might have gone to the bathroom more often but nothing too bad). I found that long van rides in the heat took a bit out of me but otherwise I didn't really have that many issues though I am still taking 2 extra strength tylenol once or twice a day 3 times if I am having a rough day.

So even if things go terribly wrong and with the pain level you mentioned it really shouldn't, it isn't that bad. I was hospitalized for 2 days over the christmas break because of the pain I was in. I was given pain killers and antibiotics to control my gallbladder issues 4 days before that and even with all of that it was an extreme case for the surgeon to have to resort to the full surgery. With what you are describing for pain, you should be just fine and I wouldn't worry about it too much.

The worst part for me was was student nurses sticking things into me and how much I was exposed (I still don't see why I had to be uncovered to my knees for examinations)

Had mine removed in 1989. Old school surgery, incision just below ribcage. One day in hospital, didn't need pain meds. Recovery not a big deal. Was a little uncomfortable sleeping if I rolled over on my right side. What Dena said is correct. You do need to watch your diet. Too much greasy or spicy foods can be upsetting. One very unpleasant side affect can be a tendency for reaccuring boughts of diarrhea. Oh, almost forgot it's recommended to curtail drinking alcohol also.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences.

I'm wondering, what if they want me to stop Hormones before the Surgery Date? My Pre-Op eval is the 18th.
Should I worry about that? Is it ok to miss like 1-2 weeks of Hormones before the Surgery and then get back on whenever they say I can after?

I had mine out last year.  It was quick and simple, with a fast recovery.  I can eat anything now, but some people have to be more careful.  They did not ask me to stop HRT.  And I specifically asked.

I had mine removed almost a year ago. I felt immediate relief.  I didn't even realize that I had gradually gotten used to some pain until the day after the surgery.  Where a "knot" had existed for years,  there was a sense of being lighter. For me there have been some minor annoyances: occasional  diarrhea when eating certain foods that never bothered me before.

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Hi,
Had my Pre-Op this morning. Was told I can take my Estradiol but have to stop Spiro before the Surgery.
I guess I can miss a day without Spiro, right?

You may be able to go several weeks without HRT and the only thing you might feel is hot flashes. I have been there and they are a bit of a pain but not harmful. What do they feel like? You will know them if you have them. If not, don't worry about it.

I had mine removed in june 1973 of which I was in a lot of pain. the gall bladder was gangrenous and it was taken out the old fashioned way. I spent 51 days in the hospital due to complications(blood clots and pneumonia)

The modern surgery is a whole lot better
4 holes and they suck it out.

Best wishes with your surgery

Janet

Hey all,
Today is day 3 after my Gall Bladder removal. Oh my was it painful the first couple of days afterwards. Didn't get any sleep. They gave me Oxycodone mixed with Acetaminophen which I didn't want to take since I hate pills, but I did just to feel better as I rest at home. Sleep was not an option.

Got my first full nights rest last night, even thou I still do not use the bed as lying flat stretches the muscles and is painful, so the recliner in the Living room has been my sanctuary.

It's getting better thou, I'm walking around with minor pains on my right side.

Still have not went to the bathroom for #2 since before Surgery and it's starting to worry me at this point. I started taking the prescribed stool softeners yesterday and have been back on my HRT also.

Is this normal not to "go"? There is radiating pain in my right shoulder also, but supposedly thats from the gas they put into my belly during surgery. Should that last this long?

*hugs*

I think I'd be taking a laxative about now. Oxycodone can give you constipation, and that's probably not the best thing at the moment.

It was 2 days for anything for me 4 days until somewhat normal. Also make sure you take your stool softeners.

Had a BM finally earlier before Dinner, was so happy. Last night was the last time I took the pain meds. I did take the Stool Softener before Dinner too. Going to try no Pain meds tonight and see how it goes.

Still have the radiating Right Shoulder pain.

Took my first Shower last night and the Surgical "Glue" is still intact. They said don't mess with it so I won't. Letting it do its thing...just like Hormones.

If you try to go off of the opiates then make sure to use extra strength tylenol for a couple of days. As the nurse said to me it's better to be ahead of the pain then playing catch up.

surgical glue is so cool to peel off when it's time for it to come off.

Quote from: stephaniec on March 04, 2016, 10:06:18 AM
surgical glue is so cool to peel off when it's time for it to come off.

My instructions were not to mess with it. It will fall off on it's own.
(TMI Alert)----------Had another BM earlier and the stool was different colors. Hope that's normal.

It all seems to be getting better and still have little pains including the right shoulder pain. Still can't sleep on my sides or stomach and I still use the recliner to sleep in as it's the most comfortable.

They have me scheduled for a followup 2 weeks after the surgery date so I should be back to see the Doc around the 14th.