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Original poster

Gallbladder surgery tips?

31 replies

Likog · 27/05/2022 11:50

So I have my date through it's 2 weeks today, it should be day surgery and keyhole, though that depends (have heart condition) does anyone have any tips from having their gallbladder out? Have 2 little children (11 months and 3 years) so not the easiest time to be having surgery! Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Likog · 27/05/2022 19:41

Anyone?

OP posts:
Avenueofcherryblossom · 27/05/2022 19:43

I’m waiting for my operation so I’ll be interested to read the answers too

SockQueen · 27/05/2022 20:04

I had mine out when my kids were 8 months and 3.5. I was home the same day, pain managed with paracetamol & ibuprofen. Needed help to lift the (chunky) baby for a few days, and was really really tired for a week or so. I had my mum come to stay as DH wasn't able to get much time off. For me it was all pretty straightforward, and so much nicer than getting that pain all the time! I know it's not so smooth for everyone though.

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CHiSOCG · 27/05/2022 20:05

I was in and out same day and then conceived my second daughter a week later so erm all was up and running 😅

SouperNoodle · 27/05/2022 20:06

My kids were 11 months and 2yrs when I had mine so I got help with childcare for a week after surgery to give myself some recovery time. Tbh the pain wasn't too bad at all. I had my oramorph the day after and then just otc pain relief and napped every day for a few days.
Good luck xx

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 27/05/2022 20:09

Pain after surgery is nothing compared to a gallbladder attack.

It hurt when getting up and down/bending over for about a week but manageable with paracetamol/ibuprofen.

Once up, walking around was fine it was just any movement that involved bending that were uncomfortable.

KezzabellaB · 27/05/2022 20:10

Still waiting for my op, but can't have it yet as consultant told me I need to lose weight first. Interested to hear any tips too 🙂

fizzybootlace · 27/05/2022 20:16

Make sure you have Peppermint tea/mints afterwards to help release the trapped gas they pump into you to see the gallbladder, if you have keyhole surgery. Was by far the most painful part for me! But obviously lots of rest for 2-3 days, then short walks a few times a day, even if just in the house, helps the blood to circulate, reduce swelling and aids the healing. Drink lots as well and keep meals light for a week or so. You may get some diarrhoea for a few weeks but it will settle down.

Original poster
Likog · 27/05/2022 20:50

Thank you everyone! The attacks have been horrible also had a infection too! I am already planning a week at my mums for her to help!

Do you think 2 weeks off work is enough? I work in retail, so on my feet and lifting heavy stuff!

OP posts:
Einszwei · 27/05/2022 20:53

A pillow to hold against your stomach on the journey home from hospital, and a hot bottle or wheat bag for soothing the gas pains.

AuntieMarys · 27/05/2022 20:55

I had mine out after one attack last year....has surgery 6 weeks after 1st attack...could have been sooner but we were on holiday and I wasn't missing that!
I reacted badly to anaesthetic but was home same day. Sore next day but walked a couple of miles the next

Whataboutno · 27/05/2022 21:39

I had 2 weeks off and that was enough. It's quite a straightforward surgery and nothing compared to the attacks, at least you can sleep after the surgery whereas with the attacks I could not. Good luck!

LifeIsBusy · 27/05/2022 21:45

Had mine out with a 6 week old and 3 year old. Recovery was fairly quick and just felt tender for a while.

worriedaboutmoney2022 · 27/05/2022 21:53

My best friend is a single parent to 3 young children all under 7 and had this operation and she, on the advice of her GP phoned the health visiting team and she had some carers in to help for 6 weeks (it wasn't keyhole) which was a godsend

Like older people have carers they can be arranged in other situations and helped with housework, shopping, collecting the kids from school and helping with the toddler and laundry and meal prep

BlueAbacus · 27/05/2022 22:00

I had a thread this time last year about my op- I was home the same day after keyhole surgery (3 and 1 year old at home) and recovery was much much easier than a gallbladder attack. It was life changing not to be in that pain. I took a week off work and then all was back to normal. Maybe for retail 2 weeks would be better. Good luck!

TheGrumpiest · 27/05/2022 22:07

I had mine out last year. Surgery went well but I couldn't go home same day as didn't manage to wee the required amount! I was not expecting this as never had this before after various 'day' case type surgery. Was glad of the hospital bed for the night in the end as getting in and out of bed was the most painful part for me. I was also badly constipated by the general anesthetic. Might be useful to have Lacutlose or Laxido in just in case? Recovery was quite swift and after a couple of days feeling sorry for myself I was pretty much up and about doing normal things within a week.

Hope it goes well for you!

Porkmore · 27/05/2022 22:27

I had mine out in 2018, DS was 2. Honestly it was the best thing that happened to me. Be prepared to rest afterwards but if it's just keyhole and no complications then you should be feeling much better after a week ish. I slept upright for 3 nights. I was back at work after 2 weeks.

Hawaymanyoushite · 27/05/2022 22:27

I had mine out and and had to stay over night, it took my a full week before I was truly on my feet.
I second ensuring you have some stool softener in, I was prescribed some before I left hospital.
Definitely the pain of recovery is nowhere as near as the pain of an attack.

Good luck, it’s been life changing for me.

BashfulClam · 27/05/2022 22:50

my brother had it and was told to keep his weight in a good BMI range. Excess weight makes it harder to do the keyhole surgery.

Hawkmoth · 27/05/2022 22:52

Take the drugs, peppermint tea, properly rest for a week, enjoy real food again!

Isitcake · 27/05/2022 22:59

Write down what meds you have taken and when, it all blurs into one. Make sure you ask what you have had and when before you leave hospital too.

You cant lift anything or drive for 2 weeks so you need help.

Stool softener, the meds bung you up, I didn't poop for a week!

Be careful what you eat after, too much fat can give you very sudden shits. (sometimes this is permanent)

Oramorph is disgusting, if they offer you this make sure you have a cup of water.

Good luck.

Hawkmoth · 27/05/2022 23:05

Oh yes, I used the Medisafe app to track painkillers. I had been using it for a year due to the regularity of attacks, and it's very helpful.

Lexi334 · 27/05/2022 23:13

@Likog I also work in retail - lifting heavy stuff and on my feet 9 hours a day. My doctor signed me off for 2 weeks. And I still had to watch what I was lifting for a good while after that too.
I didn’t have much pain from my wounds etc from why I remember. Although, I did have at least 1 gallbladder attack every fortnight for 18months until the doctors finally listened to me and referred me for scans to have it checked so maybe I was just so happy to finally be rid of it that I didn’t notice anything else 🤣 The sorest part for me after the surgery was the gas pain for sure!! It’s so weird as it gives you awful pain in your shoulders. Peppermint tea is really supposed to help with that but I couldn’t stomach it at all 🙈

fUNNYfACE36 · 27/05/2022 23:36

Very quick recovery. They said 2 weeks but (for me at least) i felt back to normal after a couple of days

Thedogscollar · 28/05/2022 00:17

I had mine out in 2019 was 57. Was off work for 2 weeks then back to 12.5 hrs shifts.
Recovered very quickly.
Good luck with your surgery.