Re: gall bladder removal - Gallbladder Message Board

foodie · 08-26-2002, 11:29 AM

I have never had my gall bladder removed, but since I have been having trouble I have made it a point to talk to as many people as I can about it. It seems that quite a few people have a longer period of adjustment after the removal. Since the body is not producing bile as normal, the body is re-setting itself so to speak. My friend told me it took her a year for her body to adjust, whereas others have had no problem at all. All agree that a very bland diet for a substancial amount of time after surgery is the best plan.

I am still waiting to see if my gall bladder is the culprit of all my problems. I still believe that it is. I am just glad that you are all here to talk to. Sometimes I feel like such a freak when people come and ask me why I am not eating this, going to some luncheon or having a cocktail. I just keep praying and watching everything that I am eating.

Keeping My Fingers Crossed!
Michelle

Broadwaygirl03 · 08-26-2002, 02:34 PM

My sister had hers out like 3 years ago and she still has terrible bile problems as do I.

stprdi · 08-26-2002, 09:51 PM

Can you tell me what your symptons were? REason I ask, I have all these and wonder if it's really GERD. I've had no testing for either but I'm on Cimetidine for now. Had excruciating mid sternal pain that woke me up. Since that incidence a year ago the symptons have progressed. Now have reflux, this weird tight achy throat thing, I get full very fast, burp lots, and get short of breath on the slightest exertion. I just feel crappy.

foodie · 08-27-2002, 08:33 AM

Hi Stprdi,

I posted all my symptoms and situation on August 24, 02 under "Hey Toccoah, how are you doing?".

Anyway, they have done a barium swallow, endoscopy, and an ultrasound and nothing shows GERD, hiatal hernia or ulcers. I notice that after I eat, especially meat, I have a lot of pressure at my sternum and under my right rib cage. I find that I keep pressing my hand there to get comfort. When I sleep and night I can't sleep on my right side because I get nauseous. I just need to keep pushing those docs!

Katie G · 08-27-2002, 10:16 AM

Hi, foodie. If you have your GB out, be prepared for life to change. Some people do very well, and have no problems whatsoever. However, as you can see by this board, many people have residual pain/problems after the GB is removed. I had mine out in '97, and although the upper right side pain/pressure and nausea were gone, my IBS (diarrhea type) got much worse. I'm now taking Colestid to control it with good success. However, many people like me end up with chronic diarreha after surgery, or continued pain, or still feel weak/tired after a few weeks/months, etc.

Your doctor will need to determine if it is your GB, and then as in any surgery, there will be no guarantees that life will be all rosy again after surgery. But if it's got to come out, we'll be here to support you in your recovery.

Good luck,
Katie G