Having my gallbladder removed, what to expect re’ recovery
Discussion
That’s what they took out earlier.
Recovery room. Well. Easily the most intense pain I’ve ever felt. Sheer agony, couldn’t talk. Dry mouth and each time I was given a sip of water the pain went up even more. Maxed out on morphine and still nothing. Eventually subsided to a level where I could talk again.
Now in the room on a drip.still hurts but manageable. I am guessing I have got the bad recovery option, and also wondering how bad the scarring is given the size of that stone.
Had better days but better out than in!
I've had acid reflux for the past 3-4 years and somebody suggested it could be gallstones. Had an ultrasound and they were right.. gallstones
Not had any pain but have been constipated and fatty foods trigger the acid reflux.
How long have you all had to wait for surgery after diagnosis?
Not had any pain but have been constipated and fatty foods trigger the acid reflux.
How long have you all had to wait for surgery after diagnosis?
Yes I started this thread, and yes I asked for advice, and again yes I've had my gallbladder out, and now fully recovered.
BUT WHY DID I LOOK AT THOSE PICTURES, my God I'm feeling the pain all over again.
I was doubled over with pain, and on IV painkillers within 12 hours of the pain starting, I hate to think how much some of you have suffered.
BUT WHY DID I LOOK AT THOSE PICTURES, my God I'm feeling the pain all over again.
I was doubled over with pain, and on IV painkillers within 12 hours of the pain starting, I hate to think how much some of you have suffered.
shirt said:
That’s what they took out earlier.
Recovery room. Well. Easily the most intense pain I’ve ever felt. Sheer agony, couldn’t talk. Dry mouth and each time I was given a sip of water the pain went up even more. Maxed out on morphine and still nothing. Eventually subsided to a level where I could talk again.
Now in the room on a drip.still hurts but manageable. I am guessing I have got the bad recovery option, and also wondering how bad the scarring is given the size of that stone.
Had better days but better out than in!
Op +24hrs..
Ouch ouch McOuch!
Had a catheter fitted yesterday evening as just couldn’t pass urine myself and had tried to bear it beyond the point of discomfort. That was a new experience, more so it being taken out again this morning. Just voided myself under my own power which was very difficult but I’m told is normal reaction to the anesthetic.
Other pain is chronic. I’m on tramadol and something else. Takes the peaks of pain away but not as well as I thought. Eating was difficult this morning and gave me hiccoughs which were excruciating to get through. Have asked to be kept in for a second night will see what they say
ETA - abdominal drain just removed, like being stabbed in reverse!
Ouch ouch McOuch!
Had a catheter fitted yesterday evening as just couldn’t pass urine myself and had tried to bear it beyond the point of discomfort. That was a new experience, more so it being taken out again this morning. Just voided myself under my own power which was very difficult but I’m told is normal reaction to the anesthetic.
Other pain is chronic. I’m on tramadol and something else. Takes the peaks of pain away but not as well as I thought. Eating was difficult this morning and gave me hiccoughs which were excruciating to get through. Have asked to be kept in for a second night will see what they say
ETA - abdominal drain just removed, like being stabbed in reverse!
Edited by shirt on Sunday 11th February 07:34
Edited by shirt on Sunday 11th February 21:17
shirt said:
Op +24hrs..
Ouch ouch McOuch!
Had a catheter fitted yesterday evening as just couldn’t pass urine myself and had tried to eat beyond the point of discomfort. That was a new experience, more so it being taken out again this morning. Just voided myself under my own power which was very difficult but I’m told is normal reaction to the anesthetic.
Other pain is chronic. I’m on tramadol and something else. Takes the peaks of pain away but not as well as I thought. Eating was difficult this morning and gave me hiccoughs which were excruciating to get through. Have asked to be kept in for a second night will see what they say
ETA - abdominal drain just removed, like being stabbed in reverse!
Sounds like you are having a proper rough time of it.Ouch ouch McOuch!
Had a catheter fitted yesterday evening as just couldn’t pass urine myself and had tried to eat beyond the point of discomfort. That was a new experience, more so it being taken out again this morning. Just voided myself under my own power which was very difficult but I’m told is normal reaction to the anesthetic.
Other pain is chronic. I’m on tramadol and something else. Takes the peaks of pain away but not as well as I thought. Eating was difficult this morning and gave me hiccoughs which were excruciating to get through. Have asked to be kept in for a second night will see what they say
ETA - abdominal drain just removed, like being stabbed in reverse!
Edited by shirt on Sunday 11th February 07:34
That drain removal wasn't fun, I was just told to hold my breath, and grit my teeth.
Hope they don't start you on oremorph (unsure of proper spelling), that made me so sick during recovery from a previous operation that having the pain was the preferable option. Doctor kept trying to get me to have it after my removal.
shirt said:
Op +24hrs..
Ouch ouch McOuch!
Had a catheter fitted yesterday evening as just couldn’t pass urine myself and had tried to eat beyond the point of discomfort. That was a new experience, more so it being taken out again this morning. Just voided myself under my own power which was very difficult but I’m told is normal reaction to the anesthetic.
Other pain is chronic. I’m on tramadol and something else. Takes the peaks of pain away but not as well as I thought. Eating was difficult this morning and gave me hiccoughs which were excruciating to get through. Have asked to be kept in for a second night will see what they say
ETA - abdominal drain just removed, like being stabbed in reverse!
Yeah trying to sOuch ouch McOuch!
Had a catheter fitted yesterday evening as just couldn’t pass urine myself and had tried to eat beyond the point of discomfort. That was a new experience, more so it being taken out again this morning. Just voided myself under my own power which was very difficult but I’m told is normal reaction to the anesthetic.
Other pain is chronic. I’m on tramadol and something else. Takes the peaks of pain away but not as well as I thought. Eating was difficult this morning and gave me hiccoughs which were excruciating to get through. Have asked to be kept in for a second night will see what they say
ETA - abdominal drain just removed, like being stabbed in reverse!
Edited by shirt on Sunday 11th February 07:34
t after the pain killers. Ouch. But you know, with what I (and others who are sans gallbladders) now know I should have had something which brings on the Greased Lightning today, to ease the pain of those post-drug sts back then....shirt said:
Op +24hrs..
Ouch ouch McOuch!
Had a catheter fitted yesterday evening as just couldn’t pass urine myself and had tried to eat beyond the point of discomfort. That was a new experience, more so it being taken out again this morning. Just voided myself under my own power which was very difficult but I’m told is normal reaction to the anesthetic.
Other pain is chronic. I’m on tramadol and something else. Takes the peaks of pain away but not as well as I thought. Eating was difficult this morning and gave me hiccoughs which were excruciating to get through. Have asked to be kept in for a second night will see what they say
Why did they remove the stones and not your Gallbladder? From what I have read Gallbladder removal is the preferred option as the risk of stones returning is quite highOuch ouch McOuch!
Had a catheter fitted yesterday evening as just couldn’t pass urine myself and had tried to eat beyond the point of discomfort. That was a new experience, more so it being taken out again this morning. Just voided myself under my own power which was very difficult but I’m told is normal reaction to the anesthetic.
Other pain is chronic. I’m on tramadol and something else. Takes the peaks of pain away but not as well as I thought. Eating was difficult this morning and gave me hiccoughs which were excruciating to get through. Have asked to be kept in for a second night will see what they say
Had mines out a few years ago. No issues at all, was done in the evening and I was ready to go home by lunch the following day.
My gallstone was spotted after getting an ultrasound to check out my nuts. Was told to not to worry as I had no issues at the time after a few years I started getting mid back pain, questioned if it was anything to do the gallstones which was dismissed. Had a couple of miserable years with the back pain which triggered some health anxiety due to not knowing what was causing it. Eventually I started to experience some stomach discomfort after eating so went to get checked again. Consultant still dismissed the gallbladder but sent me for another scan which revealed by gallbladder had basically shrivelled up!
Will never forget getting up to pee after the op and first thing I realised was my back pain had gone!
My gallstone was spotted after getting an ultrasound to check out my nuts. Was told to not to worry as I had no issues at the time after a few years I started getting mid back pain, questioned if it was anything to do the gallstones which was dismissed. Had a couple of miserable years with the back pain which triggered some health anxiety due to not knowing what was causing it. Eventually I started to experience some stomach discomfort after eating so went to get checked again. Consultant still dismissed the gallbladder but sent me for another scan which revealed by gallbladder had basically shrivelled up!
Will never forget getting up to pee after the op and first thing I realised was my back pain had gone!
cjs racing. said:
Sounds like you are having a proper rough time of it.
That drain removal wasn't fun, I was just told to hold my breath, and grit my teeth.
Hope they don't start you on oremorph (unsure of proper spelling), that made me so sick during recovery from a previous operation that having the pain was the preferable option. Doctor kept trying to get me to have it after my removal.
Yeah I think I’m in the small percentage of ‘having a bad time’ but thought it worth documenting my experience as a worst case…That drain removal wasn't fun, I was just told to hold my breath, and grit my teeth.
Hope they don't start you on oremorph (unsure of proper spelling), that made me so sick during recovery from a previous operation that having the pain was the preferable option. Doctor kept trying to get me to have it after my removal.
Since the drain was removed things improved markedly. Had a sleep finally and was discharged a few hours ago. I can walk ok, bending down is a challenge but getting in and out of bed isn’t so bad. Pain level down to what I expected post op, like 99% reduced from yesterday and this morning.
I had a shower in the hospital and they changed the dressing on the top most incision. This was about an inch long, much bigger than expected. I have to go back on Tuesday to have all the dressings changed and see the surgeon next Sunday. This will be my first chance at having a non medicated conversation with him so will get to understand the complications he mentioned when I was in recovery.
Also ensuring everything goes to my endocrinologist tomorrow as we still have the adrenal tumour to address. Not out of the woods just yet!
Also, farting feels soooooo good!
Update:
First couple of days were a bit sore, getting in and out of bed etc painful and there was one moment where I thought I may have damaged something internally as I had pain where there wasn’t an incision.
Eating the first 2 days was also an issue. I had some broth with rice noodles and the gas pain afterwards was pretty chronic up around my neck and shoulders. I didn’t eat the next day because of this.
Took until Tuesday to have a no.2….
Since then there’s been a drastic improvement. I’ve been eating simple foods, smoothies in the morning and baked potato, risotto, rice and yoghurt etc in the evening. No pain after, little gas but manageable. I’ve taken to going for a walk after meals which I find enjoyable and hope to continue even when not needed.
Dressings were changed midweek. 3 of the incisions are super small, the one at the top is maybe an inch long but very neat. I’m back with the consultant Tuesday to remove the stitch from the drain and get his feedback including biopsy result.
Generally ok energy wise even though I’m not eating much and have little appetite. Stools infrequent but no pain. Sometimes some Discomfort in the lower abdomen but nothing major. Eating a lot of 0% Greek yoghurt, berries, apple juice, and rice. My risotto game will be on point soon!
Planning to give it another week on the simple diet then start ramping up. Light exercise also from next week, most likely cycling.
First couple of days were a bit sore, getting in and out of bed etc painful and there was one moment where I thought I may have damaged something internally as I had pain where there wasn’t an incision.
Eating the first 2 days was also an issue. I had some broth with rice noodles and the gas pain afterwards was pretty chronic up around my neck and shoulders. I didn’t eat the next day because of this.
Took until Tuesday to have a no.2….
Since then there’s been a drastic improvement. I’ve been eating simple foods, smoothies in the morning and baked potato, risotto, rice and yoghurt etc in the evening. No pain after, little gas but manageable. I’ve taken to going for a walk after meals which I find enjoyable and hope to continue even when not needed.
Dressings were changed midweek. 3 of the incisions are super small, the one at the top is maybe an inch long but very neat. I’m back with the consultant Tuesday to remove the stitch from the drain and get his feedback including biopsy result.
Generally ok energy wise even though I’m not eating much and have little appetite. Stools infrequent but no pain. Sometimes some Discomfort in the lower abdomen but nothing major. Eating a lot of 0% Greek yoghurt, berries, apple juice, and rice. My risotto game will be on point soon!
Planning to give it another week on the simple diet then start ramping up. Light exercise also from next week, most likely cycling.
Thought I would tag onto this thread rather than start another..
I ended up in a&e last September with intense abdominal pain, after a long night it was put down to biliary colic. Scheduled for an ultrasound, had that a couple of weeks ago, ultrasound lady said I definitely had gallstones.
I've now had a letter inviting me to an appointment at the general surgery out patient dept in May. I assume this is to discuss the possibility of surgery, but the letter is remarkably light on detail.
So, anything I should be asking the surgeon? What do you guys wish you'd asked or known before you agreed to the op?
I ended up in a&e last September with intense abdominal pain, after a long night it was put down to biliary colic. Scheduled for an ultrasound, had that a couple of weeks ago, ultrasound lady said I definitely had gallstones.
I've now had a letter inviting me to an appointment at the general surgery out patient dept in May. I assume this is to discuss the possibility of surgery, but the letter is remarkably light on detail.
So, anything I should be asking the surgeon? What do you guys wish you'd asked or known before you agreed to the op?
Rockatansky said:
Thought I would tag onto this thread rather than start another..
I ended up in a&e last September with intense abdominal pain, after a long night it was put down to biliary colic. Scheduled for an ultrasound, had that a couple of weeks ago, ultrasound lady said I definitely had gallstones.
I've now had a letter inviting me to an appointment at the general surgery out patient dept in May. I assume this is to discuss the possibility of surgery, but the letter is remarkably light on detail.
So, anything I should be asking the surgeon? What do you guys wish you'd asked or known before you agreed to the op?
Get the op done IMO. Don't ask questions, just get them to whip it out ASAP.I ended up in a&e last September with intense abdominal pain, after a long night it was put down to biliary colic. Scheduled for an ultrasound, had that a couple of weeks ago, ultrasound lady said I definitely had gallstones.
I've now had a letter inviting me to an appointment at the general surgery out patient dept in May. I assume this is to discuss the possibility of surgery, but the letter is remarkably light on detail.
So, anything I should be asking the surgeon? What do you guys wish you'd asked or known before you agreed to the op?
I was rushed into A&E last May, severe cholecystitis and jaundiced and spent a week in the ward until discharged (when my biliruben levels started to drop properly) and I had the gallbladder removed 6 weeks later.
It was a very scary time in all day. Never experienced pain like it and it was 2 weeks after I'd had an operation to try and resolve an issue I'd been suffering with for over a year etc...
I am unfortunately suffering after effects still, but I've also had a few issues in between that op and my last op in Jan just gone. Not everyone has these after effects so personally I wouldn't worry about them / wouldn't let them put you off etc
My post is a few threads down from this one FYI. I'm into see the doc on Wednesday next week...
After the gallbladder op end of June last year I was sore for a good few weeks, but I was still recovering from my 1st op too. I couldn't piss properly for a few days and then it sorted itself. Quite common apparently...
Hope you get sorted soon enough
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