Survived GB Surgery!!!

[glorydots]

Hi Everyone!

Well I did it! I had my gall bladder removed on Wednesday. Today is the first day on my computer, so I guess you could say recovery is a bit slow on my end. Today is also my first day with no pain meds, so I am gradually getting better.
It wasn't as bad as I had worked myself up, but I did receive an extra incision I was never told about....in the middle of where the ribs begin...just under the chest, about an inch long.
I have shooting pain in my shoulders, mostly in the right one, occassionally in the left. Coughing is not fun either!!
I do not have much of an appetite, and I have yet to have a bowel movement (sorry, too much info)
I have trouble walking for any period of time...I get winded and tired very easily.
I get to remove my bandages tomorrow.
All in all, I am the BIGGEST worry wart in the world, but I got through it. I know there are a few of you who have posted who are frightened...this is a natural reaction...it will be ok, I promise you.
I have noticed everyone's recovery is different, so just go at your own pace.
I wanted to thank everyone who posted on my last thread, about being scared about my surgery....
I hope this helps anyone just a little bit. yes there is some pain, but it is manageable. The first couple days being the worst for me.
Good luck to those who are scheduled for surgery, I'm sorry I forgot to write down your names...but I will be thinking of you...
Looking forward to hearing how you all made out!
Take care!

~glorydots

[Harry]

You will do fine -- it just takes time and as you said everyone is different!!

God Bless--- Harry

[farscape66]

How long were you in the hospital? Can you give more details of the hospital experience?

[jossr]

I had my surgery on Thursday. It went well, no bad pain, just a pulling when getting up from reclining. I have been eating light, no/low fat as I was before and have had bowel movements. However, I suffer from anxiety and that kicked in big time. I had to go back to ER just to tell me I could have taken my anxiety meds on top of anesthesia and percocet. That was the worse of it, trying to settle the papitations and shortness of breath. Now I am a little weak and sore, but other than that, it wasn't bad.

My next question is what to expect next? Will I be able to eat a regular diet? Will I have bile salts diareeah? Can someone tell me what's next? I waited months for this surgery because of a lack of functioning no stones or inflamation. Now, I'm like what's next?

[Katie G]

Hi there post-surgical posters! So glad you got through it so well.

For glorydots, your recovery sounds pretty typical, especially the post-op pain due to the gas you were pumped with to help the surgeon see the organs better.

Jossr - your recovery sounds pretty typical too. Just build up your activity as tolerated. It was probably a good month before I felt 100% again. I started eating whatever I wanted after about a week, when my appetite improved. I was SO scared to try the greasy, acidic stuff, but one week post-op, I had a wet burrito at a local restaurant and felt GREAT!

As far as bile salt diarrhea, it can start anytime after surgery. I want you to understand, bile salt diarrhea will be different than just your garden variety IBS-D. You may also suffer diarrhea for up to one month post-op as your body adjusts to the missing GB. However, if diarrhea continues after 4-6 weeks, you may have bile salt diarrhea - however, remember only 5-10% of GB surgery patients get it. It is a very distinctive problem that will occur during or shortly after meals, be explosive, watery or soupy, and come often without any warning. My bile salt diarrhea stools were bright yellow or light tan from digestive bile. If bile salt diarrhea occurs, several posters have discussed what works for them (including me!).

Good luck to you both on your continued recovery,
Katie G