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Life after gallbladder removal....

Posted , 155 users are following.

kaylesc
kaylesc

Hi,

I had my gallbladder removed 7 weeks ago, due to my gallbladder not working correctly. Although the op was laparscopic I was in so much pain I had to have an epidural. Anyway ever since the op I have been in pain, felt really sick and cannot eat!. I get excruciating pain up to an hour after food. Also if I lie down in the same position for too long and stand up that brings on the pain too. I have also found that I keep getting a bile taste in my mouth, excessive sweating and fatigue. I also generally feel 'under the weather' at least once a day if not more! After several visits to the hospital and clear test results they think I have SOD - a problem with the bile duct which may require a stent. Has anyone else had these problems after gallbladder removal and had a successful outcome? My life is a complete mess and I cant do anything apart from take pills, sleep and eat creamy food .. everything else hurts!

11 likes, 202 replies

202 Replies

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  • james4848
    james4848 kaylesc

    Posted

    kaylesco & Trex I am being pushed to remove my gallbladder is it really neccessary ?

    • mark96431
      mark96431 james4848

      Posted

      I had my gallbladder removed 5 days ago under keyhole surgery.

      Zero internal pain since, only discomfort is from the bruising round wounds but 2 days without needing pain relief.

      Before surgery anything fatty and especially cheese would set of the attacks we all fear but eaten completely normal again since and no pain at all.

      No shoulder pain, bit gassy for 1st day but none since. Been walking and driving about today with no side effects, tomorrow gonna head out on motorbike I feel that good.

      I was dreading the surgery and nearly cancelled it the day before as I kept reading all the forums about people's issues and what goes wrong. But they are certianly in the minority and people only usually post about problems, well this is me saying how great it's all been, the NHS were amazing,

      I am 37 and in good health apart from the gallbladder, decided to have it out while younger as putting up with the pain until I get older would.surely make pain and surgery and recovery much harder, well that's what I decided.

      I hope no one has issues having it removed but 100% can say I have found it brilliant so far.

    • jill_38536
      jill_38536 mark96431

      Posted

      It's good to read such a positive outcome on this forum. So pleased to hear you're doing so well. I'm on the waiting list for the op and would be intetested to know how long you waited. I must say reading some of the things i read on here certainly puts me off having it especially when i feel ok. But reading your experience makes me feel a lot better about it. Hope you continue to get better.

    • mark96431
      mark96431 jill_38536

      Posted

      Jill38536.

      I think from seeing the GP to being referred to speak with surgeon was few weeks and then they put me on waiting list, just under 9 weeks wait for operation. Which to be fair seems reasonable,

      Went in at 11am to hospital, waited in lounge and bays, surgeon visited at 1pm said I was first up at 2pm and I was. Back and awake in cubicle about 345pm and on my feet and walked out hospital just after 6pm (albeit very slowly and carefully) and politely asked my driver home to avoid pot holes and.speed bumps.

      Since last post I have continued the same, it's exactly 7 days now, pain from wounds gone, bit visible bruising left but doesn't hurt. Can even sleep on either side or front now and not stuck on back like a turtle which was first couple nights.

      Of the 4 wounds from keyhole the 2 on my right side don't need plasters anymore, incision near belly button which was the sorest bit after the op is looking good.

      Diet continues as normal all the things I avoided am enjoying eating again (especially cheesecake)

      Only difference I have found and it's something that I did read about is that I have been more regular since, obviously bi product of the bile being produced still but no longer stored in gallbladder, and that info is on the sites like NHS choices or BUPA so was aware of it and it's not an issue and no medication required,.suppose really it's still early days so things may need settling with the complicated internal stuff.

      Good luck with the operation, truly hope it's not a long wait and all goes well and would be keen to know how you got on.

    • jill_38536
      jill_38536 mark96431

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Mark. Loads of useful information. So far I've been waiting 6 months for the operation and can't get any information on how much longer it will be. Anyway i do hope you continue the way you're going. Sounds good. Good luck. Jill

  • shelley09903
    shelley09903 kaylesc

    Posted

    I woke up to a crsppy surprise after having a section of my liver removed due to metatastic cancer. I did not sign a convent, nor did the doctor even discuss taking out my gallbladder. Now I have been unable to keep any food down & found out that Zi can't eat anything with fat. To say I am unhappy would be an understatement.. I am seriously considering calling s Med-Mal attorney as he pretty much took all the little treats I like to eat. I can't believe he had the nerve to take out an organ I have never had A problem with & never discussed with me. I have been vomiting everything I have tried to eat & they won't let me go home till I can keep food down. Well, that would not have been a problem If he would have followed my consent!! Very unhappy to say the least!!

  • MsGettie
    MsGettie kaylesc

    Posted

    I had my gallbladder removed October 22nd 2016. My right side is killing me. A very sharp pain and it hurts more when I cough, breath, sneeze or lay down. My doctor keeps saying, girl you just had surgery it will be ok. But he cleared me to go back to work. I'm a nursing assistance, which requires heavy lifting. I just don't know what to do. I'm in pain now as I type this.

  • amy_77350
    amy_77350 kaylesc

    Posted

    I had emergency gall bladder surgery which was removed in 1996 when I was in my early 20s.  20 years later all I can tell you is a live with the phantom gall bladder pain.  I've always had it since it was removed though it never really bothered me until about 10 years ago when the pain was constant and I was in such fear. Now, some days I feel it, other days nothing at all.  At different times it acts up and like I said, 10 years ago I finally went to the doctor and again 2 years ago it was so bad I couldn't take it.  They just blamed it on my IBS and they did check to see if I had blockage in  my duct.  I've had my liver and pancreas checked, ultrasound, blood tests and everything is normal.  My side starts to throb, dull ache on the right side under my ribs and also moves to the back. I can tell you that once again, it is back with a vengence though.. but I'm going to wait for my physical to bring it up again with my doctor.  It is such a relief to know I am not the only one dealing with this!  Ever since my gall bladder removal I also have had severe digestive issues, IBS and gastritis.. not sure if the gastritis is related..

  • micky92673
    micky92673 kaylesc

    Posted

    Just had my GB removed day 5. I've been eating the same. Days leading up to this I had many attacks bad sickness. No sickness now but time will tell. Op I know I'm a year late hope your doing better

  • smigger15
    smigger15 kaylesc

    Posted

    I find it very concerning that strangers are asking other strangers on here whether or not they should have their GB removed. No-one is a qualified professional so speak to your own GP. Then make your own decisions.
  • gill21655
    gill21655 kaylesc

    Posted

    Oh no poor you.... I am 18 days post op and i too am so fed up... pain , nausea, no appetite, unwell feeling etc etc:

    The more i read on here is making me wish i hadnt had it done... i think i am having phantom pains if thats poss lol.

    I know it isnt much help but could you try more pillows in bed, extra pain relief, 

    Try and get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids xx good luck

  • Bullet_man
    Bullet_man kaylesc

    Posted

    I just had my gallbladder removed Friday of December at 830am. Home the same day. Now it's time too recover, my drugs wore off and was given hydromorphone 2mg, bad thing is that I am allergic to the hydro part of the pill.  So I am going with ice pack and try not to make stomach sore and get pains from moving around. It's the week end and holiday so have to wait it out till Tuesday to see dr on how my cuts are and get a new pain pill that will work.   I hope I don't have the pains other people get after surgery. I have been through enough pain and suffering on what my trouble was till I had a hida scan.   I had open hart surgery about 10 years ago . That was a long recovery. I hope to recover with in a few weeks and I can move around and do things I use to do again.

  • richard14441
    richard14441 kaylesc

    Posted

    I had my GB removed Dec 12, 2016 and went back to work Dec 31. I was feeling bad abdominal pain near incision. Couldn't have alaparoscopic procedure done to scar tissue of past surgeries so had to be opened in abdomen.

    This pain worried me so called a nurselink line to get some information on why. They viewed my charts and told me if was vomiting and fever 101 or higher to go to ER.

    But every body is different in how handles after surgery. May take few weeks for body to return back to normal and to get appetite back to normal.

    Just don't stress too much and take it easy while healing. If things get too severe, than you need to go back to your doctors.

    Will pray for you. Get Well Soon.

  • cookieroldan1
    cookieroldan1 kaylesc

    Posted

    I just got my gallbladder removed 2 days ago the pain was bad the day of surgery but now it's more like an uncomfortable feeling when I bend or breathe I also notice the minute I eat something I become bloated instantly I've been lucky no nausea or vomiting just feels like I have a lot of air in my right side which radiates to my right shoulder is this normal? Any feedback is much appreciated 

    • tori17636
      tori17636 cookieroldan1

      Posted

      I had mine out a week ago and im still experiencing the air in right side and in shoulder. Dr told me it would take time for all the air to leave. Feel better soon!
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