Gallbladder Removal 2019 - support thread

[UserThenLotsOfNumbers]

Who is or is likely to have their gallbladder removed this year?

There seem to be a lot of threads on the topic (I've read most of them lol) so thought it would be a good idea to start a support thread for people for people having the op soon?

My story:

I'm 35, married with one daughter. I'm about half a stone overweight but reasonably fit. I work full time, husband is SAHP.

Comfort ate and ate irregularly after having my daughter and I have had issues with overeating, which I've now mostly conquered. I also have ulcerative colitis which is being controlled successfully with medication.
I was diagnosed with gallstones in Feb 2018. At the time, I had 2 large ones, 1 and 1.1cm respectively. Could be more by now!

Had been having symptoms for about 6 months before that. It started some time after my daughter was born. She's now 2.2. 12 years ago I had v similar symptoms which ended in a terrible night of pain then nothing for years until 2017. On reflection I wonder if I passed a small gallstone?

So after a year of dithering and fear, plus waiting to get over a colitis flare up earlier this year, I'm now having the op on 18th Jan.

My symptoms started as a dull ache upper right side, feeling sick and occasional vomiting. Now I get back ache, wake up with sore back, twinges, soreness, some acid indigestion. I don't (frantically touch wood) have the terrible colic. But I have some symptoms most days and I feel overall it's getting worse. I want to be well again.

I sometimes feel my gallbladder is swollen, especially at night. I do panic about it.

I've read all the post op horror stories, and all about the post op conditions, although I know that's comparatively unusual. Of course the op is sold as being easy and problem free - I don't believe that's the case! Most common outcome seems to be people are mostly fine unless they have something very fatty or take codeine. Ok, can live with that (hopefully).

What's your story? What are your concerns?

My fears are having digestive issues and pain after the operation, also am apparently being discharged with paracetamol! That doesn't even cure a headache for me! I was on oromorph for 3 days after having my c section, although I know that's not really comparable.

Sounds awful Angua. Yes very common after having children - something to do with high oestrogen encouraging gallstones I believe.

Hi, I’ve just found this thread. I was sent for an ultrasound scan because I’m experiencing rib pain that turns into spasms, the dr thinks it’s costochondritis inflammation of muscle in between the ribs, but sent me for a scan, were they found gallstones.im 62 and overweight, but was still shocked.I have an appointment on Thursday to see a consultant, but I’m terrified of having the op I suffer from anxiety anyway.Do you think they will offer me the op, as I’m not sure I have any symptoms.

Hi Katyy

I'm sorry to hear you've experienced problems, but glad you have a diagnosis now.
If you're having symptoms then the consultant will likely offer you the operation. It really is up to you though, no-one will make you have it if you don't want to. Depending on how long it's been going on for, you may prefer to monitor your symptoms for a while. If the symptoms continue or get worse then the operation is probably the best option for you. The consultant will discuss all this with you. I was very frightened before surgery, put it off for over a year, but I really didn't need to be. If you have any questions about the surgery then please ask.

I’ve been on waiting list in Scotland for gallbladder op since a couple of attacks in May 2018. Finally saw Consultant in December and had Ultrasound and MRI. Didn’t get put on list till February and was given a date of May 15th as my official minimum wait-time target of 12 weeks (ha!) Told by wait list manager that that date was never going to be met! Just got letter today telling me I am going to have my Pre-Assessment checks at the hospital next week. No idea how long I’ll have to wait after this as I guess it depends if it throws up any issues.

I’m on 2 blood pressure medications and statins and have a BMI of over 30 (5ft 4 and 14 st 2). Do you think they will want me to lose weight before the op? Has anyone had an op in Scotland. Does the operation follow on shortly after assessment or could I be waiting months again?

I’m lucky in that I have a large stone at the neck of my gallbladder and lots of sludge but haven’t had any attacks recently (touch wood). I’m going to try and lose a few pounds in the next 10 days because I’m incredibly bloated from eating a lot over the holidays. Don’t know if it will make much difference though as I am finding it so hard to lose weight these days (I’m 51).

I had my gallbladder out yesterday, having first gone to GP in February.
All went ok but the surgeon had to make a larger incision through the muscle as GB was so full of stones it was distended. My tummy is quite sore and can only get comfortable propped up in bed, due to this and shoulder/gas pain.
Planning on staying in bed today to avoid temptation to do too much.
I have a sick note for 4 weeks which is longer then expected. Not going to rush back to work though.

@Thegallofher I am pleased you are finally getting your pre op assessment. Hopefully you won't wait too long. My bmi was over 30 and nothing was said about it, although I am in England. I did loose weight before my op but only because I couldn't cope with larger portions and I had to be strict about what I ate as so much was setting off my attacks.

I would suggest just trying to be sensible with your eating, I know that sudden weight loss can cause further gallstones.

@ChiaraRimini I am pleased your surgery went well. Apparently the surgeon also had to make my incision larger to remove the gb as it was distended and very long. I wish I could have seen it!

Have a good rest and I think you will be surprised at how soon you will start to feel well again. I would say that the first three days are the worst. After that I felt much better.

Hello fellow gallbladder victims! I wonder if I might join you on here on my journey to getting the bloody thing removed. I've been lurking since the beginning and have found it so useful and reassuring. I've gone from completely terrified, putting it off and burying my head in the sand to slightly less terrified and determined to get it sorted once and for all. So thank you all for sharing your stories.

I had my first gallbladder attack in June last year a few weeks after having my second baby. It was completely horrendous and a scan revealed a few stones and a small polyp. I was told the only "cure" for gallbladder problems is to have it out but as my baby was so young I really wanted to avoid surgery as long as possible.

Anyway I had no more symptoms until Friday when I had an absolutely awful attack that lasted 6 hours. I'm not sure what set it off, I think it's because I ate a heavy meal but I have been eating a low fat diet since my initial attack. I'm now too scared to eat anything again and am pretty much surviving on dry toast and a bit of vegetable soup.

I am still in pain since it happened, I went to the gp on Monday but they weren't much help and said things are probably still settling down as it was such a big attack but I'm not so sure. We are lucky to have Bupa through my husband's work so am going to go private and hope to be sorted more quickly than otherwise. Am just trying to choose a consultant to make an appointment with.

I hope it's ok for me to contribute and record my gallbladder journey here, hopefully it will help someone like the rest of the thread helped me. for everyone suffering/recovering.

Conrad welcome to the club! Not one you really want to join I know! I've been here since the beginning too and had my first attack last May (I was ListofSymptoms originally) I have found it really useful to read about everyone's experience of their symptoms and operations. I have my pre-assessment next week but have not a clue when the operation might be. If you're in BUPA I'm sure you'll get seen quite quickly. I have been lucky in that I've only had one other major attack a few months ago but it reminded me that it does need sorting. Keeping fingers crossed I'm not going to wait too much longer.

Hi And Welcome Conrad!

Another who's been here since the beginning - wondering how many people are following? I really hope everyone has found this thread helpful and hopefully reassuring.

Please do share your story, and any questions you have just ask.

Hope you get the GB out soon!

Thegallofher - hope you aren't waiting too long. The pre op apt is hopefully a sign you don't have long to go.

I've got the date for my surgery... within three weeks! I first saw the doctor about this mid July and had my scan on the first week of August so now I'm worried I'm an urgent case! Hopefully it's that my local trust is exceedingly good!

Great news! I wouldn't worry about whether it's urgent or not, main thing is you don't have to wait too long. Maybe they have had a cancellation?

Mine wasn't urgent, however I could have had the operation a few weeks after my consultation (I chose to delay it for a few months because I was terrified and wanted "one last good Christmas" in case I was left on a horribly restrictive diet, I was a nightmare lol).

No cancellation, I think I've been lucky. I was given the option of which hospital I went to and although my local one wasn't a choice, I live in a big city so I was given the option of two private hospitals along with five normal hospitals within about 10-15 miles. After reading the hospital ward thread on AIBU and having had zero sleep when I last stayed on a ward overnight (there was a poorly old lady who was nil by mouth and she was crying all night for water) I'm taking advantage of a potential single room if I stay overnight!

You may not stay overnight - they couldn't wait to get rid of me!

Hi, everyone.Ive been to see the consultant today, he says my rib pain is costcochondritis like I thought, I don’t actually have any symptoms yet, he says it’s best to leave the gallbladder alone, as there’s a risk having a general anaesthetic,and I could also be left with diarrhoea.Really don’t know what to do now, the thought that I have gallstones is making me anxious, I wish I didn’t know about them now !

End of day 3 post op here.
The soreness is gradually getting better. I have been finding it difficult to sleep in bed as can only be on my back. Dozing propped on the sofa has been easier. Haven't left the house yet have been on the sofa all day y'day and today.
I have been alternating cocodamol and ibuprofen for pain relief but am going to switch the cocodamol for paracetamol as I think it's making me really woozy.
Haven't had a shower yet to avoid getting dressings wet.
A nurse from the hospital rang me today to check how I was and has advised me to change dressings on day 5. Bit scared of seeing the wounds TBH!

Appointment is about 5pm so fingers crossed I'm in overnight!

Thanks for the welcome to the club nobody wants to be a member of! It doesn't seem to be a very exclusive club - I'm amazed at the number of women affected by this. Thanks for starting this thread User, I have found it so helpful and reassuring. Every time I have a wobble about surgery, or get a wave of fear about everything, I recall some of the words of wisdom from here and feel reassured everything is going to be ok.

I'm booked in to see a consultant next Friday so not long to wait which I am very grateful for as I'm feeling bloody miserable with it all to be honest. In pain every day since my massive attack on Friday. It's finally settled down to a bit of griping pain and weirdly seems to be mainly discomfort in my back/between my shoulder blades which gets worse at the end of the day. Obviously it's not right, can you get a 'grumbling gallbladder'?!

I have a 15 month old that I'm still breastfeeding so I'm a bit worried about how having surgery is going to affect it all. I don't really want to wean him just yet (fed my eldest until he was 2) and have been getting ridiculously emotional about it all. I'm worried I might get questioned about why I'm still breastfeeding him and told to just stop. I suppose I will have to take a breast pump with me to 'pump and dump' and help stop me getting engorged.

Thegallofher hopefully your pre-op assessment means things are really moving now and it won't be too long for you. I hope they are able to get it out for you before you have another attack.

anguauberwaldironfoundersson great news you don't have to wait too long! I expect it's daunting when you finally get 'the' date through. The countdown begins! My gallstones seem to have been brought on by having my second baby, the doctor said the same thing had happened to his wife! I had hyperemesis too which they think may have contributed.

Sounds like you are recovering really well Chiara, especially as you had a larger incision. I think I will feel the same about seeing the wounds!

I have created "The club nobody wants to be a member of"
My life is now complete
Hope your consultant appointment goes well Conrad.
I got so worked up about my surgery, put it off for over a year because I was so scared.
It will all be over so quickly and you'll be able to move on with your life.

LOL at the club no one wants to join!
Conrad I'm so sorry, its bloody miserable isn't it. It is quite possibly to feel off colour for a while after an attack as the after effects drag on.
I managed to lie on my front last night-achievement unlocked! Today's challenge is to walk to Costa for a coffee (5 mins away)

So I posted on here whilst pregnant. Joys of it giving me cholestatis and gallstones. Well after pretty much constant pain and countless bad attacks since having my dd. Finally admitted defeat. Getting my gallbladder out wednesday. It is the 1st time ive been away from my baby. Ive held out this long because of her. Im have been having worst anixity about leaving her.

As im bf they have said im 1st on surgery list and all being well be home by lunch. So in grand scheme things not a long time apart. But still.

Anyone any tips for caring for a baby after the op? Im a single parent. We bedshare. Just thought of not being able to sleep with her that 1st night after anasetic is killing me. (Wouldnt chance it!)

Is it instant pain relief? Im so excited to not have pretty much constant billery collic pain.

Sorry my post is a bit jumbled. My anixity is through the roof this week 😢

@ConradKnightSocks fellow HG sufferer here also. My surgeon told me when saw me whilst pregnant that HG was no doubt the course as severe dehydration takes a tole.

Hear you on the bf. Ive spoken to sister on ward who has put me 1st on list. Got the feeding team on stand by with pump and mini fridge should I need it. Been told should I have to stay in theyll put me in side room to allow baby to come to me to feed. Or even stay with a chaperone. As they cant allow me to care for baby alone incase I take ill.

Is the hospital a unicef baby friendly one? In which case they need to take into account babys need also.

Worth speaking to the team looking after you. They mag surprise you 😊

Im also going in armed with contact numbers for drugs in breastmilk etc to phone if have any meds queries.

Thanks for the advice Notquiteagandt. HG is the gift that keeps giving isn't it?!

I'm not sure if the hospital is a unicef baby friendly one, I've tried googling but couldn't see anything. Thanks to Bupa it's a private hospital without a maternity unit or anything, so not sure if that affects it? I'll try to find out more when I go for my appointment on Friday. It sounds like they are fully set up for supporting you at your hospital which is so great and must be a bit of a weight off your mind.

Really good that they've put you first on the list, easier to plan around feeds and things when you have more of an idea when you're going in. I hope your anxiety isn't too bad, you're nearly there now and it will soon be over. I know what you mean about feeling a bit excited not to have the pain anymore, I'm also looking forward to not worrying about what I eat so much eventually. Do you have anyone to support you when you're home? Really good luck for tomorrow, I'll be thinking of you and sending good vibes!

Hope you managed your walk to Costa ok Chiara and you are unlocking more achievements every day!

@ConradKnightSocks thank you. Nerves have truely kicked in today. I keep looking at my baby and getting all upset. The thought of being apart is killing me. Although I know she will have a great day with my mother and be utterly spoilt with love and attention. Think its more if id nipped out and she got upset my mum would just call me to come. Where as I wont be able to. So i feel a little trapped I guess. Totally irattional and silly I know.

Also last time I had an operation was a very dramatic emergancy c section. So i feel thats probally adding to underlying anixity also too. Feel like ill hear a heart monitor and just freeze.

The hospital I am having my op in is just a little cottage hospital no maternity etc just small routine operations. But its the trust thats baby friendly. So it covers all their hospitals. Not sure if its just an NHS thing though. Worth looking into though.as it really does effect way they treat nursing mothers.

Good luck for your preop hope they sort you out and reassure you 😊