Post gallbladder surgery swelling/bloating and discharge

[aimeebella]

I had my gallbladder removed exactly 2 weeks ago. I had my stitches removed 4 days ago and the doctor was a bit surprised how bruised up and swollen I still was but said it was normal. The nurse had a bit of a hard time removing the stitches in the belly button area because of scarring/scabbing. Afterwards I felt some stinging but relief. There was a big red blotch that seemed very sensitive to touch/clothing under the bellybutton. That showed up after I decided to wear my pants over my belly. I am not really overweight but look like I am about 6 months pregnant still. I have a small hard lump under the belly button and a larger one above. I also have a hard mass under the lowest incision on my right side with some residual visual bruising. 2 days ago I took a shower and was ready to out when I looked down and noticed reddish brown blood/discharge coming from my belly button incision. I tried cleaning it up and it would stop for a minute an then start again. I called the doctor on call and he said it was a hematoma and that this oily discharge might leak for a while but it was normal. Since then it has seemed to stop. There is now just a black "blob" by the incision site. It stings a bit when I shower but is otherwise fine. My question - how "normal" is this? Is there anything I can do to help reduce the swelling? And, has anyone else had this problem?

The reddish mark under the belly button seemed to subside but the small bumps and the "pregnant" belly is still there. I want to go back to work but nothing fits now!!!!

[Jess1974]

I had my gallbladder removed on the 31st of Jan. I am very concerned about the bruises I have on my stomach above and below my belly button.Which are still purple and red in color, all my stiches are still in place and are scappy and red around them.
I woke up with a drainage bag and I was not told before surgery I would have one. I still have pain on my right side where the drainage tube/bag was. My surgery took over 2 hours and the surgeon keeps telling me there were no complications. I don't believe him at all. I've had 3 children and my last child was by c-section with 28 stapes and I didn't feel this much pain. I didn't want to have this surgery because my mother,father, and brother have all had it (gallbladder removed) and suffer constantly with diarrhea. After eating if there isn't a bathroom available with in 20 mins they will poop on themselves. I was told by my surgeon that if I didn't have my gallbladder removed my quality of life would not be good because I had 2 gallbladder attacks lasting 5/6 hrs.Those attacks are very painful.So I trusted the Sergeon. I feel lied to and I want the truth.  I even asked if there was anything I could do to save my gallbladder.Surgeon  said yeah if u become a vegan. I had to have them give me oxygen after my surgery because I was having difficulty breathing. And even after asking for the plastic breathing apparatus your supposed to use. I recv'd it the day of release.
I was in the hospital 5 days total. 3days before surgery and 2 days after. I gained 17 lbs while in the hospital  and I hadn't eaten anything for 3/4 days no even a drop of water and after surgery I drank juice and broth. The day of my release I had farina. If I would have known I was going to end up like this. I would've checked myself out of the hospital and gotten a second opinion. I asked to see my gallbladder and supposed stones. I got nothing. I have never suffered so much emotionally and physically. From the nurse who didn't mix my Iv antibiotics and then tried to take the evidence from me, the other nurse attempted to remove my belly button goss decides in the middle of doing it she was scared to do it. I said to her but your a nurse. She looked more scared then I was. So she just put a another fresh goss over it and placed the clear seal they use.
I later found out she wasn't supposed to be touched for 2 weeks.The director of nursing who tried to black mail me with a 25 gift card to Marshalls. Can you say I need a lawyer. The lack of care and compassion I recieved while at florida hospital of Sun N Lakes, Sebring Florida was a nightmare. I have lost all faith in Humanity. Be advised.  

[michell221]

I just had this surgery and my surgeon said that in some people there will be a small area of hardness around the scar for possibly a few months.  He said it will eventually go away.  He also said draining is normal.  I have not had these problems so far but I would not be too concerned if you do not feel bad and do not have a fever .  If the incision were infected you would generally notice a bad odor and possibly feel sick.  I would have the surgeon take a look if it does not seem to be getting better in a few days and if it keeps leaking.  The swelling may take a few more weeks to go down as well. I was warned of this from my doctor.  I seem to have a bit of swelling in my right side where the 2 incisons were made.