cskovrin
11-28-2003, 06:25 PM
I've noticed a lot of not-so-happy descriptions of the recovery time for having gall bladders removed, and wanted to share my good story. Just had mine removed on Tuesday (via the laparoscopic method.) My surgery went very well - was quick! I came home the same evening, and have very quickly been getting better. My pain is far less that it was initially (it was very hard to get up and sit down, due to the location of the surgery) and my incisions are healing away!
The day after my surgery, after eating quite a few saltines and some chicken soup, I managed to start eating normally. Thanks to the meds given to me to combat my usual nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia, I did not get sick at all.
Here are the most important things for a quick recovery (because I feel great!):
1. DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT BECOMES AN EMERGENCY. If you suspect that you have gall bladder disease/problems - get yourself to the doctor immediately. A simple ultrasound, and a family medical history determined my problem. I had an attack Labor Day weekend, which was so bad, that I finally realized my gall bladder was the problem (mother confirmed all symptoms - it's genetic in my family) I scheduled an appt with my PCP right away and got the ultrasound. Although I had to wait to see a surgeon, and to have the surgery, Dr.'s told me that it was very helpful to myself to be proactive with all of it - makes the surgery much easier with less risks due to inflammation, etc.
2. If you learn that it is your gall bladder, try to change your diet to cut back on fatty foods. By doing this, I got away with no attacks until my surgery - nearly three months! Drinking a lot of water, and cutting back on fat/cholesterol is a good thing for you anyway, and after talking to my doctor, have found that it's helping my recovery, as my body doesn't have to get used to processing fat like most.
I realize that we're all different, but I was really anticipating the worst. BUT, I was able to successfully eat Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday (small portions of course) and it was a great holiday. Just knowing that the little bugger is gone for good makes me want to jump for joy - but I'll give myself a few more days of rest before I start doing that :)
Good luck to all of you in the same situation - I really do feel your pain!
The day after my surgery, after eating quite a few saltines and some chicken soup, I managed to start eating normally. Thanks to the meds given to me to combat my usual nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia, I did not get sick at all.
Here are the most important things for a quick recovery (because I feel great!):
1. DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT BECOMES AN EMERGENCY. If you suspect that you have gall bladder disease/problems - get yourself to the doctor immediately. A simple ultrasound, and a family medical history determined my problem. I had an attack Labor Day weekend, which was so bad, that I finally realized my gall bladder was the problem (mother confirmed all symptoms - it's genetic in my family) I scheduled an appt with my PCP right away and got the ultrasound. Although I had to wait to see a surgeon, and to have the surgery, Dr.'s told me that it was very helpful to myself to be proactive with all of it - makes the surgery much easier with less risks due to inflammation, etc.
2. If you learn that it is your gall bladder, try to change your diet to cut back on fatty foods. By doing this, I got away with no attacks until my surgery - nearly three months! Drinking a lot of water, and cutting back on fat/cholesterol is a good thing for you anyway, and after talking to my doctor, have found that it's helping my recovery, as my body doesn't have to get used to processing fat like most.
I realize that we're all different, but I was really anticipating the worst. BUT, I was able to successfully eat Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday (small portions of course) and it was a great holiday. Just knowing that the little bugger is gone for good makes me want to jump for joy - but I'll give myself a few more days of rest before I start doing that :)
Good luck to all of you in the same situation - I really do feel your pain!
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