just had gallbladder out- having alot of pain around right shoulder blade

[JJ314]

I just had my gallbladder out about a week and a half ago and ever since the surgery I have had some pretty sever pain    around my right shoulder blade. I know this can be common if you have a gallstone that are trying to pass, but the doctors were pretty sure there was nothing there. Is this common after surgery, does it go away, and should I be worried?

[Thypatient]

I second cici007's post.  I was told up front that I would have this pain after surgery due to the procedure used - and I did.  Mine subsided a little sooner than your experience but everyone's different so I wouldn't worry too much.  Walking helped.

In the hospital, while my husband was visiting we went for a little stroll (half a hallway) and as we walked past the nurses' station one yelled out, "Make sure to pass a lot of gas, okay."  This made my husband giggle but I thought, 'Gee thanks!  Hey, next time why don't you call a news conference!'

Good luck.

[cici007]

Hi JJ314,

I had my gallbladder removed in 1/08 and had the exact same symptom as you. The pain in the right shoulder has to do with trapped air and it will dissipate with time. It is caused by the surgical team using air to inflate your body cavity during the procedure. I found that Advil, stretching and walking on a treadmill or just outside on a side walk really helped get rid of that pain sooner--perhaps the swinging motion of the arms while walking helps to get the air out(?) Not sure... but within a few weeks you won't feel it at all. :)