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Original poster

How bad is the recovery from Gallbladder removal?

36 replies

ThrowAwayOne · 28/05/2023 19:53

I'm due to have mine removed in the next few months but unfortunately the hospital doing it is 4 hours away. I've been told it's a day case procedure and I'd be sent home the same day unless medically unfit. I'm just worried about a 4 hour car ride (not me driving and I can try sleep most of it) and whether it's doable? If you've had yours out how was the pain that first day and would you have been ok to travel that long within a few hours of having it done?

Also, how long before you were 'back to normal' as such? Doing school run/cleaning etc?

OP posts:
babysoupdragon2 · 28/05/2023 22:01

Have you had a GA recently?

I'd be more worried about your reaction to that for 4 hours in the car... I had to pick my DH up from day surgery and he vomited the entire 15 minute journey home.

Exante · 28/05/2023 22:06

I did a 4. 5hour flight 4 days after having mine out (along with 85% of my stomach)

It's uncomfortable but manageable

Original poster
ThrowAwayOne · 28/05/2023 23:26

I have had 2 GAs in my life and been fine with both but that's probbaly not to say this one will be the same. I would be more concerned with the gas pain as not able to walk it off in the car. I would have the option of staying in a hotel overnight and doing the drive necxt day but then that means needing an overnight babysitter. I guess I'll have to have it in place just in case but this thread has me very hopeful that I'll be fine to travel home.

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turkeyteaser · 28/05/2023 23:52

Sorry, but to the pp who said 'There is no pain' - maybe not for you - but I was in a lot of pain in my side and my shoulders from trapped gas. I couldn't lift myself without support and definitely wouldn't have coped with a long drive. It lasted about 3-4 days. Recovery was 2-3 weeks, back to normal in a month.

Like a previous pop, I also had an 'attack' after surgery, but this was down to a biliary colic attack from the morphine.

So to answer your question - we're all different. I'd say 4 hours is a blooming long drive. If you have any complications after your surgery, I'd be worried about getting back to the hospital. Could you consider a cheap hotel for the night?

LittleBumblebee3 · 29/05/2023 04:41

ThrowAwayOne · 28/05/2023 23:26

I have had 2 GAs in my life and been fine with both but that's probbaly not to say this one will be the same. I would be more concerned with the gas pain as not able to walk it off in the car. I would have the option of staying in a hotel overnight and doing the drive necxt day but then that means needing an overnight babysitter. I guess I'll have to have it in place just in case but this thread has me very hopeful that I'll be fine to travel home.

@ThrowAwayOne For me, the gas pain started probably 36-48 hours later so personally I would travel home asap 😊

Ragingoverlife · 29/05/2023 05:33

Feels like you've done too many sit ups. I wouldnt want to spend too long in a car after. Quite sore for a couple of days x

DoAWheelie · 29/05/2023 05:41

I stayed one night as I had a drain left in. Mine ended up being more complicated as my gallbaldder had adhered to other organs. Even so I genuinely woke up in the recovery room feeling better than I had in months.

There was some surgery pain but it was so much less than the constant attacks I'd been having for months that I coped fine and the painkillers kept 95% of it away.

Take a pillow if you can for the car - holding it against your abdomen can help with soreness.

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 29/05/2023 08:40

ThrowAwayOne · 28/05/2023 23:26

I have had 2 GAs in my life and been fine with both but that's probbaly not to say this one will be the same. I would be more concerned with the gas pain as not able to walk it off in the car. I would have the option of staying in a hotel overnight and doing the drive necxt day but then that means needing an overnight babysitter. I guess I'll have to have it in place just in case but this thread has me very hopeful that I'll be fine to travel home.

I'd plan for just doing the drive. Might be a bit uncomfortable but if you've been dealing with gallbladder pain for months you can deal with the discomfort of the surgery, it's really a much more bearable pain.

If Needs be ask for Diclofenac, it's a suppository anti inflammatory pain killer. I was given it after having DD and had a solid 8 hrs of not even feeling my 2nd degree tear. When I was in hospital with my gallbladder there was a woman on the ward in agony even on oramorph and codeine. I suggested she ask for the suppository and within 30 minutes she was up walking around and smiling.

Shade17 · 29/05/2023 09:23

Mine was pretty easy, took a few days off work but in reality I could’ve gone back the day after (office based).

Kateestellex · 25/05/2024 14:14

I have a 6 month old currently waiting on getting my galbladder removed. Really nervous about looking after him in recovery. Does anyone have any tips to help me? He's a very active child also

Groutyonehereagain · 26/05/2024 19:49

It’s really not so bad, providing it’s straightforward keyhole surgery. About from nausea and loss of appetite for a few days, I was fine.

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