Hello,
Please, I need some questions answered before I go crazy! I have posted on the board with all the problems I was having before Gallbladder was diagnosed,the worse one being upper back pain,well I had my surgery on Friday,they filled me up with gas until I looked 9 months pregnant. Okay,I understood that would be painful until my body got rid of the gas, I would have diarhea for a while, Okay, I do. My question is has anyone had this and still had the upper back pain 3 days after surgery? THey said don't eat fatty foods for a month,what does this mean?? Everything has fat in it, not that I'm the least bit interested in eating at this point. Does anyone know if I will ever shake this?? Please,if anyone can answer or has had a similar problem, let me know what you did to help yourself.
Many thanks!!

3 days is definately still early. All those things you are experiencing are a normal part of the recovery/healing process. I hate to tell you this but I had pain from the gas for almost 2 weeks. Not everyone is the same. The more you walk around the quicker it will leave your system. As for the diarrhea...well I am still experiencing it and I had surgery back in March. When they tell you not to eat fatty foods they mean only eat things like fruits, vegetables, crackers, plain pasta, basically anything bland (probably what you ate before you had your GB removed to avoid any attacks).
Hang in there...you will be fine--take it easy and let your body recover!

There's plenty you can eat! Chicken, turkey, veggies, baked potatoes, salad, bread, soup, yogurt, etc. Just leave off cheese, mayo, eggs, fried foods, dressings that aren't fat free, etc. I lived on turkey and chicken (baked and in sandwiches), baked potatoes, salad with fat free dressing. Do your mashed potatoes and rice with chicken broth or vegetable broth...both fat free. And I didn't have the leftover gas pain but several people I know did and it can last a while..it's a test of how good your surgeon was...the better ones manage to release it all or least most of it. Oh, and I'm the fool who jogged two miles one week after her surgery...so there is life after gb removal!

Thank you both very much!! Diamond 79, was your pain the same as you had before your surgery?? Mine is exactly the same,in my upper back.

Yes, it was the same feeling as before the surgery--like someone sticking a knife between my shoulder blades was a good way to describe it :eek: . I still have the odd day where I experience it but it's not as painful as before and just after surgery. More of an aching feeling now.

Same here. I think we are just impatient to heal and be able to eat and do what we did long before the gallstones. It will be four weeks tomorrow since surgery and FINALLY I can eat most anything (not tried the REALLY fat stuff) like beef and eggs. The pain in my back seemed to stay forever but is finally nearly gone. When they say it takes time - it just does! Elaine

Thank You!!! Thank You!! To all of you who have posted!! You'll never know how much you have helped me and how deeply I appreciate it!! Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday!!

Well, I spoke too soon. I went to a Christmas party yesterday and thought I was careful what I ate. Woke up in night with same symptoms as before surgery except no pain in gallbladder area - cramps, nausea, diarrehea and some chills. Hope this does not happen often and will finally go away - it has been 4 weeks today since surgery. Elaine

Not to scare you but I still experience nausea, cramps and diarrhea to this day if I eat anything fatty, greasy (had surgery in March). I'm guessing I am one of the unfortunate ones whose body can't handle/break down the fat. I do find that eating bran in the morning helps with the diarrhea alot. But the good thing is not everyone will have that problem. My mom who had her GB removed the old-fashion way over 20 years ago, can eat anything she wants--burgers, fries, pizza--with no problems. I, on the other hand, even smell bacon cooking and it turns my stomach :rolleyes:

Anyhow, I hope everyone recovers well without any problems. I wish you all a Happy Holiday!

Donna M

Kodja2da,have you been able to determine what it was that you ate or drank that caused the reaction?? Have you had a repeat?
Diamond79, how often do you have the problem and does it happen when you eat just a small amount of fat?
I'm very anxious to find out because some people say they have never had any problem digesting fat.

Yes, everytime I have problems with nausea, etc. I have eaten something fat - not a lot but more than I can handle, I guess. It is now over 4 weeks and last night I had a beef burger on roll made from ground round with no problem. I guess I have to just take it easy for a while. Hard to do with the holidays. Doctor had told me to wait until Valentine's Day and if still having problems to see the gastro doctor - could be something else other than gallbladder. I guess what bothers me is not knowing what to eat and also the fact that 1/2 my family has had their gallbladders out and went right back to eating what they wanted. Good luck to you! Elaine

I think mid-Feb is reasonable. You really have to ease back into this. That bile duct can take a while to pick up the slack. Everyone is different. I would say it was about 2 months before I could eat pretty much what I wanted...but still had to watch the really greasy stuff. You'll have to lay off the cheese balls, dips and egg nog but you should be OK otherwise during Christmas...you can have a bite or two of some things...just make sure there's a bathroom nearby! I had mine out last Valentine's Day and I can eat anything I want now. Good luck!

Zimm,

I have the nausea, cramps and diarrhea a couple times a week. Usually after eating something high in fat like tacos (I love mexican and italian food :rolleyes: ),cheese of any kind, hamburger, pizza, and chicken for some reason are a few "problem foods". I have always had problems with chicken even before my GB was removed, but it has gotten worse since removal so I just avoid it altogether. I find that if I eat something with bran in it first thing in the morning (bran flakes, bran muffin, etc.) then I don't have diarrhea. So I have stuck to that as a daily ritual to avoid the hourly bathroom trips :D .
Hope that answers your question.

Donna

THANK YOU!!!
Donna,
Has the doctor given you anything for the diarhea? They said that they have medicine to help with that. I know years ago my doctor gave me antispasmotics. Have you tried anything like this?

Yes, I did mention it to my dr. but he said it is for extreme cases where people have diarrhea 3 or more times a day--thankfully I don't have it that bad! The only thing I use at the moment for diarrhea is pepto bismol. Which, at times, is almost pointless even taking :rolleyes: . What are antispasmotics and how do they work? I know my intestines do make gurgling, bubbling, dripping type noises constantly (the worst in the morning) that I am assuming may be because my intestines are spasming :confused: Would antispasmotics help with that sort of thing?

Thanks,
Donna

Have you tried Immodium. I have been lucky not to have too much diarrehea but Immodium stops it right away. I also have irritable bowel so I have used Immodium a lot in past. Elaine

Hi Donna,
I have had IBS for many years with Diarhea, cramps and the whole bit and when it was first diagnosed, I was given Donnatal which technically stops the spasiming and therefore helps with the Diarhea. Over the years the doctors prescribed other medications but to me Donnatal is the best,for the past several years it changed to almost constipation so I'm now terrified of having the runs again. How the heck are we supposed to work,shop and just do what we have to do without being scared to leave the house because we don't know when it will hit,especially if you suffer from Anxiety/Stress as I do. It's been 10 days since my surgery,I've had the dumping syndrom the Monday after and then soft stools for 3 days with a day off in between,but today I have had the big D,I don't know what started it unless it's because I ate a cookie,I'm haveing trouble with the eating and have lost weight. My primary doctor whom I saw today gave me a Vitamin B shot to help the weakness,so I don't know what started it. I don't know if the antispasmodics will work after Gallbladder surgery but it doesn't hurt to ask. Do you use any Immodium so you can leave the house,and does it work?? Please let me know your methods of handling it.

Another day in this saga. I woke up again nauseated and some chills at 5 a.m. Surgery was over a month ago. Hoping this gets better. I did not eat anything that should have made me sick and wondering why I get sick so many hours AFTER I eat. No diarreahea - just queasy and a few chills! Losing patience here just before the holidays! Elaine

Hi Elaine,
I saw my doctor today,she said that I HAVE to eat some fat,otherwise the body builds up some kind of acid and causes extra problems. I'm in my first 2 weeks but she said I need the protein,just don't try too much too fast. My lab report came back saying that my gallbladder was all inflamed from the stones,we weren't aware from the tests that it was inflamed. One thing I found,I can't drink carbonnated beverages because it causes exactly what you are describing. She also said that most people think they should be well within 6 weeks but that isn't true for most of the surgeries,it could take up to 2 months to really feel like yourself.
Hope this helps and that you feel better,My New Years wish is everyone feels better.
Char

Thanks Char! Yes, my gallbladder was very inflamed and I had drainage in for two days. It was in very bad shape so probably why I am slow healing. I can eat lean chicken and beef now which is good - we always need some fat and protein for sure. I eat lowfat cottage cheese and other things with some fat. Going to Hawaii in February so hope I am all better by then. Elaine

You should not be having fever and chills if it is simply from the lack of a gallbladder....it sounds viral to me.

Sounds like that to me also but I only sick in the night and no fever. Guess I will give it the 6 to 8 weeks and then call the doctor if it is not better. Elaine

Zimm,

My dr. also suggested that I may have IBS because of my symptoms (nausea, cramps, diarrhea) but I think it's more because of not having a GB anymore. I didn't really have any problems before I had my GB out with diarrhea, etc. It just started after my GB was removed. The nausea I have had for over a year (due to gastritis) so that's nothing new. Since I have had my GB out my stools have always been "soft" or not really "formed". I also had trouble keeping weight on when I first had my GB removed. The first couple of days I couldn't eat at all because I was so nauseous. I went from weighing 130 to now only weighing 105 lbs (I am somehow managing to stay at 105 lbs). My dr. mentioned something about malabsorption because of the yellow diarrhea, the weight loss and being extremely tired all the time.
I haven't tried immodium yet. I tend to avoid eating anything fatty, greasy if I leave the house because it usually ends up with a pit-stop to the nearest bathroom :rolleyes: . I usually eat something small and low in fat like a salad if I eat while out. It's a bit of a pain because I was so use to being able to eat a burger, Taco Bell (boy do I miss that!), french fries, etc. But I guess in a way it is making me healthier? :)

Donna

Donna,
I'm not an expert by any means,but I think perhaps you ought to look into the IBS, I've heard that many people have had it's beginning after GB surgery. It acts the same way,it can't hurt to investigate with your doctor,at least there are medications to control IBS. Good luck and feel well!
Char

I had my GB removed Oct. 21st and I had gas and diarrhea BAD after every meal no matter what it was. Not to add I was 4 months prego. I took gas x for the gas and anti-diaffhea pills all the time. I been doing much better the past 2 wks. So give it time and it will go away on its own. I do understand the troubles and pain your in.

Diamon 79 and Zimm - I had a gall bladder removed one year ago. I didn't even know what a gall bladder was at the time. I went through an episode where I thought I had the stomach flu. It was a pain in the upper stomach and constant vomitting that lasted for two days - towards the end it was all bile with a greenish / brownish tint. Went to the ER - white blood count was high and they did a ultrasound that showed gall stones and a hugh one blocking the duct. So they did emergency surgery that morning. For years on and off I would get these sharp stabbing pains in my upper shoulder blades in the back - these episodes would sometimes last for an hour or so - sometimes 15 minutes. It varied. Could this have been my gall bladder acting up?? The funny thing is - now after having my gall bladder removed, on ocasions I still get this feeling in my upper back - almost as if someone is taking a vice grip between my shoulder blades? What the heck is this? Still gallsone related even though the gall bladder is gone? I'm puzzled. I am on Protonix (PPI) for GERD and the doc says this is my GERD. I don't buy it. Are these the type of pains you're feeling after your gallbladder removal???

I had my gallbladder removed in august 2005. I get some of these pains in the sam area too. They are somewhat like I was feeling before,just ALOT less intense. I don't have any other medical problems, so I don't have any idea what it could be. I was wondering if it could be what they call phantom pain. I know that sounds crazy,but just a thought.

I have had the same pains in my back since my surgery, I am in my 3rd week now and made a big mistake, I have been able to tolerate things like beef and pork, I even ate some candied yams,but I went too far when I ate some chocolate! I had been slightly constipated so when I started cramping I naturally thought it was that so I ate two prunes. Well, that evening I was cramping,but not too bad,but no bathroom visits. Well, on Saturday, I was miserable all day with cramping and running,what I don't understand is the stools were soft but formed and a funny grayish color, Weird?? I went at least 4 times yesterday and this morning I felt some cramping and went again. Has anyone else had similar experiences?? I thought I was doing okay until this.
Thanks for any help!!

Thought you might like a followup from me as I was complaining about being sick for weeks after surgery. It is now going on 6 week - surgery was November 17. Finally, this week eating normal with no problem. Yesterday I had pizza/chocolate cake and a couple pierogies (lightly fried) and was not sick - no nausea, no diarrehea - feeling fine. Elaine

Hi Elaine,
I'm so glad for you doing so much better! If you would read my last reply,perhaps you could let me know if this was like anything you felt. I'm entering my 4th week now, I'm hoping it will end soon,both the pain and the cramping. Thanks for letting us know your progress.
Char

Personally, I think 4 weeks is far too soon for you to be eating like this. Wait another month...I did and was glad....

Char - I think our bodies have to do a lot of adjusting. My doctor said if things did not seem "normal" for me after 3 months to see my gastro doctor.
We are all different. Trial and error as to what I can eat. So far three normal days - hoping for four! I still have a little discomfort around middle sometimes - seems like gas. Comes and goes. But no nausea or diarrehea as before! And certainly nothing like two months before having this gallbladder out! Elaine

Thank you both!! I guess I'm just not up to par and worrying about every little thing, I'm being really careful what passes my lips now,even though the doctor said to eat up to 7 grams of fat at a meal, I have trouble with more than 2 grams which is what I'm sticking with, I have learned more from this board from the folks who have been there than from both my doctors. Again,THANK YOU!!

Zimm,

I am the same way. Too much fat sends me running to the bathroom :rolleyes: Like today I had one Reese's Peanut butter cup and that sure did a number--nausea, rumbling, gurgling, cramping and the "D". Now where in the GB removal handbook did I sign up for this??? ;)

Donna

Oh Donna,
Do you think we will ever be able to live a normal life again?? I am getting SOOO depressed,it seems like this back and rib pain will never go away and it seems that I always feel crampy off and on, I do realize that I tend to overdue,like for Christmas and New Year my whole family comes for dinner,cooking and cleaning are all done by my husband and myself. I thought I was getting stronger but on New Year I was in such pain I wanted to cry,do you think this is normal?? I'm in my 4th week and am really beginning to think this will never end. I can't even seem to concentrate on anything and for the first time, I couldn't wait for my family to leave so I could lie down,don't you think this really stinks!! I agree,nowhere in the GB book is all this written. Sorry to rant on like this but as you can tell,I'm really down this evening. I'm not young and I feel this whole business is really not worth it. On top of it I developed Tinnitus and my ears are ringing and shushing like crazy,then my eyes started up with the Blepharitis again,which I got in the hospital with my last surgery.Does it ever end??Hope you feel better very soon!
Char

Zimm,

I am hopeful that we will eventually live a normal life again (although each day that goes by and I feel awful it slowly fades for me ;) ). That is strange that you mentioned Tinnitus. I am going through the same thing. It actually started about a month after I had my GB out. I started getting dizzy/off balance sensations, ringing in my left ear--which has now started in my right one and a drumming/vibrating sound in my left ear. I have an appointment to see an ENT on Jan. 20 about that. Just seems like one problem starts and then about 50 others pop up as well. :rolleyes:
I am still pretty young (26) but I feel like I am nearing the 90 year mark :eek:
Heck, my Grandmother who is in her 80's is healthier and more active then I am!!
Hope you feel better soon too!

Donna

Hi Elaine,
I am so happy for you, it's like overnight your body adjusted. You have no more pain,diarhea and can eat just about anything. FANTASTIC!!! You give the rest of us some hope!! Please keep us informed of your progress!!

Hi all,
It's been interesting reading all these posts. You always think you are the only person experiencing these problems. I had my gallbladder out 3 weeks ago. No gallstones just very diseased. I had a fairly quick recovery, although the pain in my back from the gas was more painful than the surgery site. I am still experiencing nausea, although not as bad as before surgery, and "the pain" by the right shoulder blade. So far i've been able to eat what i want, other than a subway sandwich that left me gaseous and a little diarrhea. I've got a call into the surgeon's office to see if they can explain why i still have the symptoms. I hate that others are feeling this way but nice to know i'm not alone. I'll let you all know what the surgeon tells me. :confused:

I had gallbladder surgery in September, with no complications. My doctor even called me the "gallbladder poster-child!" I was back to running / hiking within a couple of weeks. In the 4 months since surgery, I have noticed, though, that I digest food differently. When I have to "go" now, I have to go NOW, and I have looser stools. I have found I can eat pretty much anything I like EXCEPT chocolate! I tried eating just one Godiva chocolate a day (got a box for Christmas), and I have been miserable! Gassy, bloated, nauseous, the works. So I will eliminate chocolate (sob). You know what, though? I'll gladly trade chocolate for the great way I feel since GB surgery! I went 10 years with the "classic" symptoms before being diagnosed this summer!! Even went to the ER about 5 years ago, where I was diagnosed with a stomach virus! So hang in there, all you "newbies." It will get better!!

Hi Donna,
Just another one of my many questions. Approximately how long was it before the back pain began to let up for you? I'm almost 5 weeks since surgery and the pain still gets bad,as you say it's like someone sticking knives in my upper back,I understood it was the gas for the first few weeks, but just when should I be seeing some improvement. As usual,many thanks for your help.
Char

Char,

Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you as I do still experience the back pain. Although not as bad as before. I have it every once in a while. I had it really bad before and just after surgery. After about 2 months the pain let up to more of an aching now. I get it usually at night time and sometimes it will wake me up. I don't think it is from the gas they used ---that was almost a year ago haha. It could be the other type of gas LOL ;)

Donna

Update! I will say that I am back to my old self for good. I do have IBS and GERD so stomach is not perfect. But - as far as gallbladder - glad it is gone. NO PROBLEMS after about 6 weeks - I just wanted everyone to know be patient!! Elaine