Gallbladder Gone

[Labar914]

Well, I had my gallbladder out yesterday. Oh, I hate general anesthesia.  I didnt vomit but it took me forever to be able to answer questions and see straight.  They scratched my gums and throat up too, ouch that hurts.  

My temp is 100.2, so I have a call in to the doctors office.  Feel horrible but thats to be expected I guess.  The doctor didnt come back in and speak to me afterwards so I dont know what to watch for.  Papers just said regular diet, no lifting and appointment in 2 weeks, mine was the first surgery of the day and he had several after mine and was busy.  

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Michelle

[Labar914]

The doctor didnt say much at all. After my HIDA scan it was pretty quick.  It was my family doctor that sent me for the surgery consult and then I was scheduled.  The intermitant sharp pain is still here.  Friday I took a drive which was a mistake, lol.  I went out today and the bumps give me what feels like a "side sticker", that may just be PA Dutch for stabbing pain in the right side.  I planned on going back to work yesterday but changes in position still give me this pain.  I have an appointment on Monday, we will see.

Thanks for asking,
Michelle

[Jaybay]

How are you feeling now?  Any better?  I experienced the same pain for quite some time after my gb surgery, but it did finally calm down.  Did your doc mention the possibility of remaining sludge in the bile duct?  If the "attacks" continue, or worsen, that would be the next place to look.  Hope things are looking up for you now!

[tmv]

Some of the pain you describe may be from your bile dumping into your intestines all the time and sometimes in surges.  (Instead of as needed with the gall bladder).  My sister called these "gallbladderless attacts". They did slow down in a few weeks, but if she ate something with a lot of grease in it, then she would get the pain in the same area. Hope you feel better soon!

[Jaybay]

I have to laugh at your bird comment!  Our cockatiel is 18 years old now and a lot quieter than in his youth, but if anyone gets on the phone?  Look out!  Can't hear a blasted thing!  :-)

Hope you're feeling better today and that fever is going down.  Since you already have tylenol in the codeine preparation, I wouldn't add any more for fever control.  You might try something like advil or aleve instead.

[tmv]

Michelle,
    Try to drink lots of water or juices as tolerated. A low grade fever may be a sign of dehydration which is common after surgery. Remember to take some deep breaths and maybe fold a small blanket over your stomach to cough-prevents post-op pneumonia.  Try to stay away from tomato based products for a while then try slowly to check your tolerance.  

[Labar914]

Today was just as bad as yesterday, but at least I dont feel wacky like I have in the past with anesthesia thats a big help.  

Unfortunetly, I have had the same pain stabbing pain below my ribs several times today, that was thought to be my "Gallbladder" pain, and should be gone.  The HIDA scan did put my function at 7%, so it wasnt for nothing, but I sure hope that I am not stuck with this pain.  I will give it a few weeks I guess

Thanks again everyone,
Michelle

[Labar914]

Doctor just called back, if temp goes above 101 while taking the tylenol w/codiene I should go to the ER.  Of course while on the phone with the doctor the birds started yelling, he probably thought I was crazy.  I dont even have the volume to yell at them, lol.  They love it.

Thanks for the suggestions,
Michelle

[Jaybay]

Congrats on getting your gallbladder surgery done!  I know post-op from any surgery can be a misery, but dealing with it is mostly common sense.  When they say to go back to your regular diet, that really means what you can tolerate without making yourself sick.  Go slowly with bland foods - even liquids like broths, jello and puddings if you think that's all you can handle.  Whenever the gut is disturbed, it can take a few days to resume normal function, so don't push a bunch of rich food in too soon.

Since you now have a straight "highway" of bile going from your liver to your small intestine, you may experience diarrhea with certain foods - yet another reason to go slow with food and see how you react.  The "bile salt diarrhea" as a result of gb surgery usually goes away with time as your body adjusts to the increase in bile to the small intestine.  I had no problems in that regard, but understand that many people do experience that reaction.

So, as with any surgery, keep up your fluids, get lots of rest, and just be careful adding various foods back to your diet.  The uncomfortable feelings in your throat are probably from the breathing tube inserted during surgery, and should go away in a few days.  Sometimes I get the same thing - sometimes not.  Who knows why?  

I do hope this surgery cures everything that was ailing you, and best of luck for a continued successful recovery.  :-)