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.

Hi everyone
Had my surgery at around 2pm
Woke up in recovery at 4pm
Two gallstones as expected. I have them in a jar! Gallbladder was mildly inflamed but not too bad.
They checked my bile duct etc for any stray stones and there were none.
I have received excellent care, surgeon, anaesthetists, nurses and porters all absolutely lovely and reassuring.
I have been back in my room an hour or so cautiously eating toast and drinking water.
Been for a wee (tmi sorry) and was fine when I got up. In fact I felt better for getting up. Now sitting up on the bed.

When I woke up I had some pain (not severe) but was given fentanyl which helped. However it did make me nauseous and dizzy for a bit. I had also been given a local anaesthetic at the op site. Do not worry about the pain; yes it's sore but it is manageable with painkillers. The nurses will help you. Have a little of the shoulder "pain" but currently it's not painful just an ache.

Not sure if I'll be going home tonight or not.

Back home now.
Oromorph made me feel quite ill but they thought I was ok for discharge anyway!
Feeling ok just really sore and exhausted.
Drinking lots of water helps.

Wow. You've done really well.
Are you resting properly and taking analgesics that don't irritate you?

Hi Nancy, yes thank you, I'm resting at the moment watching tv with my husband who has been a wonderful support.
I have just taken some co codamol and plan to go to bed around 10pm. I've taken co codamol before and been ok, but this is stronger than what you get over the pharmacy counter.
I've been discharged with 30/500 co codamol and ibruprofen.
Despite drinking water my mouth is very dry, although my throat isn't sore. I ate a Farleighs rusk when I got home and had to sip water to eat it!
Hoping tonight will be ok!
Tomorrow is a new day.

Sorry for boring posts but giving lots of details in case it answers people's questions!

Just rest up.
I felt a bit wiped out for a few days. NO lifting stuff other than a cuppa for a few weeks.

Glad it's gone well. Give it a week, you'll suddenly notice something that used to ache or hurt doesn't (mine was lying on my left side)

Then you'll feel all energetic. It's great. I now know what normal people feel like!!

@UserThenLotsOfNumbers glad all went well, take it easy for a few days and keep on top of your painkillers. I did a bland diet for a week or so but then just normal after that.

Hi Everyone

I’m now day 2 post operation and doing well.

Friday evening (day of operation)
I got home from hospital early evening having had my surgery at 2pm. I had no difficulties sitting down and getting up off chairs, or using the toilet etc. I drank a few glasses of water, ate a farley’s rusk, and took some co-codamol 30/500 before going to bed. I had no trouble getting into bed, I didn’t need to prop myself up. I didn’t sleep very well though, not because I was in pain, but I think more because of the general anaesthetic, fentanyl and oromorph! I maybe had 4/5 hours sleep. I had an ache in my shoulders, which I attributed to the air they inflate you with. It wasn’t pain, just felt a bit sore.

Saturday morning (1st day after operation)
I felt ok when I woke up, I wasn’t in much if any pain. I needed my husband’s help to get out of bed initially but it wasn’t too bad. I felt alright despite not sleeping too well. I took some more co-codamol upon waking. I ate some porridge and drank a cup of tea for breakfast, and took some ibuprofen with that. I’m not allowed to shower for 48 hours (to avoid getting the incisions wet) but I had a wash at the sink and was able to wash my hair over the bath using the shower attachment. I had a rest after this. I spent most of the day pottering around the flat, tidying up, playing with my daughter etc. I got plenty of rest and did need a nap in the afternoon. I was able to get up off the bed myself this time. By lunchtime my appetite had come back!

Today I ate:
Porridge and a cup of tea
2 x nice biscuits and a cup of tea
2 x slices of buttered toast and a pack of walkers plain crisps
Pack of snack a jacks
2 small chocolate fingers (naughty)
2 x slices of buttered toast and half a tin of Heinz chicken soup
Farley’s rusk and some Horlicks and a multivitamin
Plus about 6/7 glasses of water throughout the day

I was fine after eating but I noticed that I had a few little twinges where my gallbladder was. I would stress they were little twinges and not pain. As my husband said my body needs to get used to my gallbladder not being there. Also had a little bit of acid, but very minor.

Overall my pain level was 3/10 for this day. I took the following pain relief today:
2 doses of 30/500 co-codamol (first and last thing)
1 dose of regular paracetamol (middle of the day)
3 doses of ibruprofen (with breakfast, lunch and dinner)
I was unsure about needing the co-codamol but took it just in case as the surgeon advised.

Sunday morning (2nd day after operation)
I slept very well overnight, no pain or discomfort. I was able to get out of bed myself and make the bed upon waking. I had another wash at the sink and I’ve eaten some porridge, half a banana and a cup of tea for breakfast. No acid or twinges as yet. TMI I was able to pass wind this morning for the first time. I haven’t taken any co-codamol yet. I have some 8/500 co-codamol at home and will try that today rather than the stronger stuff and see how I go.

I generally feel sore and bruised, especially around the incision over my belly button. It’s a bit bruised, as is my hand from the cannula. I believe the belly button incision is the one they pull your gallbladder through. I barely notice the other incisions. No bleeding or pain from them. When sitting or lying down I have no pain. When I start moving it’s sore but not painful, and eases once you start walking around. TMI I am feeling some trapped wind today, I guess as things start moving again…

I’m taking it easy today. Tomorrow my husband will drive us all to my daughter’s playgroup and I’m looking forward to attending that. I am going to try a very short walk tomorrow to the shops around the corner. I’m not lifting anything heavy.

Tips/advice I can give so far:
Try to use your arm and leg muscles for getting up off chairs/the loo
Don’t bend over but squat down if you need to pick something up
It might be sore once you get up, but it eases once you start walking about
Buy a nice smelling antibacterial soap such as Cidal, and try to have a wash if you can manage it as it will make you feel so much better!
If you don’t have any, stock up on trousers with a soft waistband and possibly some vest top bras.

I have these trousers: www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-joggers/p/p22511885?image=SD_01_T57_6660_F0_X_EC_90&color=NAVY&prevPage=plp&source=affwindow&extid=af_a_Content_79682_ShopStyle%20UK&comgp=79682&cvosrc=affiliate.aw.79682&awc=1402_1547976163_71a960a722679d9f4d62023374c0a2ce
I have these bras (very unsexy but comfy): www.jmldirect.com/health-and-beauty/clothing/belvia-bra-comfortable-wireless-bra-shapes-and-lifts/
I don’t wear underwired bras, however if you do, I don’t imagine you’ll be able to wear one for a few days, as one of the incisions is just below the breastbone
Be careful when pulling your trousers/pants up and down. It depends where your incisions are exactly but I find it’s easy to catch a couple of the dressings when doing this.

Apologies for the super long post, but I am giving lots of details to answer any questions people might have. I hope this is helpful to you.

It sounds like you are doing really well User, it's all good to read. It's brilliant that you're recovering so quickly.

I’m just sticking my nose in to say that I had mine removed years ago and I can no longer take codeine.

Please google this - codeine and gall bladder removal or something like that - and you’ll see I’m not alone.

Nobody warned me. Please be careful with it!

Thanks Nancy, all ok so far!

Thanks for the advice Meesh. Im aware of the codeine issue as I'd been excessively googling the operation and after effects for a year before the op. Something to do with spinster of Oddi? I am wary of it. If it becomes an issue then it's easy to avoid I guess.

I have it listed as an allergy now.

I had mine out in September and I was recently prescribed CoCodamol for back pain. It took me a couple of nights to figure out that it was causing me to wake up in the night with horrible pain in the liver area. It causes spasms in the Sphincter of Oddi, which causes pain and can also cause the liver enzymes to rise.

I can't do codeine anyway (gives me itchy skin?!!) But yes paracetamol all the way!

Glad you're feeling better op.

I managed wired bra because I didn't think about alternative, but getting it on was a bit of a mission, good advice there!!

Morning everyone
I had another good night, I didn't need any co codamol before bed.
Had a proper shower this morning - bliss! The hibi scrub has really irritated my skin.
I had to change the dressing over my belly button this morning. Dabbed the wound with clean tissue as it had gotten a little wet from the shower, then applied a fresh dressing. The incision is right through my belly button.
I'm feeling sore and tired but no longer in pain. The belly button wound is sore, the others I barely notice.
Ate normally yesterday, had veg potato and turkey for dinner. Had some Cheerios and a yoghurt this morning. No more gallbladder twinges so far. TMI I think I'll feel better once I've had a poo.
My main issues now are tmi constipation and soreness. I'm generally fine but then suddenly get hit by tiredness. Am having a nap in the afternoons.
I should be fine with ibruprofen and Paracetemol today.
Does anyone else notice their gallbladder is missing? Feels different when I lie down lol

Thanks for your well wishes and advice everyone

Ah that's great User.
I'm glad you're doing so well.

My story is this...

Started having upper abdominal rh side pain with severe D&V in Dec 17.
Hospitalised in Jan 18 as a result of pain, D&V and severe dehydration.
Pumped me with IV morphine, fluids & antibiotics for a few days then ran tests including an endoscopy + gallbladder scan.
By the time the ran the tests the D had stopped not sure whether this was the morphine still occasional V but I was barely & taking antiemetics so unsurprising.
They couldn't find anything except that my gallbladder was significantly inflamed.

Some months later after more flare ups saw a private gastro.
MRI showed gallbladder sludge & small stones.
He diagnosed IBS + gallbladder 'problems'.

My weight loss happened after the pain had started.

Gastro suggested I could see a surgeon re gallbladder removal.
I declined.

After some months of further gallbladder symptoms, including significant pain, cutting out all and any fat for months and losing my job due to sickness absence I've finally decided to see the surgeon.

Following a botched op 4 years ago I don't want further surgery. I'm very, very reluctant to have it removed, especially if it's 'only' sludge & small stones but it is having a detrimental effect on my life so I know I need to go and have the conversation at least.

I just noticed the lack of the dragging sensation OP. The tummy button wound is a right pain as it catches on buttons etc. I wore my baggy harem pants for a fair few days as they're light and didn't rub.

As for other symptoms, the lease it of my IBS symptoms has been noticeable but wasn't until a while after surgery. I had the runs post surgery, then flipped the other way (& like post birth, scared to poo) but settled down and now....normal. no IBS flipping from one extreme to the other. It's marvellous. I got a post op infection and so drank probiotics and kefir etc to reload my good guy bacteria and since then I'm very definitely better.

Thanks for sharing MissMarple, I'm glad you're feeling better now

Thanks for sharing your story Nancy. I'm very sorry to hear you've been through such a tough time
I completely understand your reasons for possibly not wanting the surgery. I too have had a fairly traumatic surgical past. It's easy for people to say "Just have it done" "It's a complete doddle" etc etc but it's a big decision to make. Personally I put it off for a year because I'm not going to lie, I am a MASSIVE coward when it comes to surgery.

I know this is all very easy for me to say, having been through it and now on the "other side".
Nancy, you have lost and suffered so much at the hands of your gallbladder.
Your symptoms might stay the same, or might get worse. Unfortunately this will not get better by itself. If you keep your gallbladder you will live in fear of another attack whilst eating an extreme low fat diet. I don't know about you but to me this is no way to live.

To me, it was about chances. If I didn't have the surgery, there would be a chance my symptoms would never get worse and could be managed. I spent a lot of time feeling unwell though. But there was a much greater chance symptoms would get worse and I would grow more stones. If I had the surgery, there was a chance that it could all go wrong or I could be left with some horrible issues that some people describe. But there is a much higher chance I would be mostly or fully ok.

Also practical considerations. Currently my daughter is 2 and too young to understand what's going on. My husband is SAHP and doesn't have to take time off work etc to help out. Now was a good time to have the surgery.

My nightmare would have been leaving it for a few years, coming down with pancreatitis etc and my family especially my daughter having to deal with that in an emergency situation.

Surgery is terrifying (at least to me it is!) but what is more terrifying is a repeat of the situation you were in, or worse. Much better to have the surgery as a planned procedure. Whatever your circumstances, if surgery is planned you can put support arrangements in place in advance.

My advice would be to list all of your concerns and questions and take them to the Consultant. Also I and I expect others here would be more than happy to share their experiences with you.

The decisions to have surgery or not is yours. But do meet the Consultant and talk things through with them. I also found it helpful to read NHS guidance leaflets about laparoscopic cholecystectomy online.

Today is day 4 after surgery
I am feeling very sore and bruised today around my belly button. The other incisions are barely noticeable. Pain relief: I'm just taking ibruprofen and taking it easy! I am eating completely normally (but have a sensible diet anyhow). I risked a small amount of cheese and some grilled bacon with a baked potato last night for dinner. It was fine, phew! I have now been to the loo TMI was completely normal. Still feeling a bit blocked up but keeping up with the water and gentle activity. I am finding I get tired quite easily, so have to break up activities with a rest. So far, so good.

Has anybody else lost a lot of weight? Since starting with the pain end of August and keeping a low fat diet and having my gallbladder out as an emergency end of October, Iv gone from 14st to 10 stone 4! Eating normal now so hope to stabilise the weight!

Me. Was in a and e last Saturday with high liver readings. MRI in 4-6 weeks, living off 5% or less fat for foods

UserThen I know you're right and the first step at least is to meet with the surgeon and go from there.

It probably doesn't feel like it to you but 4 days post op and only taking ibuprofen is pretty impressive.

This isn't directed at you, or anyone for that matter, but I think there is often an assumption that keyhole surgery is less difficult for the patient than conventional surgery. But it's the same as non-keyhole surgery, it's just that the scars on the outside are smaller.

GetInLoser I've lost weight but I'm pre surgery! It's good to know that the weight loss continues afterwards.

Partridge you sound like you are about where I've been at. I hope your MRI goes well for you.

On the subject of MRIs I don't know whether anyone else has/is experienced this but I have very distinct gallbladder attacks. My concern with the MRI I had was that it would happen when an attack wasn't underway so nothing would be seen.

Hope you feel better soon Partridge

Getin - congratulations on your weight loss! Once things get back to normal I reckon you'll maintain your weight.

Nancy - Absolutely - I have a problem with keyhole surgery being considered easy peasy and no big deal! It is still major surgery however they do it. The recovery time for lap chol seems so variable - some people bounce back immediately, others suffer for weeks and most are somewhere in between. After my bad c section experience (which I was told would be easy and no big deal - hahaha!) I am really wary when a surgical procedure is sold as easy! Thanks, I am doing ok! Quite tired and sore but taking each day as it comes.

Thank you @UserThenLotsOfNumbers - I have just found this thread and reading with interest. I had my gallbladder out yesterday morning - home by 3.30pm. So far not too bad. My tummy's a bit swollen, I'm pretty sore, and the shoulder pain from the gas is worse than I had thought. I've just been told to take paracetamol and ibuprofen, which have been taking the edge off. I was going to cave and have some co-codamol next dose, but having read regarding the issues round codeine I think I won't risk it.
I've already had to change the dressing on my belly button incision. I had a coughing fit this morning, which was pretty painful, and an hour or so later found that blood had seeped into the dressing. By the time I changed it the blood was coagulating so I've just slapped on the new one and will keep an eye on it. The other two incisions are no problem.
I've not much else to say. I'm getting up and pottering every now and then, drinking loads, weeing loads, but no other action yet. Once the gas pain has dissipated I'm sure I'll feel much better.

Just found out my MRI is tomorrow. My liver readings are still really high (my ALT was 958 now in the 600s and my ALP has raised too). Am really scared about all this.