Gallbladder removal surgery - any tips

[Cherry889]

I am having my operation on Thursday to have my gallbladder removed.

I’m getting really nervous now so wondered if anyone had any tips either for when at hospital or when I come home.

Try to keep yourself as distracted as possible. I know, easier said than done!
The forms always sound terrifying but all part of the procedure. You are going to be absolutely fine.
Not long now
X

You really will be fine OP. I’d never had anaesthetic before and I loved it! I also was treated in a private hospital and liked the food and level of care. I stayed overnight but didn’t sleep too well as the room was hot but I felt a bit more secure being in a hospital post op. Being quite groggy coming round after the anaesthetic. Good luck.

With a private room in a private hospital I think I would stay in as the nurses will keep you comfortable throughout the night.

Try not to be too scared. Gallbladder removal is the most common ops they do. I thought it was a much easier recovery than when I had my wisdom teeth out. You'll feel a bit sore but not it won't feel painful. The worst part for me was the ache across my shoulders afterwards, but again it wasn't any worse than after a days gardening.

Wear.something with an elasticated waistband to come home in. They pump you full of air to get room to work, so you look 6 months pregnant for a few days.

The gas dissipates naturally over the following couple of days, which can be slightly embarrassing.

Take the painkillers even when you feel you don't need them. You only feel like you don't need to because they're working. It's easy to look at the tiny scars and think the of was no big deal, but don't forget you have the equivalent of 4 stab wounds in you abdomen and have had an entire organ cut out of your body.

Pillows. Lots and lots of pillows. Your stomach muscles won't work the way you're used to for a couple of weeks.

I only needed painkillers for 24 hours and felt a bit tender for a week or so. A pillow either side of me kept the duvet from feeling too heavy. Oh and don't watch comedy the day after. My DH thought it might cheer me up if we watched Lee Evans but the laughing wasn't funny! Good luck OP

How are you feeling?

hope you're feeling OK.

I found I needed a nap during the day for about 10 days after - still working of the anaesthetic I think. Wasn't too painful as long as you avoid laughing and coughing - paracetamol was fine

I’m feeling ok thanks for checking.

I stayed in overnight but have hardly slept. I kept waking with pain or from the noise of the hospital. I also managed to knock out the Canula in my hand and bled all over my bed and floor which wasn’t great.

I am a bit concerned this morning as yesterday the nurse was meant to do a pregnancy test so that I could have a scan in theatre to check for stones anywhere they shouldn’t be but they couldn’t do this because the test wasn’t done. The nurse this morning has said they will have to do a pelvic ultrasound instead either today or booked for another time. I have yet to see the dr so will ask him as I am worried that this will not be as good as having the scan in theatre. It’s slightly annoying as the nurse said it was because I was unable to wee in the morning but no one ever asked me to provide a sample so I’m not sure if they just forgot.

Just spoken to dr the pelvic ultrasound isn’t to do with gallstones it is because he says my uterus is bulky so possibly fibroids. Hopefully having the scan today to find out. A bit gutted as thought all sorted but now another issue I’m worried about.

Hope you will be on the mend soon. It's good they are looking into the fibroids while you are there as it means you will get things looked at sooner. I hope you will be allowed home soon to rest, I can never get any sleep in hospital they are too noisy hot and uncomfortable. Wishing you well x

Thanks it’s a change of plan and scan booked for Monday so going home now. It’s worrying now though as you think your all sorted and then something else crops up.

You are right about hospitals being hot I was sweating in bed last night.

Hi @cherry889 - how are you doing now, a year on from your gallbladder removal? I'm due to have my op next week and wondering if you have any tips for me please? Thanks!