Just got my gallbladder removed...HELP!

Teacher_Lady · 05-07-2005, 07:54 PM

This came out of nowhere. I had laproschopsy yesterday morning. My white blood cell count was high and it wasn't emptying properly. I had no stones. I took my first shower this morning on my own. I removed the bandaids and didn't touch stitches and thin gaze over stitches after that shower for the top three. I left the one near my belly button alone because it has big piece of white gaze and rectangle size tape over it (plus it hurts the most). I pat washed, rinsed, and dried the other three and put new bandaids on. The four edges of my fartherest right bandaid (not near insecion) has small clear bubbles. I accidentally popped one and it hurt. The incesion that i didn't touch near my belly button gives me the most grief when walking some and especially when laying down or getting up. I haven't had a bowel movement since surgery. I am taking Hydrocodone instead Vicoden every 4-6 hrs. I got up twice during the night and walked for like 10 minutes. I have walking or sat in a chair a total of 5 hrs today so far. I have an appointment to see my surgeon Friday.

I need some help. What foods should I eat right now? Should I be concerned that I have not had a bowel movement? When and should I change the bandage near my belly button? What are the clear bubbles I mentioned above? I am a 23 yr old teacher, when do you think I could handle going back to work? Any certain way I can sleep at night to prevent soreness when I get up? And any other advice?

I have never been in a hospital for me in my own life except birth. This has been a scary, hectic, and painful past 4 days. I appreciate any feedback I get.

smithn · 05-07-2005, 08:57 PM

No special diet is required after a laparoscopy. It's also not unusual for you to have not had a bowel movement yet but, you should try to increase your dietary fiber (oatmeal, vegetables, fruits, etc) or take a something that will help you become regular again such as Citrrucil or Metamucil or something of that nature.

You can resume your normal activities after a week (or as tolerated). As long as you are feeling well, you can go back to work in a week also. Your doctor will probably tell you all of this on Friday.

Use a small pillow by holding it against your incision as you sit or get up from a chair and in and out of your bed - this really helps.

As for the small bubbles.... If the incision itself is blistering, you are probably having a reaction to the bandaid or there is too much moisture on your wound. Remove the band aid, make sure the area is dry, then just place some gauze over the incision using a paper tape to hold it in place. Concerning the incision over your belly button, change the bandage if it is wet.

Teacher_Lady · 05-07-2005, 09:08 PM

thanks Smith. gosh i want to lay down cause medicine makes me sleepy, but i am afraid to not move around some because i don't want to get sorer or slower my recovery

Titchou · 05-07-2005, 09:09 PM

Am surprised this wasn't covered in the post-op instructions. I removed my steri strips the 2nd day after the surgery. Went to work the third day, ran two miles the 7th day. Don't eat anything greasy, spicey or fatty for at least one week and personally I would say 3 weeks. THen start introducing fatty things back into your diet on a slow basis...just a touch of butter here, a small piece of cheese there, etc. I could just about anything I wanted after about 5 - 6 weeks. But I was very conservative about what I ate. And you'll probably have that sore spot near the belly button for some time...there's usually some bruising inside there and that takes time to heal. As for getting around, I found that if I crawled into bed by putting my knee up on it first that it was a lot better...and slept on my side with my legs pulled up and got out the same way...and then SLOWLY straightened up! Oh, and you may have to try different bras for a while because of the top incision. I was in a jog bra or a cami for about 8-10 days...just had mine out in Feb so memories are still vivid. Good luck and just remember to take it slow but steady...and I was off the pain meds by the 4th day....can't drive on them anyway and i wasn't sitting on my butt at home!

smithn · 05-07-2005, 09:31 PM

Resting won't delay your recovery at all. The body does the majority of its healing while we are asleep! Also, sleeping refreshes every part of your entire system. Your body has been through a great deal of trauma these past few days - you need the rest! How much varies from person to person so just listen to what your own is telling you to do.

I was reading here what Titchou wrote... I'm impressed with the 2 mile run since I can't do that on any given day!