after gallbladder surgery pain

[kath111]

This is not a question, but a response to the postings. I had my gallbladder out six days ago, and I am up now because of excruciating pain under my right rib cage. I still can not lie flat and have a great deal of difficulty going from lying back to standing up. I am up now because of the pain.

I usually recoup so quickly that I am really discouraged. I was up and around and out the door 4 days after my hysterectomy 2 years ago, stopped taking vicodin before I even left the hospital. I am having zero trouble with the incisions or the incision sights; they are healing great.

HOWEVER, my rib area feels like someone repeatedly kicked me. Ice packs and vicodin are becoming less effective in dealing with the pain. I am wondering if they accidently bruised my liver during surgery.


This discussion is related to Problems after gall bladder surgery.

[TaraDoyle]

Hi... I just wanted to let you know that I just had my gallbladder out Dec. 9th and had horrible pain in my lower right rib cage as well. When I told my surgeon he told me that it was likely when they put the instruments in to do the surgery that region was slightly injured and will heal with time. Though I have other post surgery problems (nausea, bowel issues and pain), my rib cage or underneath it is slowly feeling better. I hope this is the case with you. Take care and good luck! Oh and if you do have any more issues the sight "Sam" listed on her post is amazing and will help you a lot.

Good night, Tara

[Banned1]

Hi kath111:

I know this is a poll but for whatever it's worth, I wanted to write.  

I'm so sorry to hear that you are suffering.  I'm a 42-year-old woman who, about two years ago, I developed gallbladder-type pain and other symptoms.  After having my gallbladder removed and another surgery called a sphincterotomy, I've learned that there are many things that can cause these symptoms including Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome, Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction and Pancreatitis, among other things.

I belong to a Yahoo! group which deals with Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction, Pancreatitis and Undiagnosed Symptoms, among other things.  Michele V. is the most amazine woman who owns and moderates the forum and she is also a Registered Nurse.  Some of the other members are also medical professionals.  This forum is full of people who live with our kind of pain and suffering every day.  They have personal relevant experience that REALLY helps.  To learn more about this group, please visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sphincterofoddi_pancreatitis.  

I don't have a diagnosis yet but for vomiting and nausea, I've been prescribed Domperidone (trade names: Motilium or Motillium).  It has been a Godsend.  I'm also on a sustained action pain medication called Oxycodone/Oxycontin HCL which has made a world of difference, too.  I'm still REALLY sick but these things have taken me from being bedridden to being mostly mobile, happier and hopeful.

Here are a couple of things that I've found helpful.  

Research!  Read old posts in this forum.  There is a fantastic research resource that I've found very helpful called "The First Principles of Gastroenterology": http://gastroresource.com/GITextbook/en/Default.htm.  

Log!  Keep a journal.  It helps identify patterns in your symptoms, foods, medications and pain level.  You're welcome to read mine but I write a lot (can you tell?).  :)  http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/12546?personal_page_id=8912

Reach Out!  You are not alone!  Try to stay positive.  

When you do find answers,please post to let everyone know what you found and how you got rid of your symptoms.  It gives people on this site hope to hear success stories.

Good luck and Godspeed!

All the best,

Sam