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Original poster

Gallbladder Surgery

17 replies

WordsAreWind · 11/09/2016 15:53

Hiya,

I'm having my gallbladder taken out tomorrow. It's day Surgery, keyhole.

I'm a little nervous.

Was wondering if anyone has any tips for recovery?

Ta ☺

OP posts:
Groovee · 11/09/2016 15:57

I took some arnica tablets for internal bruising. Made sure I had 4 full days in bed and let dh do everything.

PeachGoddess · 11/09/2016 16:34

Just take it easy. You will be fine. You might get some trapped wind type pain from air they use in surgery. Keep on top of your pain relief

redspottydress · 11/09/2016 21:20

I was led to believe it was minor and not that sore - it was not. I was shocked at how I felt afterwards and would have coped better had I been better prepared. I'm not saying it's really awful but I had been given the impression that all would be back to normal in the next day or two.

Original poster
WordsAreWind · 11/09/2016 21:57

Thank you Groovee PeachGoddess & redspottydress

I'll have a look into arnica.

I've got DP to help thankfully, so i can take it nice and easy. I was going to buy a little bell jokingly the other day 😂

OP posts:
Rolypoly · 11/09/2016 22:04

First few days I had some sharp pain, particularly around my shoulders, from the gas they pump in to do the procedure. As I could not use my stomach muscles I found .getting up from a chair difficult too. Took it easy and by the end of the week I was pretty much back to normal. I even ran a 10k four weeks later.

Ditsy4 · 11/09/2016 22:07

Agree take the pain killers and you may have some wind. Do take a few days rest . I can't comment on the pain as I was in hospital for five days( supposed to be out next day) but I had waited nine months for an op and it was discovered it was about to burst and I had septicaemia so I was very ill. I had a 6 mth old baby at home. I took a while to recover but I do remember being told not to lift baskets of washing, heavy shopping, etc. nothing about pudgy babies though. I took a supply job after three weeks but realised I wasn't ready to be back at work so after completing the week of supply I waited a few months.
I have seen other people have it and bounce back. Whatever you will feel better after having it out. Good luck tomorrow
I agree take arnica even the GPs are recommending it now. Been taking it for nearly 40 years for bruising/ ops. Calendula for the key hole scar. Can' t see mine now.

RTKangaMummy · 11/09/2016 22:21

I had mine out with keyhole quite a few years ago and IMHO any pain or discomfort is nothing compared to gall bladder pain beforehand

Good luck Smile

Original poster
WordsAreWind · 12/09/2016 00:27

Thank you Rolypoly Ditsy & RTkanga Smile

Sorry you were so unwell with it Ditsy Flowers

I know better what to expect now.

I'll get DP to pick up some arnica tomorrow. Looks like they sell it in boots.

OP posts:
Ditsy4 · 12/09/2016 06:20

Yes, they do or any health food shop.
If you keep focussed on the fact it will be great to have it out( and not be left like me) it will help your nerves. I was one of the first batch of people to have key hole although there was obviously a difference of opinion in the theartre because one of the surgeon said he wouldn't have continued with key hole because it took them longer than expected and I had to be flushed with antibiotics.
My friend had it done years later and was in and out the same day and no problems at all. I had to remind her about lifting washing afterwards. I used to go and hang it out whenever I could.
After a few weeks you will realise how much better you feel and you will be able to eat lots of things you couldn't before. I remember being able to eat a curry.
Just remember it is an op you have had and let people run about after you for a few days and enjoy a bit of rest.you might feel a bit weepy from the anesthetic so don't be surprised if you are. I'll be thinking about you and look forward to hearing how you are. Flowers

Ditsy4 · 12/09/2016 23:36

Hopes WordsareWind isn't too bothered with wind and it all went ok.Flowers

user1471465062 · 13/09/2016 02:52

Hope all goes well. And please come back and say how you are as I am going to be having surgery in the next week or two to have mine removed. Been up for 2 hours suffering with pain. Confused

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 13/09/2016 12:29

I was led to believe it was minor and not that sore - it was not. I was shocked at how I felt afterwards and would have coped better had I been better prepared. I'm not saying it's really awful but I had been given the impression that all would be back to normal in the next day or two.

This. I wish people had been more realistic with me and not be back to normal within days. I was told I could have a full English for breakfast the next and be back on the G & T by the evening (I'd had pancreatitis so it wouldn't have been a good idea even if I drank G & T!).

Original poster
WordsAreWind · 13/09/2016 15:12

Hiya. 🤕

Everything went well and i got home about 9pm last night. Been dozing on and off, Spaced out on codeine.

Not going to lie, i'm in a lot of pain and i look like i'm 7 months gone with the bloating and the swelling.
The discomfort from the gas is really kicking in today.

DP has gone out to get me some peppermint tea and laxitive. Yay.

I'm just laying on the bed trying to focus on the Tv and this screen but a bit stoned on PK's and tired lol.

😊

OP posts:
EthelredOnAGoodDay · 13/09/2016 19:00

I had mine out three years ago by keyhole surgery and it was fine, but I was advised to have help for a week or so after (my son was only 9 weeks old at the time). The nurse gave me some peppermint oil for the bloating which helped. But it was fine apart from that. They gave me tramadol for recovery, but I found it too strong so just took paracetamol or ibuprofen (can't remember which.) anyway, it was fine overall. Best of luck. Smile

NavyandWhite · 13/09/2016 20:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RTKangaMummy · 14/09/2016 00:54

Glad you are back home Smile

Just think any pain you have is "good pain" iyswim in other words it is pain that will be over soon rather than the awful gallbladder pain that just keeps crippling you

Just take it easy and let DP and visitors make you cups of tea and biscuits SmileSmileSmileSmile

RTKangaMummy · 16/09/2016 17:47

How are you feeling now?

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