Positive Gallbladder Removal Story! :)

On Friday 6th November 2020, I finally got my gallbladder removed via keyhole surgery after 6 years of constant ultrasounds and consultations due to polyps growing in my gallbladder. To keep the story short, on the weeks coming up to my surgery i was seriously anxious and sick to the stomach with fear of the unknown- getting put to sleep, the surgery itself, the recovery period after and doing it alone due to Covid-19. I often found myself on goggle searching topics/videos about gallbladder removal, the surgery, the recovery, life without a gallbladder etc etc. If anything doing that put more fear into me as the majority of the time the stories i was reading were all very negative and scary. I have never been a fan of hospitals and would be really health anxious but i knew surgery was my only way forward to prevent cancer from developing in my gallbladder (keeping in mind im only a 25 year old F) So Surgery day came, I had numerous nurses, doctors,anesthetists and my surgeon come visit me to check bloods, get urine samples, finalise everything and get consent and so on. I was second; so at 2pm i was taken to the anaesthetics room which was linked to the theatre where i had to clarify my procedure (again) and get the cannula in my hand. (Everyone was so reassuring and supportive and they are there to keep you safe and make you feel as comfortable as possible so dont be afraid to tell them exactly how you are feeling. I requested a pre-med to calm my anxiety which was adminstered through my cannula just before the doors opened to the theatre room then it was go time. The doors opened, i shed a few tears as i walked and got onto the operating table (I was beyond afraid at this stage) and from there things became a bit of a blur. I was so nervous but everyone around me was reassuring and comforting. I remember laying there and getting connected to the monitors and the anesthetist saying "take deep breathes" as she held the oxygen mask over my mouth. Approx 2 hours later (could of been sooner), i was waking up in recovery with a lovely nurse taking my observations. I woke up feeling great, no sickness, no dizziness, no confusion. I was told everything went well and it was very straight forward- It took 30 minutes for my surgeon to remove my gallbladder through 4 small incisions. (I noticed a fifth incision in my belly button two days post opp but very small). I was taken back onto the ward to recover. Nurses continued to take my observations, whilst i chilled on the bed getting my fluids, painkillers and nausea tablets through my cannula. I was up and moving within a few hours, drinking fluids, using the bathroom with no assistance and nibbling on toast and jelly. (I had no appettite although i felt good so i tried eating). I stayed overnight and was so suprised at how good i was feeling. I have a very poor pain tolerance and have a phobia of vomiting so i went into hospital expecting the worse. I recevied painkillers and codine for pain management the first night (i experienced discomfort in the area where my gallbladder was). I was so alert due to the medication that i only had 2hrs,40min of sleep that night. The next day i was discharged less than 24 hours post op.

Fast forward to Monday 9th (3 days post op) I feel good. Finding it a bit tight with movement-sitting up or getting up from bed/sofa but that is expected. Iv been eating and drinking with no problems. I am keeping my diet light and eating easily digested foods to aid my recovery and avoid any discomfort. I have no further nausea and have only needed over the counter pain killers twice a day (mostly two in the morning and two in the evening). I showered for the first time which was fine and i feel more straighter when walking around. I am also sleeping through the night which is a bonus. 😃 I am just taking it easy but i am so happy with my recovery so far as i had myself prepared for the worst due to reading some negative/scary stories.

I have learnt that everybody will react differently to gallbladder removal. Its comforting but sometimes scary to read other peoples stories. Just remember, what happens with someone's body during or after surgery doesn't t necessarily mean its going to happen to you! I wish there were more positive surgery posts out there but unfortunately there isn't as those people are enjoying life. Its easier said than done but try and stay positive and think of the benefits of the surgery rather than the what ifs! For me I had no choice but to remove my gallbladder if i wanted to avoid gallbladder cancer. Now that it is gone, i will mentally benefit from not having one as the constant worry and waiting for the polyps to grow is now gone. I am prepared to alter my diet for as long as i need if it means that i am going to be physically and mentally stronger. 😃 DO WHAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR HEALTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL. I hope my experience helps at least one person going for gallbladder removal. Any questions don't be afraid to ask. I am still recovering and learning everyday but I am glad to say everything is well and good for me so far.

Ps, Surgery during a global pandemic ain't as scary as you think and i am terrified of hospital environments. I was in my own room and only had to wear a mask when leaving the room (Going between theatre or entering/leaving hospital). I also had to get a covid test and isolate 72 hours prior to surgery but that is a breeze and takes two seconds for the test. Make sure to bring a phone, ipad, laptop to keep you busy and to contact your loved ones. I found it comforting to be able to contact my parents and fiance during my stay. 😃 The hospitals are very clean and have the appropirate PPE to keep you (and themselves) protected. I felt very safe from the moment i arrived. 😃:)

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