Post Operative nausea and pain

[princess7780]

My question:  I am 11 days out of Gallbladder surgery.  I felt fine (besides post-operative soreness-you know from the surgery itself) from day 1-6.  On day 7 I started getting some post-operative pain right where my gallbladder use to be.  This pain has no been on and off for five days (but much improved over that time).  What is more bothersome is during the day seven I started feeling nauseous on and off.   I have read up online that post-operative diarrehea is not uncommon with gall bladder removal, but I don't see where nausea is.  I hate being nauseous as I fret about it because I don't like to throw up.  I am worried that I have some other horrible disease.  I thought that once my gallbladder was removed, I would stop having nausea and all the other gallbladder symptoms.  (I had the gallbladder removed because my HIDA scan showed my GB working at only 8%...but I had no stones)

I saw my surgeon yesterday because I was extremely worried something was wrong and he told me that from Day 1-7 most people's nerves are numb from the surgery.  Its not until around the 7-10 day mark that people actually start feeling their body adjusting to not having a gallbladder..  So he said it is normal to feel pain here and there and also normal to feel nausea for a few weeks.  I am wondering if you agree with him.  Do you think it is true to feel like that?  How long should I feel like this before it should start to get better??  Does it take months to adapt to not having a gallbladder?

I am worrried I have sphincter of Oddi dysfunctin or gastroparesis.  Do you think if I had either of those I would feel a lot sicker or be in more pain?

Thanks for your help.

[willow54]

I am 10 days post lap chole gallbladder removal.  I'm a 34 year old woman.  I am on the Depo shot for birth control (the last one I got was July 9th - my next one is due in October), therefore, I never get a period.  However, 5 days post surgery, I got my period and I still have it.  Is this normal?  I thought maybe it started because I was straining so hard to have a bowel movement.  My last pap test was at the end of April and it was normal.  Now, I'm worried something may be really wrong.  Is this common - my situation?

[surgeon]

I'd add that because much is changing in the first weeks after surgery, it's way to early to worry about such things as SOD. If you are still taking pain med, that can certainly cause nausea. There are several medication choices that ought to help. If it persists for more than another couple of weeks, or is getting worse, or if other symptoms add in, then investigation ought to start.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would agree with the surgeon's assessment that it may take a bit of time for your body to adjust post-op.  If the nausea continues, then yes, further evaluation can be considered.  This would include the aforementioned diseases (although they are relatively uncommon).  Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction can be evaluated with an ERCP with manometry, and gastroparesis can be evaluated with a gastric emptying scan.  

A more reasonable test would be a simple upper GI series first, which can evaluate for more common causes like GERD, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, or an ulcer.  If negative, then you can proceed to some of the more specialized tests.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b