Fever Before Gallbladder Surgery? - Gallbladder Message Board

Kyssa · 07-12-2004, 07:28 PM

Hi everyone. I'm scheduled for gallbladder removal (lap, hopefully) on Wednesday. This is all a surprise to me, since I never knew I had gallbladder problems, but instead associated the pain with the severe GERD that I've had for almost 10 years. Several months ago, when the insurance company refused to pay for the ONLY med that works

, this pain started, so I thought it was my GERD pain migrating, since it's been undertreated.

OK...fast forward to when I went to my regular doc. He said he wanted a gallbladder ultrasound and some bloodwork. I had it last Friday, was sent to a surgeon immediately, and I am scheduled to have it out ASAP this Wednesday since I was NOT having an attack during my exam and consultation with the surgeon. At that point, the surgeon specifically said "let's get it out while you're NOT having an attack".

My question is this, though. Saturday night I started having an attack of the pain...which also radiates to my back and is WORSE there than in the front where the gb is. Mind you, all I've eaten in weeks is things like plain bagels and non-fat yogurt, as I'm afraid to eat! So it wasn't something I ate that caused this attack. So, since Saturday night I've been going through an attack (mine last at least a week at a time!).....and Now, all day today, after being in what I'd classify as "moderate" pain (certainly not in the "shoot me now and get it over with" category

)....I noticed that I'm clammy and sooooo tired and weak. So I just took my temp, and it's almost 102! Does anyone know if they'll still do the surgery if the patient has a fever and is in the middle of a moderate attack??? At this point, I just want this OVER with, and am not concerned about the surgery at all other than feeling like I can't wait to feel better!!!!

Anyone here had the surgery during an attack? Or while they had a fever?? In any case, I will be calling the surgeon to warn him tomorrow if the fever persists, but I'd really like to be able to let myself down easy if the surgery most likely will be postponed! Thanks in advance for any advice or comments!

Katie G · 07-14-2004, 10:37 AM

Hi there - this post may be too late as you might already be in (or out!) of surgery at the time of this writing. Anyway, I had been running a low grade temp (101) for several months and still at the time of surgery. You will be monitored very carefully during the procedure, so if the doc doesn't think it's safe, he'll postpone it, I'm sure. I had IV antibiotics during and after my surgery to combat any infection related to the GB or surgery in general.

Good luck,
Katie G

Kyssa · 07-16-2004, 12:46 PM

Hi KatieG....Thanks for the reply! Yup, I had the surgery, and was in recovery just about the time you posted your reply, haha. I feel like a Mack Truck has run me over! I have a cough from the anesthesia (which I warned them about, but I guess they didn't take me seriously), which isn't helping any, since it's making me feel like I'm ripping my insides out now. That along with the fact that they gave me Percocet, which makes me vomit (so I'm not taking the pain meds), and let me tell you, I just want this healing over with. I do feel better today than yesterday, so I'm counting on every day getting better. By the way, apparently the fever was because my gallbladder was filled with pus and basically not even working much at all. The doc told the person that had driven me that my gallbaldder was "useless" and nothing but "junk" (how technical, lol).....and that it was no wonder I'd been feeling so lousy. I haven't seen him yet and will see him in two weeks, so I'll be interested to see what he has to say about it. I'm just hoping the worst is behind me. Thanks again for your reply!!!

Katie G · 07-16-2004, 01:35 PM

Hey there - keep us posted on your recovery. I'm sure you'll be feeling better every day!

Take care,
Katie G