Surgery: Doctor didn't warn me...
Posted , 4 users are following.
I am 57yo, had lap. gallbladder removal surgery 5 days ago. Was sent home same day of surgery. I was given an anti-nausea patch just prior to being wheeled into surgery. It was to last about 72 hours and would help with anesthesia nausea; it did 
The day the patch came off, I started feeling sickish. I developed a metallic taste in my mouth and brushing my teeth several times a day didn't help. This eventually led to full nausea (burping, pressure, slightly dizziness...). No appetite, everything tastes horribly salty and bitter :P I've had saltine crackers, prune juice, a few pancakes.
I specifically asked the surgeon what to expect after the surgery and what side effects there are to having a gallbladder removed. Other than mentioning possible short-term diarrhea, he said there were NO side effects, no special diet, nothing to adjust to.
Over the weekend (yesterday), the nausea worsened and I took an anti-nausea pill I had left from a recent kidney stone episode. It did relieve much of the issues and today I am waiting for a callback from the Dr's office. The nurse I spoke to this morning had never heard of these 'symptoms'.
Suffice it to say, if this is normal stuff, I will be royally peeved that the doctor did not properly address this when I asked for details ! If this is normal, of course I'll be glad it's nothing to worry about but if the terrible taste and nausea flare up more, I really need to know what to do to fix this !
Would love to hear from those with experience with metallic taste and nausea. What do you do to combat this ? Thank you so much for your help
0 likes, 5 replies
lynda20916 gall
Posted
Hi, sorry you're feeling so ill. GP's and surgeons don't seem to know much about what happens after surgery, I find. Try to get referred to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who can most likely help you.
I would think that the nausea would dissipate after a while. In the meantime, keep to low fat meals and eat small and frequent meals.
Best of luck to you, and let me know how you do!
gall lynda20916
Posted
Thanks. I will try the frequent meal suggestion~ I do think you're right about surgeons not knowing about the 'after effects'. Just got a callback from the nurse and her only recommendation was try a warm water rinse. :P Take care~
lynda20916 gall
Posted
You're so welcome! When I was recovering, I started to carry a mug of warmish tea with me everywhere. Though before and after I recovered, I limited my sugar intake, I found that if I kept it sweetened with sugar (don't use sugar substitutes, they mess with your digestion and your gut flora) I felt just a bit better! xxx
kellie47862 gall
Posted
Keep in mind that you are only 5/6 days out of surgery too. I would ask for and something that will help you if the nausea hits. I HIGHLY reccomend Compazine (Prochlorperazine). I was given something else for nausea, but this pill works getter by far.
I honestly feel that NOBODY does their job like they're supposed to anymore! Fast food places are THE WORST and then it just trickles down into other vocations from there.)
I hope that you find the answers you need Gall! I can only help with the nausea. Good luck, my friend!
gall kellie47862
Posted
Thank you so much for your reply ! It is helpful to be reminded that it's only been a few days~ I will ask the Dr. for more pills for sure.
Hugs~