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Gallbladder removal, painkillers and recovery.

Posted , 4 users are following.

stuart5870
stuart5870

One morning in April I woke with severe pain. Like so many others I thought Heart Attack!

After several tests Gall stones was diagnosed, as I'm self employed I put off any thoughts of surgery.

My cousin suggested I turn vegan, which while not for everyone really helped. I was back running and had no sever pain or the daily back pain I was experiencing.

A trip to Italy and cheesey oily food followed as did a couple of bad attacks.

I couldn't live life with that kind of pain hanging over me.

I booked in a consultation and had sugery 19th December. Private hospital via the NHS.

Walked through the door at midday and back in the car at 7pm on my way home.

I have to say the whole experience was a breeze. Felt quite well but guess it was the medication.

Day 2 and I'm up and about but accepting all the tablets they gave me. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and codine.

I think the worst pain is the CO2 gas left in my body. Sholder pain and discomfort.

Now that the surgical medications have worn off I have what I would describe as stitch on my right side. Tummy seems ok just a bit sore at times.

I'm not sure the medication is strong enough but will see how the next few days go.

I would be interested In knowing what medication others have used and how recovery has gone.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • janet74211
    janet74211 stuart5870

    Posted

    Hi Stuart

    Everyone will be different, 10 weeks on from gallbladder removal and its been a bit of a roller coaster. Was fine after op for a few and on tramadol for approximately three weeks, fading them out after approx 10 days.

    You will need to rest and take it easy. Don't lift anything heavy. Youneed to heal. Keep on low fat diet, body needs to adjust to what you have had done. Don't be surprised if you have NIGGLES and discomfort. But hope it will go well for you.

  • stuart5870
    stuart5870

    Posted

    Thanks Janet, I am wondering if I need something stronger than codine. This afternoon and evening the pain where the incisions are seem to be getting worse. I'm not good at sitting still but will have to try.

  • beverley03824
    beverley03824 stuart5870

    Posted

    Hi stuart

    i had my gallbladder removed 7 days ago 

    was in private hospital they were fantastic 

    explained everything I needed to know apart from when i can have a bath and not a shower

    i was home the same day with codine and extra strong ibuprofen 

    for the first few days I couldn't stand up straight but as the week has gone on I'm doing a lot better 

    I would advise you take yourself off codine as soon as you can as it can mess with you going to the loo 

    as for eating I'm pretty much eating what ever I like I have had the odd couple of twinges in my shoulder but no where near as painful as before 

    I wish you luck in your recovery x

  • janet74211
    janet74211 stuart5870

    Posted

    Don't suffer the pain, ring out of hours doctor's or 111for advice. Have used both these services and been brilliant. I did experience symptoms after as if still had gallstones, but fading with time. Try not to worry toomuch and take each day as it comes, we are all different. Deal with any probes as they arise, you will always find someone on the web to help you, and hear if you need me.
  • lori73442
    lori73442 stuart5870

    Posted

    Stuart it depends on the person. I was on a pain killer but then put on advil 800 mg. It took me almost a month to be back to normal. Low fat diet is what you need. No fatty, greasy foods, no dairies, except skim milk.

    I was on hydro for a couple weeks and then added advil to it with less of the hydro, shorten.

    Ice backs help. I even slept with them on. I would have trouble sleeping so I slept in my chair some nights when it was hard to sleep in bed.

    Walk around but don't over do it. No heavy lifting. Bending hurts.

    Any other questions just ask. Take care.

    Lori

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