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.

Take a good book (or a trashy one!) I was thankful. I had my phone with me but was better switching off from it for a change. I was sat by the trolly bed but when I knew I was going to be waiting a while I asked if I could sit on the bed. Made myself comfy, tilting it into a good reading position - then stretching out when I needed. Good job as I was waiting over 3 hours once I was in my gown and paper knickers 😄

Thanks for the tip Thegallofher, I'll make sure I have something to read just in case. I was thinking about a couple of trash mags but when I had a look the other day all of them had stories of child abuse on the front cover! Not exactly light reading...

Also, I had no idea about the paper knickers! Don't know what I was imagining...probably got images in my mind of hospital gowns flapping open and showing your bum off! At least I won't have that to worry about 😂

They don't catheterise you or anything do they? I forgot to ask when I saw the nurse at the pre-op. It's quite a short-ish op in the grand scheme I suppose, so no need I would have thought.

@ConradKnightSocks I want to know that!

They didn’t catheterise me. When I came to afterwards, the most overriding sensation was an incredibly dry throat and mouth. I couldn’t get enough water down my neck - I was constantly glugging it down and asking for refills for my jug. I actually asked to go to the toilet for the first time even though I had no urge to go - I just knew I’d drank gallons. I then started panicking and catastrophising that they had cut through a nerve and that i would never be able to tell when I needed a wee again!! But it was just all anaesthetised still and I woke up in the night with the urge well and truly back. I can’t explain the relief and almost euphoria I felt that I’d survived the procedure 😄 And then when I got past the immediate, light-headed wobbly bit that lasted a good few hours. I had an oxygen monitor thing on my finger and a drip and then the nurse came and topped up my painkillers via the cannula. I also had an oxygen mask on till this morning (just a light thing that you could take off for drinking/speaking) That was just until they were happy with my oxygen levels.

I’m at home now sat on the sofa. I was able to dress myself easily and put my bra on. I’ve no pain on lifting my arms. I’m just being very careful getting up and sitting down and not leaning or twisting too much because I can feel it. I borrowed someone’s tip about having a pillow under the seat belt on your lap on the drive hone. And if you can possibly avoid any speed bumps along the way it’s highly advisable because I felt every single bump and pothole 😄

Glad you’re home @Thegallofher. I think I’m next - got to be there tomorrow for 11:30 for the afternoon list. Good to hear you didn’t have a catheter, a wasn’t overly looking forward to one 😬
I’ve got myself into a real state about it all today. Have cried non stop (pathetic I know). It’s the GA that scares me as I’ve never had one. I just know it’s not going to work - I’m far too strong willed and stubborn and I will fight it. I must sound crazy! Any advice regarding GA’s much appreciated X

@amilla99 I haven't had one either before! Don't know what to expect. Good tip about the pillow! Ouch!

@AmIla99 @Ginfizplease Me either! It's the part I'm most anxious about. It's horrible to hand over total control of my body and my life to total strangers. I'm worried about panicking on the day, think I'll probably be a bit of a state. I'm hoping they will give me something to calm me beforehand!!

Glad you're home @Thegallofher, must be so nice to be back in your own surroundings again. You made it! Thanks again for the useful post, have been wondering about getting dressed after specifically wearing a bra. Depending how long I'm in I'll need to wear one with a couple of breast pads in case of leakage! Also have noted the tip about the pillow for the journey home.

Good luck for tomorrow @Amilla99, I'm sorry you've been so anxious today. I expect I will be the same tomorrow. I keep looking at the children and thinking sad thoughts. The unknown can often be frightening but I keep thinking of the amount of people on this thread that have been in my position and come out the other side. You will be one of them tomorrow. Really good luck, I'll be thinking of you

I too was worried about the anaesthesia. I only had one once before as a 4 year old. I remember being asked to count backwards and not getting to 1 and then being on the trolley afterwards.

This time I was not aware I was going under. They’re so busy unpacking rustly plastic bags and clipping and unclipping stuff and setting up drips. It’s a huge distraction with one person on one side putting the line in and asking you to lift your arm this way and then that way, while the nurse on the other side (who was so gentle and lovely and reassuring when I told her I was dreading it) is busy putting a blood pressure cuff on and the thing on your finger. And then there’s this little light mask that is just pure oxygen that you can hold on yourself. They said something about injecting something and I think I mentioned before that I asked ‘is that the anaesthetic?’ and the nurse said ‘no that’s just an antibiotic’ and then there was a beat while I registered that and breathed some more and then... I was aware of a few people putting me onto another trolley, a kerfuffle of things being clipped on and off and I thought this was me being put on the operating table but it wasn’t - it was post-op. I was done and dusted! I’d been under and was out the other side. I felt whoozy and confused but not in any way nauseous, just tired and with a sensation of discomfort but not pain.

Another thing that put me in a better frame of mind, was that the anaesthesia room was all very brightly lit and I could hear a radio and people having a bit of banter and a laugh behind the big doors in front of me. I asked the nurse ‘is that the operating theatre behind those doors?’ and she said ‘yes’ - I said ‘it sounds very jolly’ and she said ‘oh it is we like having the radio on it’s a great atmosphere’ and I said I found that very reassuring. It kind of humanised it all away from that cold, sterile and slightly sinister process I was imagining and fearing. It might sound daft but just that second or two of a positive feeling distracted me from it all.

I’ve gone on a bit but I’m a details person and I like to know as much of the fine and ‘inconsequential’ details as I can. Some people don’t need that but I do! I came away from the op with such a sense of gratitude at the amazing work of NHS nurses, doctors and surgeons. They’re amazing people, doing amazing things on a daily basis. If we’re fortunate, we don’t have to partake of their skills too often but I’m incredibly grateful for what they do.

Good luck to amilla and ginfizz and anyone else having the op. Can’t wait to hear your experiences too

@Thegallofher
That was so reassuring! Thank you! How long does the OP take? Like how long are we under for?

Thanks for that Thegallofher, I am a details person too and your posts have made me feel a bit better about Friday.

Your description of the anaesthetic was reassuring, I know what you mean about expecting a sinister, sterile environment. In my mind it's people with masks on already, silently going about their business with the only sounds being the metal clanking of the operation instruments being prepared! I can see how hearing a radio on and a bit of chat going on made it less scary for you.

Hope you have a comfortable night.

@Ginfizplease my surgeon said it would take an hour to an hour and a half but not sure if that's what people here experienced

@ConradKnightSocks they made me nip the loo enroute to walking down to theatre and said to force out a wee. So they dont catherter no.

Thanks everyone who sent well wishes about my drs appointment following up.

Turns out I have a hernia. A large one at that. So will be reoperated on asap. But it is that which is causing stomach issues.

Please even if you think you feel fine. Stick to the guidance re:lifting.

I had no choice to lift straight away as a solo parent of an 7m old. But unfortunately it is this which has caused damage. (Only 7m post grade 1 emcs which also played a part as I would of been still healing internally apparently)

Hope those who have had ops this last week are feeling better on the other side.

@notquiteagandt sorry to hear about your hernia and hope they get you in soon to fix it. It’s certainly a reminder to all those on here who’ve just had/about to have the op - no lifting! I imagine Conrad you’re glad your other half is going to be around at home for 2 weeks to do the heavy lifting. My nurse said be careful - don’t even lift a filled kettle! Which I forgot and then remembered when I started filling a kettle yesterday! Being only 7 months post caesarean is a tough one too. Hopefully your hernia fix will be your last abdominal exam surgery notquite ? Healing vibes to you!

Absolutely gutted - they cancelled me 30 minutes before I was due to leave. I now have to wait until the 8th of October. I was in such a state about it all yesterday but strangely calm this morning. I can’t believe I have to go through all this again :(

Wow @Notquiteagandt. Hope you're ok. Sounds a bit of an ordeal for you!

Oh bllcos @Amilla99. That's utterly crap and my worst nightmare. Did they say why?

I got a call yesterday and am now on the afternoon list not morning. Which means more sitting and waiting. Argh.

Who ever was asking about glasses, I have always worn mine & the nurse put them in my dressing gown pocket & then in a labelled plastic bag with my slippers.

That sounds really rough @notquiteagandt and I'm so sorry you have to have surgery again so soon. Thanks for letting me know about catheter, I'm relieved about that.

@Amilla99 Sorry your surgery was cancelled at the last minute, I can't believe you have to wait so long until they get you in again. Did they say why they cancelled it?

@Ginfizplease that is really annoying!! What day are you going in?

Well, in 24 hours time my gallbladder will hopefully be out! Have been getting a little bit teary today but not too bad. I'm keeping very busy tidying and sorting things out which is helping me not to dwell too much. I don't expect I will sleep very well tonight! Will have to be up early anyway to get there for 7.30 and need to drop kids at my mum's on the way. I'm trying to drink as much as I can when I remember, seem to be weeing pure spring water so must be doing ok!

I just realised I haven't shaved my legs! I'm currently half-woman, half-gorilla and can't bear the thought of my two bristly legs sticking out the bottom of a hospital gown 😱

I’m having mine done that day been for my pre op today.

Can I ask has anyone pre surgery had tenderness around the area - I.e. if touched pokes etc does it hurt?

@Hollingsworth40 I had constant back pain and stabbing upper right quadrant pain. As well as pain when bending over in the area. Soon as the horrid thing was out. Instant relief from pain..!!

@Hollingsworth40 I currently have the same as Notquiteagandt had, looking forward to the instant relief. It's really twinging me today, probably because I'm keeping busy. Keep thinking that this time tomorrow the bloody nuisance will be out! Can't say it hurts when poked now although it did for a while after my last mega colic attack.

Those asking what happens with your stuff. I got it fold up put in plastic bag with my name on and put under the bed. Guess it varies hospital to hospital though.

Thanks everyone for your well wishes. So annoyed its happend tbh. But just one of those things. Seeing surgeon again next week so shall see what he says.

@Amilla99 sorry your op got cancelled. Is there an A&E at that hospital? Maybe see if they can do it else where. Minimise chance it happening again. Everything crossed for you it goes ahead 8th.

Oh cancellation that’s crap amilla very sorry you’ve been mucked about

In answer to glasses question - mine were on till last minute and then just popped under my wheely bed.

I didn’t have any tenderness pre operatively but I used to get this crampy spasm that originated under my rib cage like a contraction almost and then shimmered around my torso and up to my shoulder. But it only ever happened when I bent a certain way - so if I leant forward and down to pick up something that was by my feet in the car or if I had to twist and stretch across and crimp myself up to put a seatbelt on. I used to get it if I ever tried a yoga class so it stopped me going because I would literally have to stand bolt upright and stretch my arm up high - it was agony. I’ve had this for years and mentioned it to the doctor but no one ever linked it to my gall bladder. I’m hoping it was linked so I don’t suffer from it anymore. I am overweight (14st and 5ft 4) might be something else? We’ll see.

I’m feeling a wee bit sore around my wounds because I took my cocodamol and ibuprofen 2 hrs later than I should - not too bad but makes me realise they’re doing something when I keep on top of them. In house on my own now and just had soup and toast - aware of every thing I do and pick up. Think I’ll sit still now and read - been up and down 2 flights of steps three times now - got to keep moving a bit I guess.

Good look for tomorrow Conrad

Thanks @Thegallofher, the nerves are starting to kick in now! 😬

Thank you ladies - it's just so tough when you've psyched yourself up. It could have all been over now :(
The bookings office just told me there was a shortage of beds and nothing could have been done. Im now going to have to get my pre op bloods done again and sort out childcare etc. Husband has wasted 2 days annual leave as well. Oh well - worse things happen at sea as they say.
Will be thinking of you tomorrow @ConradKnightSocks 🤞🏻

Sorry for being MIA, so much to catch up on! Oh @Amilla99 really bad news you got cancelled, I hope you can get rearranged easily. There’s a lot of jigsaw pieces to sort out for go number 2 and you have to get psyched up to go again, not easy darn it! Good luck today @ConradKnightSocks you’ll be Everything crossed for a good recovery 🤞 @Thegallofher glad to hear you’re sorted and everything is going well in recovery? Great post, i’m sure it will be massive comfort to others 👍

@Notquiteagandt oh man, a hernia sucks, not nice at all. Rest rest rest ladies, easier said than done in so many situations.

Name check to @Hollingsworth40 And @Ginfizplease on the eviction list! Is that everyone current?

I finally got home yesterday afternoon, Thursday, having gone in on Monday morning. Such a relief to be out, will do a little write up shortly as it might prove useful for someone. Turns out gallbladder eviction with a blocked bile duct exploration is slightly more unusual.