Gallbladder operation

[overduemamma]

Sorry not sure if this is in the right place but can anyone share their 'positive' stories on having their gallbladder removed. My operation date seems to be creeping up and I am scared to death. I haven't had a flare up of pain for a few months now so I am in 2 minds whether to get it out but I know if I don't I could still experience the pain. I've never been put to sleep before so this will be my first operation. I am 28 with 2 children. Please tell me it'll be worth it.

I slept clutching a pillow because turning over hurt. I made DH sleep in the spare room. I think I slept on my back for the first two days all propped up on pillows.
I didn’t feel much like eating in the first few days but had got some soup and rice cakes in.
Bending over, ie in the shower to shave legs, is not pleasant for a couple of weeks.
The doctor told me not to pick up anything heavier than ten pounds for the first six weeks. Tragically this meant I could not iron.

Ahh bed to myself, that sounds awesome. I will prep with soups etc. Oh no.. how did the ironing pile cope. Heheh x

I was told 2 weeks off work, to take that whether I thought I needed it or not, more if recovery complicated. It wasn't and TBH I went on holiday in my second which was v nice

However I am the sort of person who was happy to take her own scissors out on holiday with a random pair of scissors as they were due to come out

I was told 2wks off work but I wasn’t ready to go back ended up taking 4wks and felt very guilty and mgr certainly made me feel it ...however one of the entry ports scars from key hole surgery was right by my bra band and with big chest it got red and sore so needed more time to heal. I later found out another lady in different dept (with no kids to look after) took 6wks off to recover I wish I’d taken another week as I really needed it trying to juggle a 18mth old and 5yr old, work and GA recovery. So I’d prep work that you may need longer than 2wks.

You will be fine! I went horse riding a week later with stitches still in. Feel so much better without it

Don’t be worried about the Anaesthetic, it’s a reasonably straight forward op and although you might wake up a bit groggy you’ll be fine. Gas will be an issue, I was so bloated for about a week after my op, lots of downward dog poses to try and get it out, my DH was tortured for about 3 days due to some incredible farts. I know you’re after positive stories but just a word of warning, I developed BAM after mine was removed (took about 1 year for it to rear its ugly head) my doc hadn’t mentioned this particular issue could come up after removal.

Hi overduemama I had my gallbladder removed a couple of weeks ago. I was home on the same day. Before the op the physio gave me some exercises to do to prevent blood clots and in case of trapped wind. Six hours after my op I was able to walk of the ward down to the car. The only pain killers I had in the first few days were paracetamol and ibuprofen which I kept topped up but this pain is nothing in comparison to the gallstones previously. I did not suffer at all with any trapped wind. I was advised to start eating normally straight away and have not had any problems. I took the dressings off seven days later and everything is healing nicely. I'm really surprised how straightforward everything has been. The main thing the consultant told me to do was rest, rest and rest and do not lift anything heavy. I admit I was nervous immediately prior to the op but the staff were wonderful and reassuring. I think it's only natural to have concerns. Good luck and I hope your recovery is as smooth as mine.

One thing I forgot to mention, I was recommended to take laxatives after the op to assist in the first time of going to the loo.

I had mine done three weeks ago and was also very nervous about the anaesthetic having never had one before but it was absolutely fine. I came out at 6pm or just after and was walking around within an hour and going home by 8pm the same day.

Mine was removed in March 2017. I could drive after 8 days, and was back at work after 2 weeks, could have gone sooner but work made me have a day off, so I went shopping!

You will need comfy loose trousers to wear after, or a baggy type slip on dress, as one of the incisions if
S just under your belly button, so tight bands will hurt.

Invest in some tegaderm, if the hospital don’t provide it so you can cover your 3 incisions and shower.

You’ll have to sleep on your back or left side until you fully heal.

It was sore to start with, but soon eased off. Do start taking laxatives before your op as otherwise you will get bunged up and straining will hurt!

I preferred to eat little and often initially. Plain to start with, then more exciting food.

I am 3 weeks post-op and so relieved definitely have it done the surgery is fine (Keyhole)and after about a week you start to feel more yourself again most of all pain free

I had mine done last summer. They had me eating proper food as soon as I could after the surgery and I went home early evening (op at lunchtime). I can eat anything I like with no problems. I did have pain afterwards (slight discomfort from the op) but all I needed was paracetamol or ibuprofen. They sent me home with laxatives and I took these with no problem. Other than mild discomfort afterwards and no lifting recovery was very straightforward. They did say to try to keep moving and get up and walk around often. I was desperate to have the operation and very pleased I did. Good luck and hope you don't have too long to wait.