Open Gallbladder surgery

Clair.

im perplexed!

your post says in hospital 3 weeks 6 inch scar lots of pain etc !!

then asks if it’s worth it people say they are as bad after ?

im confused, have you had it removed or are you asking if we think you should ?

Hi CLaire

I had open surgery two and a half years ago. I only have a 3 inch scar. I didn’t even have any external stitches, just steri strips.  My gall bladder was very inflamed and was adhered to my duodenum, I also had a golf ball sized stone another slightly smaller and lots of sludge.  I was in hospital for two nights and then allowed home. I was fine and recovery wasn’t too bad, except that I tried to do too much too soon. Hope this helps you.

Babz

Hi again Claire

unfortunately I have had ongoing problems with gas bloating and reflux, I have had various tests but they have all drawn a blank. My guess is that some people come out of it fine and others unfortunately still have some symptoms. I don’t know how else to put it. 

hi claire 

i’m just out of hospital after two and half weeks - had gallbladder drain in for six days - ive had acute choleycysititus over and over again and my operation was cancelled as they couldn’t operate with the inflammation and infection  i’m now due mri scan on 13 march to assess the next step like you it’s going to be open surgery and not straight forward 

my advice get it out if they can operate go for it - i can’t wait to have mine out but also been told there’s a chance they may not be able to 

has your gallbladder shrunk ? mine has due to infection and repeated attacks  ( hospital kept sending me home with painkillers) if it shrinks then it can attach itself to another organ and that may  be the reason for open surgery - not good eh but wishing u all the best x 

Hi Claire,  I understand, but it needs to come out.  You can't keep a diseased organ in your body.  I'm sure it's hard to hear, but diseased gallbladders can turn cancerous and affect adjacent organs...have it out, my dear. xx

Open surgery is no picnic but not as bad as it sounds. I think, even with keyhole procedures, recovery takes longer than they say, particularly if you have a preexisting medical condition. Just take it easy, do as you are told, sleep when you need to and try and mobilise as soon as you can, which, in your case, will be difficult but even wriggling feet and legs at regular intervals will help. They do give strong pain killers which help too. Keep diet plain and meals small and gradually reintroduce foods. You have to face up to this surgery as your gallbladder has to come out. There is no other option sadly. I wish you the very best and a speedy recovery.

Thanks everyone. I do know I need it out. I’ve been in terrible pain the last few nights. Just really worried but I guess i’ll just need to go through it as I have no other choice. Claire 

Well done .

i think it’s the correct conclusion Clair.

i really don’t see you have any other choice as did I .

good luck and sure it will be fine.