gallbladder surgery - Gallbladder Message Board

kat63 · 01-29-2001, 02:47 PM

just found out I have to have my gallbladder out!! I am looking on input from anyone whom has had the surgery! I am completely petrified of being put under general anesthesia. I don't know what's worse, facing my fear or trying to live with the chances of aduct getting blocked!!! I know there is some kind of ultra sound procedure or something like that but is only for people to frail for regular surgery??? My doctor already said I have to many stones for medicine to do any good!!! I am just looking for another way out if any one has any info, I'd appreciate it!!I have to see asurgeon on Friday and would like to know what to expect!

friendlione · 01-30-2001, 12:48 AM

This is usually one of the lighter weight surgeries.
Pain yes, but they ahve great pain killers these days.
Ask if they paln to do the 4-5 small incision surgery. Used to be a very radical surgery, but not any more.
Recovery is pretty quick, if one behaves.
I hate anesthesia too, but I always ask to be put out fast, and have some nausea med while out, as I always feel sick when I awake.
The main thing is discuss all concerns with the doctor AND anesthesist, is that the word?
You will be OK!

ReeAnn · 01-30-2001, 02:45 PM

If they can do your gall bladder surgery laproscopicly, it is better than open surgery. Removing the gall bladder is the most common of surgeries performed and very little risk assoicated with it. Believe the surgery time is under an hour and most people are back to work within a week. One of the most common side effects from the surgery is "dumping" (i.e. diarrhea). This can happen whenever there is surgery in the stomach/gut area. But not every one has this problem. And it can last from a couple of week to a life time.

Last April I had dual surgery - gall bladder and the nissen fundo to fix a hiatal hernia that was causing severe ulcerations in my esophagus. For both procedures, surgery took 4.5 hours and I was able to go home the next evening, with 6 small incisions. Think it is 4 or 5 for just the laproscopic gall bladder.

Is your surgery scheduled already? When are you going in? Lipthrotripsy (sp?) is the ultrasound procedure you mention. Use waves to bust up the stones. Most effective when there is one or two large stones vs many small ones. The medications aren't used that frequently, usually only if you at a very high risk with the surgery. With both of these procedures, the stones can come back.

Hope you are doing well with this procedure and let us know how you make out.

Hugs,
ReeAnn

caseyv · 02-01-2001, 02:03 PM

Gall Bladder surgery was my first and only surgery. I, like you, was scared to death. But it was very simple!! I have three little scars on my right side under my rib cage and a little larger one straight down from my belly button (you can hardly tell). When you go in, just talk to them that you are kind of scared about what's going on. They will talk you through what they are doing before they put you out to make it easier for you. With the attacks I was having, the surgery was well worth it for me.
The only draw back is,as ReeAnn said, some people have problems with diarrhea after the surgery. I do only if I eat greasy foods (which I try to avoid). I had my surgery two years ago next week and am MUCH happier without it. Don't scare yourself before the surgery though. It's really no big deal at all!! And like I said, talk to the Doc, and nurses and anesthesiologist before being wheeled in....I know for sure they will have no problem in trying to ease your fears when you go back to the OR. They helped me out alot (of course most of the time they were making fun of my sister since she is a nurse there....and I LOVE to make fun of her!!!)!!

Cassy