A positive post op story

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi, just some background on my situation: Female, 48. Gallstones for at least 10 years, with several attacks lasting between 1 hour and 2 weeks. Several ultrasounds showed 1 large stone, from 6.6cm to 2.9cm at various times over the years. Was in 2 minds about having the gallbladder out, but put myself on a waiting list here in Australia and finally got it taken out a week ago, after 2 years on the list.

Operation went well, it was keyhole and I had a drainage tube in afterwards. The surgeon said my stone was probably the biggest he's seen. Turns out it was 8cm, with "several" more large ones, including one sitting on top of the bile duct entrance. He said the stone was virtually taking up the entire gallbladder, and was definitely due to come out. I've taken from this that ultrasounds are not very accurate in testing the size.

The only hiccup was that I vomited once right after, but it was the best vomit of my life! No pain and no tensing of the body, it just kind of forced its way out without any help. I wasn't given anti nausea meds prior, but will in future, as I did feel a little sick prior to the vomiting, which cleared some fogginess and the sick feeling instantly.

I was back on the ward at 6pm and due to a clotting disorder I had inflatable booties on, so stayed in bed in the one position overnight. I've only had 2 doses of pain meds since, and one of those was so I could get out of bed the next morning to walk around the ward. I was discharged that day, after proving I could move. I also had a piece of toast that morning too, with no ill effects. I was concerned about eating anything as I wasn't sure how my gallbladder-less body would react, as eating had become a well planned event, as I'm sure most of you will understand. The drainage tube was also taken out before being discharged, and honestly, that was the worst pain of the whole experience. There was probably about 20-25cm of tubing in me, which just got yanked out, but it was short lived, only the few seconds  it was coming out.

I am now 7 days post op, and did struggle with moving the first 2 days, but I'm sure that would have been easier if I'd just taken pain meds. I am almost back to normal, just not lifting anything too much. My next shift at work (in a physical job) is next week, and I plan to go in for a few hours to see how I go. I have lost my appetite (not a bad thing) but make sure I eat enough. I've still maintained eating the few meals that haven't been a problem for me with the stone. It will take time for me to get back to a normal diet, mentally more than anything. I have had a bit of diarrhoea, but also solid stools (sorry, TMI). No food related cramps or pains. I did find that for about the first 5 days I was tired and groggy, with brain fog. I had trouble concentrating and just felt a bit out of it. I didn't need to drive until about day 5, and I'm not sure it would have been a good idea on day 2 or 3. (I was told no driving for 24 hours post op)

Scars are healing nicely and I have a follow up appointment in about 10 days. All up a positive experience and I'm glad I did it. I hated living with the fear in the back of my mind that everything I ate could be the next culprit, or that the gallbladder was about to burst without my knowledge. My biggest concern with the whole thing was that I may have it taken out and still have a heap of issues, like you read about here. Just remember, people like me don't often come back and post the success stories. 

Good luck in your journey and if I can help, feel free to ask questions.

 

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  • Posted

    Hi Kim

    So pleased your surgery went well and I hope you continue to recover.

    Take it easy, rest up as much as you can, you don't mention your age, I am in my 50's and it has taken me 3 months to get back on track, eat small meals more frequently, bland food is best and sleep when you feel tired, your body is healing. Pain where your gallbladder was is normal.

    Take care and good luck.

    • Posted

      Hi, Joanna,

      How are you feeling? What were your symptoms post surgery? I had it done 2 months ago and still not myself yet.

    • Posted

      Thanks Joanna, I am 48. I hope you eventually make a full recovery.
    • Posted

      Hi there, sorry about the delay, I just had a lot of achrs and pains especially after eating, nausea and bloating, then my gastritis came back!!

      I was told by my surgeon that my gallbladder was badly adhered to my liver, so that hurt alot too. But he also said it takes six months for the digestive system to adjust and settle down.

      Hang in there and be patient, you will feel better, we are all different and sometimes this surgery is trivialised!!

      Take care xx

  • Posted

    That’s fab you’re doing so well! But please remember this was a major surgery and you need to let your body heal from the inside (this takes months). Not sure going back to work in a physical job 2 weeks post-op is the best idea. Remember you’re not meant to lift anything heavier than 10lbs for 6-8 weeks due to the risk of getting an incisional hernia. Don’t want you to have a major setback after things going so well xx
    • Posted

      My stupid doctor wanted to send me back to work after 2 weeks as he said keyhole surgery gets you back into work quickly.i put my foot down and had 6 weeks off.i told him if I was sitting at a computer desk all day then yes but my job is heavy lifting.idiot you know your own body.
    • Posted

      My doctor was good as said if I was sitting at a desk then I’d be fine after a couple of weeks. I’m on my feet for 12 hours as a nurse. Had 8 weeks off including some holidays too. We definitely know our own bodies! xx
    • Posted

      Hi, Scottie,

      How are you doing? I have mine 8 weeks ago still not feeling myself. Can you please give me some advice?

    • Posted

      It was honestly the best thing for me getting it out. Had chronic cholecystitis which showed up when they did pathology on it. I felt pretty crappy for a good 6 months afterwards and really had to watch what I ate. I’ve managed to eat more fatty foods in the last couple of months but I’m still careful. Rest when you need to and eat little and often. That’s the best advice I got. I still occasionally get diarrhoea and it’s like yellow caustic liquid (too much info I know). Honestly I felt it took 6 months to heal inside from the surgery. Hope you’re feeling better soon xx
    • Posted

      Thanks very much for replying. I don't even know what words to use so I am uncomfortable in my skin. I eat and I feel sick. I have so much gas.

      I really appreciate your advice. Take good care of yourself.🙏

    • Posted

      Thanks Scottie. I plan to only go back for a few hours and get everyone else to do any sort of lifting. 
    • Posted

      When you said you were feeling crappy, what do you mean? What were your symptoms?
    • Posted

      Just didn’t feel myself at all if that makes sense? Didn’t have much energy, felt constantly nauseous and had pains in my stomach and back. Ended up trying quite a few different anti sickness tablets from my doctor. They helped a little to being able to eat. Now I know if I don’t eat little and often I feel like that again xx

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