What to look out for?

[Advicechange]

I spent all of Saturday in hospital after waking with a very sharp pain in my lower left abdomen. A CT scan showed a foreign object where the pain was so I was sent to a bigger hospital for the surgeons to see me.
They saw me, confirmed that they think it’s a retained gallstone from my gallbladder op (7 years ago) and sent me home with painkillers and antibiotics and an appointment to return later in the week.
The pain hasn’t got any worse but also no better. I have approx 60-90 mins relief with the painkillers so I try to sleep then. I have no appetite but I’m trying to eat small amounts as I struggle to put weight on so can’t afford to lose much!
What I’m not sure of is what I’m looking out for in the meantime. Is this foreign object and free fluid a candidate for becoming septic? What if it moves again? Can the pain just disappear?
I was originally thinking I didn’t want unnecessary surgery but now I’m worried that if it somehow gets better that it could happen again. We had lovely weekend plans which all had to be cancelled and my kids half term is quite boring (although they’re ok outside with a football which I’m grateful for).

You’re on antibiotics to prevent infection, so I wouldn’t be overly concerned about that. Although if you do start feeling unwell, have a temperature, or get a really low temperature, then go to A&E.
Its really awful how slow things move and you are just expected to deal with the pain until then, what’s the appointment for? Is it for actual removal (ERCP) or just to chat about removal?
I hope they sort it for you asap

Thank you. As far as I understand it, it’s to repeat all the tests, check my pain and potentially discuss removal. I think I need to get a bit stronger in advocating for myself as I’m in a lot of pain. I have a very high pain threshold.

You have a high pain threshold bit are still in considerable pain. Op, I do not want to alarm you but I'd seek advice today. Waiting days seems so inadequate and unacceptable. They know there's a problem, you're in a lot of pain they need to act sooner rather than later imo.

Thank you. I have spoken to the emergency team (who I saw on Saturday) and they’re happy enough with Thursday as my pain is no worse even if no better and my temperature is remaining normal. I will call them again though if anything changes.

Ok well I'd you're happy with that then good. In healthcare sometimes hcps 'sit on a patient ' as in they know there's a problem, extreme pain is always a good sign and yet they wait anyway and treat it like a normal check up.

I'd wait if I had a minor ailment but significant pain, a foreign object, taking meds that are only giving you an hour's relief indicate something acute is going on.

Have a very low bar for going to A&E. If you spike a temp, develop d&v or if your pulse is rapid go. Good luck!

Thank you, I will. I can even skip A&E and go straight to the surgical assessment triage if any of the things you describe happens which I absolutely will do. If the pain starts to radiate to my back, any D and or V, any temp change I will go straight there.

My pain has reduced quite a lot this evening. I’m still uncomfortable but much better than the last few days.
I don’t know what this means though so am still saying vigilant with any change in symptoms. Not sure if the stone may have moved. Kind of hoping that doesn’t mean I’ll get sent away on Thursday as I don’t want this to happen again!