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Original poster

Operation next week. Very scared

14 replies

CoffeePhoenix · 14/12/2020 16:30

I feel like an idiot. I'm sat my car crying. Its ridiculous.

I'm to have my gall bladder out next week. I know its day surgery. I've not met the surgeon, but we had a chat a few weeks ago - I hadnt even known I was referred. I got a call for pre op assessment today. I didn't know it had been arranged.

My friends mum died from a gall bladder operation going wrong. All I can think, is, it's just before Christmas, my two kids

OP posts:
spiderlight · 14/12/2020 16:34

If it helps at all, my next-door neighbour, who's in his 70s, had this op done mid-week last week. He's already back pottering in his garage and was merrily hammering/sawing things all weekend. I spoke to his wife this morning and she said he's not to lift anything heavy for six weeks but other than that he's tender but fine and feels much better in himself than he did before the op.

Happytentoes · 14/12/2020 16:36

Hi Coffee, sorry you have to go through this. A family member had this op during lockdown as she had a lot of discomfort & sickness.
The op was fine, recovery took a while and of course she had to be careful lifting etc. Like you she’s a mum with young kids and that was the hardest bit to navigate.
Good luck OP, hope you can get some reassurance .

bloodywhitecat · 14/12/2020 16:37

DP had a Whipple's on Oct 23rd, 12 days later he was pushing the babies round the park in their buggy and he hasn't really looked back since. Hand holding from afar, you'll be fine CoffeePhoenix Flowers

Original poster
CoffeePhoenix · 14/12/2020 16:37

Thank you. I'm say in the darkest corner of the car park just crying and I'm not really sure why except, deep down, I'm scared as fuck

OP posts:
Lonelycrab · 14/12/2020 16:38

I know nothing about gall bladder surgery I’m sorry but just wanted to offerFlowers

Remember we have an amazing NHS and you are in very good hands. A few days ago my df80 was admitted to hospital with chest pressure, was kept in and then yesterday they fitted a pacemaker. I’ve just visited him and it’s given him a new lease of life. Sorry that’s not massively relevant to you but just wanted to help and offer a handhold.

Aquamarine1029 · 14/12/2020 16:38

I'm sorry about your friend's mum, but what happened to her is a very rare thing. You will be perfectly fine, I assure you. I've had 14 surgeries, one of them to have my gallbladder removed, and every time everything was just fine. You will be in very capable hands, and will feel so much better when it's done.

Janegrey333 · 14/12/2020 17:00

It’s a routine operation which is why it’s day surgery. I know it’s natural to feel anxious about any procedure of this sort but you will be fine and back home before you know it. Smile

Butterbeeeen · 14/12/2020 17:09

Not exactly the same but I had a hysterectomy a few days ago. I also have DC and was worried about christmas and how I would cope. Day 4 and I'm up and about and know that although i wont be able to lift anything our xmas wont be too bad. Go for it op you obv need it

Original poster
CoffeePhoenix · 14/12/2020 17:11

Thank you. I think I was having a moment there. Pulled myself together, drove home and I'm about to cook dinner. Not very glamorous but normal, I suppose.

Still freaked out but...

OP posts:
SlatternIsMyMiddleName · 14/12/2020 17:16

I am 2 weeks post hysterectomy and I had the same thoughts too. Be kind to yourself and hug the kids extra hard.

spiderlight · 14/12/2020 17:17

You're allowed to be scared. Everything's scary at the moment without having unexpected surgery thrown at you.

Friendshighschool · 14/12/2020 17:19

I had mine out a couple of years ago. I was in and out in a day with no issues beyond needing paracetamol for a few days after.

You are allowed to be scared. Make sure you tell staff on the day.

Mindymomo · 14/12/2020 17:29

A friend I worked with had this done on a Thursday and was back to work on the Monday. He said he felt fine and hadn’t needed to take painkillers after the first day.

snaxinyourslacks · 14/12/2020 17:34

I had mine out a year ago. I was also petrified, I was considering cancelling because of the fear but I'm so glad I went through with it though, the relief of no longer having that unbearable pain!

The worst part for me was waiting on the ward before the surgery and walking down to theatre. After that I really didn't remember anything until I woke up in recovery.

I had 2 weeks off work but I was going stir crazy after the first week at home. The first night wasn't great, it was difficult to turn over in bed and sit up, but the pain soon subsided.

I can recommend elasticated waistbands and something that doesn't sit on the waist as I had an incision in my belly button. I also wore soft cup type bras for the first few days as the other incisions were near the bra line.
Good luck, and I can assure you that the wait and thought of it is much worse than the actual op!

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