Post cholecystectomy day by day diary of recovery
Posted , 15 users are following.
Hello everyone.
I recently put a post on this site expressing a concern with some pains I was having along with gallstones which had led to severe acute cholecystitis. The response and support I had received from so many different people was absolutely wonderful and really helped me. If not to take the pain away, but to support and really show a concern. I have since had my surgery to have my gallbladder removed and am home recovering. I want to share my experience with anyone having the same problems which can hopefully help when you are in the same situation. I am doing from day of op up to my recovery stage I am at now.
Day of op: I must admit, one of the scariest operations I have ever been booked in for. My surgery took longer than normal, 2 and half hours, due to my gallbladder sadly being quite bad beyond repair. Recovery in hospital was long but I was allowed home the same day. I was given some relaxant medication before I was put to sleep so you have option if you are nervous or anxious. Don't be scared to express if you are worried. Surgery wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Day 1 post op: I felt extremely sore, uncomfortable, gassy (from carbon air blown into the tummy) this was more uncomfortable than anything. I had a severe sore throats from tubes down there during surgery. Take pain killers regularly for at least the 1st 3 days. Even if you don't feel pain. I also experienced quite bad diarreah but didn't have a tummy ache with it. Felt slightly emotional and pain in my right shoulder. Again, this was from the air blown into my tummy. Just rest and sleep when possible.
Day 2 post op: the aneaspehetic had completely worn off by today so pain killers were really needed. Still experiencing sever diarreah but still no tummy ache. Gas is reducing and tummy is shrinking making wounds feel tight and sore. Pain in my shoulder is still there but slowly easing the more gas is released from my stomach. The worse pain at the moment is the bloating from the gas. Still please rest and sleep when you can.
Day 3 post op: pains are now more localised as gas is almost gone. So around the area of where the gallbladder was and wounds from surgery. My stomach still is very grumbly from the gas but not as much. Pain in the shoulder has now gone. Still experiencing diarreah which doesn't seem to get any better at the stage and had bowel movements up to 5 times in the day. Feeling tired of resting as I'm used to being active so I was getting up and moving around a little. I.e. To make a cup of tea or a sandwich. Still needing pain killers but now just for the pains from surgery.
Day 4 post op: the pains are still there but nowhere near as bad as day 1-3. I am up and moving around a little more, I tried bending but I suggest you wait a while longer that as it was painful. My pain killers are reducing and I am finding I only need them when necessary. I find I can't stand up for longer that 20 minutes. I am getting a bad pain/ achy back which I can only think is because I have done very little for days. I am now sitting mostly instead of laying and managing stairs much better but still please take things easy and at a pace you can manage. Today I went to visit the in laws and by the time I got home I was ready for bed. Energy is still very low but felt amazing to get out of the house for a while. I've only had 2 lots of pain killers today and that was more because I was going out.
Day 5 post op: last night was my 1st night back in my bed. I had my bed on the sofa because my toilet is downstairs and I was struggling getting up and down. Also reduced movement meant I'd have never made the toilet in time. I was very restless till around 3.30am as I couldn't turn around to sleep on my side which Is how I would normally sleep in bed. Eventually fell asleep and woke around 1pm 😳 I felt very lazy but bare in mind it was broken sleep. Today I feel loads better and recovery seems to be getting quicker. I'm not going to lie, I still feel pains but this is now more when I move and again only from wound areas and where the gallbladder was so I still recommend you still take things easy. Diarreah has now cleared and bowel movements are almost back to normal. I still feel sore but again it's much better than it was and also much more bearable. I haven't yet had pain killers and want to take them only when I need them. I am visiting the nurse tomorrow due to a naughty wound that won't stay closed so I'm hoping that's better than it was. More so because I would love to have a soak in the bath. Sadly I've been forbidden from showers and baths until it's closed enough to handle water. So flannel washes are what I've had to deal with. I am still on day 5 of recovery but want to share my experience now as I thought I would be laid up much longer. I am still resting but doing little bits when I can. I am proud to have started managing my stairs and finally had a proper night in bed. My pains are now only from where the gallbladder was, the belly button wound (which is my naughty one) and one wound in the top of the tummy between my rib cage. All in all, I am so thrilled with my surgery and so glad I no longer need to suffer the attacks I was having. I do feel achy and feel I have run a marathon at times but that's my own fault at pushing myself too much. I hope that my day by day diary has enough information to help anyone who is having or has just had surgery. If there are any questions anyone has I would be more than happy to answer. I am sorry the post is so long but the more detail the better. Please post a reply if there are any other symptoms you may have had that I haven't included. I can't wait to be back on my feet and back to normal health and although it seems ages away, it's nothing compared to the nightmare of having a not well gallbladder. I still feel very tired and can still only do very little but as for the pains they are easing more and more as each day goes on. Please remember that the recovery does take up to 6 weeks so even if you still don't feel right after 2 weeks you are still recovering from a major surgery. Please still only eat light meals as your body is adjusting to the gallbladder not being there. And although we can live a perfectly healthy life without one, it still done quite a lot for you. Don't suffer in silence. I wish anyone having the surgery a speedy recovery and lots of love and please make sure you rest. All the best.
Sonia
Xxxx
2 likes, 187 replies
Star42 sonia1988
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sonia1988 Star42
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Thank you my lovely. I'm doing ok, would be nice to hear also how others get on post op. Best of luck xx
Star42 sonia1988
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Thanks, I am still waiting to get in the actual system
I havent even seen the specalist yet, just the letter that I am in waiting for an appointment, was refered in October.. Havent had anything from the internal referal from my other specalist either and that was end Dec!
katherine42413 sonia1988
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Hi Sonia, I'm glad that you're doing ok and you haven't got the pain that you had before.
Your report was great, thank you for the information. Mine's coming out on Wednesday so fingers crossed.
Please continue to send updates and I'll be back online in a while. I'm not good with general anaesthetic so I'll probably be asleep for a while afterwards which will be good as I'm not getting much sleep at the moment.
Don't forget to take things easy especially as you're like me in that you're always active. My mother-in-law just bought me a pressie for afterwards which is like an adults colouring set with some interesting patterns and other scenes which I thought was a good idea to keep me still!
I hope you continue to make good progress and I'll speak to you again xxx
carol02471 katherine42413
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Hi Katherine
My daughter has those kind of books & she loved them xx
katherine42413 carol02471
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Hi Carol, I thought it was a really good idea. I haven't done anything like that since I was a child which was a long time ago. Its a lovely box with everything you need including a cd of relaxing music.
How's your daughter doing?
sonia1988 katherine42413
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Katherine I am and will be thinking of you on Wednesday. I'm now slightly glad you spotted my 1st post and are able to see how I've got on day to day post op. I've been doing a bit more today but still a little more than my body can handle at the minute. Had my naughty wound checked which is doing good but still slow at knitting together completely. 2 were fine and dressings taken off, another was still a little weapy. Back in again on Thursday for another dressing change but so far so good. Still having slight pains where the gallbladder was taken from but nowhere near as bad. Still very emotional, and exhausted after doing the smallest things but day 6 post op and I'm doing ok. Oh my my partners sister in law said the exact same thing to me, 'do some colouring' she said. But the best thing I had was a ben10 activity book and somehow that just wasn't the same. I have them to be very therapeutic but never tried them myself. I can imagine you completing in 2 days if you are active as I am haha! But again, wishing you loads of luck and I will be looking forward to hearing how it all went for you.
All the best
Sonia xx
katherine42413 sonia1988
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Thank you Sonia.
I'm expecting to have some pain like yourself where the gallbladder was, as this has to heal doesn't it and it takes a little longer on the inside.
I had a laparoscopy many years ago but it was diagnostic for lower abdominal pain so only 2 holes, if I remember correctly the belly button cut as its bigger does take longer to heal plus the fact that they're all in an awkward place aren't they? Do they use dissolvable stitches or glue on the outside?
Yes I don't think I'm going to be a very good patient once I've caught up on sleep, it'll annoy me not being able to do much. After reading what you've said I've updated my husband that he'll have to doing all the boring stuff around the house!
I'll be in touch, keep on relaxing and updating us. Take care xx
sonia1988 katherine42413
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The stitches I had were on the inside only and I had just sterile strip (butterfly stitches) on the outside. I think it depends on the personal circumstances of each individual. I'm not to sure. I've heard of people having proper stitches, some glue and some same as mine. I also had a laporoscopy a few years back to treat endometriosis and have my appendix out in one. I had 3 scars one on the bottom of my belly button was only about 1cm so very small. This one is about 2 and a half cms so much bigger and yes in a very awkward place. I'm a terrible healer anyway so I'm not surprised with myself. Just make sure you rest I cannot stress enough how vital it is to recovery. I will take care and you do so to. Your husband shall need his merigolds handy and a notepad to see to your every need haha enjoy having someone waiting on you. Honestly, it doesn't last forever x
katherine42413 sonia1988
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Thank you about the stitches.
I'll buy him some tomorrow and see what he says!!
Speak soon xxx
Star42 sonia1988
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carol02471 katherine42413
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Hi Katherine
That's a really thoughtful gift. I hadn't done them since I was young but even I have one now as my son sits with her to try and take her mind off the pain and he has one as well, they are relaxing So enjoy it while you can. Xx
She is really struggling now but just got to get to Thursdays appointment with the specialist in London, so keeping everything crossed he has some good ideas on what he can do to help her.
Keep me posted on you and enjoy your R&R time xx
smigger15 katherine42413
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Good luck with your surgery today.... sure you'll be fine & up and about in no time. Keep us all posted... xx
sonia1988 Star42
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Hi star, I can understand completely. I do the exact same thing. Self employed own cleaning business which is so difficult to not do because it's pay as go!! After only a week off I am finding it a struggle massively. Emotionally and financially. I am however going completely against everything I say about resting and going to work tomorrow. 😞 I have got someone that can help but it's only available when they have days off work from their own job. I'm finding myself now crying over the silliest things. I am back driving, although I was told not to for 2 weeks but it's also a struggle when you don't have that constant help. All I can say is I don't advise anyone to jump back into daily routine things, it won't hurt for it to be held off for a while. Ive just found things have fallen completely out of place with me being laid up and not just me, but others around me are even struggling. Makes me realise just how much I do. I do hope you have stable help around you and to anyone else who is having the surgery. I'm actually at the minute wishing someone else close to me has had the same problem just so they could understand just how painful and draining this all is. It's taking its toll on me. Sorry I feel terrible rambling on, you'd think things would start feeling better as each day goes by but for me it seems like it's dragging haha. It's not the sympathy I'm after, just the help! Oh dear I'm waffling a bit now, I'm not trying to scare anyone or make things sound worse than they are but my personal situation just isn't great which makes everything feel and seem worse than it really is! But day 7 post op, I've become a complete emotional wreck!! Haha sorry. I do hope you won't need to wait much longer for your appointment for surgery. Keep on at the drs if you have to. I was told 3-5 month wait initially but I kept on at the admissions team at the hospital. Next day I had a call and luckily was less than 6 weeks from diagnoses to surgery!
katherine42413 carol02471
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Thank you Carol.
Let me know how your daughter gets on at her appointment and I hope you can get some positive outcomes. You never know what new research they're doing for the sphincter of oddi dysfunction.
I don't think R&R is alot on the cards, I bought 2 archive boxes home of files I need so I can keep the business going, but I'm not going to look at it until next week so at least I have a chance of mending.
Thank you and I'll speak to you again xx
katherine42413 smigger15
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Thanks smigger. In a weird way I'm looking forward to it as I've had enough of the constant pain but I am very nervous and trying to keep myself occupied.
Thank you for your kind words xx
katherine42413 sonia1988
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Oh Sonia, I'm sorry that you've got all this additional stress when you should be recouperating.
Don't worry about rambling its better to share your stress otherwise you'll cause yourself other problems.
Keep talking to us as at least we know what your going through. I'm self employed also but with my husband so I can do alot of my work from home but he hates it without me there.
Just be very careful sonia especially with your wounds.
Take care of yourself and keep writing.xx
smigger15 katherine42413
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When is your op? is it today? You will be fine.. and wonder why you were worried... just take your time like your supposed to for your rest & recovery. I've had my consultants secretary call me this afternoon and confirm that I will be going in on 24th March - not long now. I've had nothing but excellent service from our wonderful NHS - first scanned end of November, seen by consultant just before Christmas, pre-op last week and in on 24th...can't complain about that. Even down to the lovely secretary calling me with my date. Five stars!!
smigger15 sonia1988
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I've had call this afternoon... 24th March!! XX
katherine42413 smigger15
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Oh thats great news, only 3 weeks away.
Mine's tomorrow, got to be there at 07.30am so hopefully I'll be one of the first in.
It took a bit of time for me as my gallbladders coming out as its not functioning properly rather than gallstones and all these tests take a while. The first couple of tests where done quickly encase I had cancer as my ultrasound was normal but luckily those came out normal also until I had the hida scan which was just before Christmas.
Keep in touch with how you're getting on xx
smigger15 katherine42413
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katherine42413 smigger15
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carol02471 katherine42413
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katherine42413 carol02471
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sonia1988 katherine42413
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Hi Katherine, I'm ok just had such a bad day. Being limited with what I can do and just generally feeling unwell it's just taken its toll a bit. I'm absolutely fine, lack of sleep I think. I had a cry on the phone to my dad this's afternoon and we had an hour long phone conversation this evening so it's helped. I'd have been lost without my little vent on here 🙈 I feel silly but is a big thing to me. I've decided to phone my dr tomorrow and try to get an appointment just for a chat. Wishing you loads of luck for tomorrow I hope alll goes welll and I will be looking forward to hearing how you got on. Just stay relaxed and don't worry about anything and you'll be just fine. Best wishes and ((HUGS)) xx
carol02471 sonia1988
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Hi Sonia
Sorry to see you are struggling at the moment, vent away it's not easy watching you all suffering hence why I ended up on here.
Hope your GP is good and can help you out of this bit your in.
Sweet dreams x
sonia1988 carol02471
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Aww thank you for your kind message carol. I didn't end up visiting the dr, I actually went to work 🙈 Wasn't a very good idea but I did it. I'm having the rest of the week to really put my feet up, unfortunately I'm still feeling quite bad pains on my insides which is my own fault for not resting as I should. I'm feeling a little better in myself just so tired. X
sonia1988 katherine42413
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Star42 sonia1988
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I dont have anyone to help work wise but my husband will take 2 weeks off to help do the kids run around thankfully. Keep rambling all you like, I dont think others realise unless you are chronically sick and have been for a while, what an emotinal stress and rollercoaster it is.
sonia1988 Star42
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It's hard when you are self employed that way. My younger sister came along to help me and done the hard jobs. She had a day off from sixth form other wise I wouldn't have had the help. 3 weeks off is a good idea, I picked up my Hoover this morning to try and get on top of bits at home and that was a mistake. I have had a sharp throbbing pain since when the gallbladder was, it seems like it's taking ages to heal! I'm still only 10 days post op so I guess it's still early but starting to feel like everything's falling apart haha I think I may have an hour to lay down then hopefully feel a little better soon x
katherine42413 sonia1988
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Hi Sonia, thank you for your message, I'm sorry I haven't written before but this has been the first day where I've actually felt like doing anything.
ell everything went well, I was there at 07.30 and saw the surgeon, his assistant and the anaesthetist but didn't go into surgery until 11.00. They were doing all different types of GI surgery but I think I was the only one having this operation as I was the last one to leave the ward! I can't fault the staff at all, the 2 nurses that were allocated to me were amazing, one said that I would be very uncomfortable for a few days and there will be pain but that is normal. I had a student nurse ask me if she could observe the operation as part of her training and that was actually really good for me as when I was taken into the first part of the operating theatre she was with me the whole time and then she was there when I woke in recovery and she has such a lovely bubbly caring personality that made me feel alot more relaxed.
Apparently my operation was as they call it 'uncomplicated' but I know they took an ultrasound of my liver while they where there as my liver tests have been a bit irregular so the surgeon said but they haven't said anymore about that. When I got back onto the ward the pain wasn't too bad but it gradually got worse where the incision sites are so they gave me some morphine. I didn't get to leave until 18.00 as I started to vomit alot. I felt so silly and embarrassed, I know they've seen it before but its not normal for me even though it is for this. As it was all bile and the water I'd drunk they explained that the body hasn't quite worked out it hasn't got a gallbladder and ends up going into the stomach but it would soon work it out. We took a whole load of those sick bowls which was useful as we hadn't got far down the road when I threw up again! and again when I got in through the front door. So there I was holding my stomach which has obviously made the incisions bleed a little as I can see it through the dressings.
Day 1, all I did was sleep, I got up for a while when my parents came to look after me. Very sore and still a bit sickky but I did manage to munch on a plain biscuit later and it stayed down.
Day 2, I'm a little bit more with it, I'm still having pain in the shoulders which I'm presuming its the gas but its a bit frightening when I had alot of pain in the shoulders before. I actually ate a hot cross bun and then I had cod fish fingers for my dinner which wasn't too heavy and stayed down. I still feel nauseous every so often but not being sick. I did manage a shower as the dressings are showerproof which made me feel better. Last night though I couldn't sleep until after 5am, I just couldn't get comfy and my incision from the belly button felt really sore and was stinging. I'm still getting some pain but I'm not sure if its from the surgery or not as they originally said this may not take all the pain away so I'm prepared at least.
Day 3, well again better than yesterday, moving around a little but it hard work even to make a cuppa, it really takes it out of you doesn't it. All I'm doing at the mo is sitting on the settee with the cat who hasn't left my side! Apparently I have dissolvable stitches with butterfly strips and then the dressing which can come off on Tuesday but I'm a bit nervous of that bit because its bled I hope it hasn't stuck to the stitch. What have you found when you removed yours?
How are you doing as you weren't too good the last time we spoke?
Sorry this is a bit long winded but I know you'll relate as you're a few days further ahead than me. xx
sonia1988 katherine42413
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Hi Katherine im glad to hear it all went well and you're home recovering. I can say all that you have said has been the exact same for me. All sounds just like the post op symptoms. It helps also so much when you have lovely nurses there to help. I've had to see the nurse regarding my wounds and dressings though. Almost 2 weeks on and my belly button incision has been a nightmare. Don't be scared when it comes to removing them, if oh are worried just try and get an appointment with the nurse so she can do it. It's really not that bad. My belly button one however hasn't knitted together properly and has actually started healing open, of that makes sense. It doesn't look very pleasant but never mind. All I can say is you will feel so much better for having it done, just make sure you rest as much as you can. I'm on day 11 now and the tiredness is still there. Feeling exhausted after doing the smallest things. Hope things continue to improve for you. Thanks for getting in touch
All the best and take care of yourself
Sonia xx