Recovery after gallbladder removal and pancreatitis, still getting pains after four weeks and worried

[FleurandLion]

I am scaring myself to death here and have health anxiety so please please be gentle.

I had emergency gallbladder removal 4 weeks ago (keyhole) after months of being unwell off and on and being fobbed off my gp’s.
I was finally admitted with acute pancreatitis and apparently my levels were through the roof and the surgeon said he could see how inflamed my pancreas was.
Anyway I am still getting random pains and twinges in different places, not necessarily in the incision sites. On the left side, in my ribs on both sides, in my back. Sometimes indigestion like feelings and my anxiety is through the roof.

Been to see gp the other day and he examined me said just give it time. My blood levels are not back to normal but much better. But all I have ever heard is how people made such quick recoveries and were back to normal in a few weeks.
I am making things worse by sitting here dwelling on things. I am magnifying every little pain and sensation and I know I am overreacting but that’s the headspace I am in and it’s awful.

Anyone ease take a while to recover? Is it just me? I’m an old bird as well (62) so should know better.

Sorry and thank you kind people.

Thank you. I have got an urgent appointment for today. Not sure if it’s urgent mind but had more pains in the night and the last 2 days have been rough. Tried doing an online request with the gp for advice but it wouldn’t do it and said I needed to be seen today.

I don’t know I just don’t feel right and I need some advice. It may be nothing but I need to be checked. I have had more appointments this past 6 months than I have had in 20 years. Wish me luck.

Your journey isn't unusual. GPs are trained to think it is but, actually , a significant number of people still suffer issues after removal. It may be there is anotehr, sperate , issue in there which has now been unmasked as it were. I always think 'I wouldn't have the anxiety if it weren't for the anxiety' IYSWIM!

A lot of it can be air dispersal afterwards. Warm Peppermint cordial is your friend.

Thank you.
Yes @Piggywaspushed I do see what you mean. Stupid anxiety.

I just want explanations and to know that there is nothing going on that I should be worried about. Not that I want anything else to worry about. And I want to stop feeling so uncomfortable.

I am 5 weeks post surgery now @Pasithean so don’t think air dispersal from the op is the issue. Unless it’s a wind issue in general but it doesn’t feel like it. I do have peppermint tea here which I will force down if necessary.

I had an emergency gallbladder removal last year and then ended up with acute pancreatitis.
It took me a good 4 or 5 months to get back to feeling ‘normal’ and I was on really strong painkillers for most of that time.

You need to let your body recover. The doctor kept telling me that I’d had 2 major things happen to me and just needed to rest, but that’s easier said than done isn’t it.

I also lost a lot of hair which he said was also normal when your body had been through a lot of stress. It’s growing back thankfully as it got very thin over the months that I was unwell.

I hope you feel much better soon. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone…

Thank you @CrochetMadRosie. Let’s see what this doc says today.
Im kind of worried it’s still my pancreas acting up.

@FleurandLionHow did you get on with the Dr today? I hope you got some answers…

Just the usual about things taking longer fior some people and that my last bloods were better so doesn’t think it’s my pancreas. Examined my stomach etc.
She was emailing gastro team at the hospital to see what they think but just to keep up with the painkillers and that paracetamol is no good on its own. To try ibuprofen too. I have codeine but it makes me feel weird.
So crack on really. I always feel like I need to apologise for being there.

@FleurandLion
I’m sorry you didn’t really get any answers. Good that they’re in contact with the gastro team though.

I think I was on fentanyl patches for quite a few months after my bout to cope with the pain. Then yes, codeine (I agree though it makes me feel weird too) and tramadol too for a while… paracetamol was definitely not enough.

I hope you feel much better soon.

Ibuprofen is a strange recommendation for stomach complaints.

Wonder if it could be a hiatus hernia and or reflux.

Sorry you’re still not feeling right & that the GP was unproductive. I’d want to be knowing is this completely normal, given my specific issues prior & now post surgery. Why am I having these pains? But I too find getting anything definite from doctors very difficult - esp if it’s vague & not overtly acute. I’d say give yourself x amount of time & just monitor it. It’s no answer obviously but then if in x amount of time it’s still going on I’d be going back & asking for answers. Easy for me to say though. Good luck x

Thanks everyone. No not a hiatus hernia. Had a gastroscopy previously and only mild gastritis found. Did have reflux before and it doesn’t feel like that and I am on meds for it anyway.
Yes @Blummingorgeous exactly this. I would like answers and will be definitely going back if things don’t improve.

Still no news from gp after my visit a week ago despite her telling me they usually reply within the day. Think she might have been slightly optimistic there but I shall chase it up today.

Had a couple of good days again which lifted my spirits and then yesterday back to random pains and soreness. Could be what I ate so will monitor that. Not bad pains but noticeable but it does feel like trapped wind or a stitch. Could it be the internal stitches pulling? If I twist a certain way I can feel it.

I am thinking of going back to work next week as I will have been off 7 weeks by then. I feel well enough to work, I am part time anyway and think I will be better off there as it will stop me overthinking and take my mind off things. I have a desk based job so nothing strenuous and my colleagues are lovely.

Sorry I am very needy. Can’t stand this up and down with my emotions and anxiety.

@FleurandLion don’t worry about being needy. I have been there and understand.

I think your gp might have been a bit optimistic to expect a reply within the day tbh. Yes give them a ring to chase it up.
I read somewhere that recovery from gallbladder surgery is not always linear. You might have some good days followed by not so good where you feel like you are taking a step backwards. This is normal.
But because you are so focused on the pains then things are going to feel worse and increase your anxiety which in turn can make any pains feel worse than they actually are.

If you feel you are well enough, it might be a good idea to go back to work to distract yourself. I am a chronic worrier myself and I always feel better when I am with others.

I think going back to work is a good idea. It will definitely distract you. Could you ask for a back to work risk assessment?

Thank you @Piggywaspushed I think so too.
I will get a risk assessment when I go back and will also be on phased return so will only do a few hours a day anyway for a few weeks.

Just phoned my gp and was told that the advice and guidance from gastro usually takes 2-3 weeks and not one day as the gp told me. So on we go!

@FleurandLion so much for the quick answer from the gastro team then. Honestly sometimes these gps have no idea. Everything is so long winded.
Try not to get too stressed while you wait.

Thanks you but too late @LadyCarmel I’ve just had a proper meltdown. I’m just worn down with it all.
I know I shouldn’t but I asked on chatgpt and was quite reassured by the explanations of why I might be experiencing the pain in different places. It did still tell me to go to consult with gp though and I know it’s not a substitute for proper healthcare professionals. But I felt like I had a better consultation with that than all the times I’ve been to the gp. Which is crazy.

Having second thoughts about going back to work now. DH doesn’t think I should in case I feel unwell and need to be off again.

I really feel for you @FleurandLion. All you want & need after having it out is to just be able to recover & get on with things. But you can’t b’cos it’s niggling away, being enough to concern you, but not enough for it to be responded to. Rock & a hard place. I’d be feeling exactly the same. And have felt better consulted by Chat GPT for a lot of things too! From myself I know overthinking only makes it worse & so I’d be wanting to distract myself but you’ve obvs got to do what feels right.

I had acute pancreatitis which the Drs said was caused by my gallbladder. I had my gallbladder out but the upper pains continued. Sometimes on the left but mostly in the middle to the right, under my ribcage with the pain going through to my back, just under my shoulder.
I had various tests and it turns out I have something called sphincter of oddi dysfunction.
It's treated by an operation where they cut the valve and relax it. But it can narrow again and I've now had this done 3 times and I think I might need it again 😞
I've had it for 7 years now.
I have Bile Acid Malabsorption too, it's all related.
I hope you feel better soon, but please ask about this if the pain continues.

Oh I also have developed chronic pancreatitis as well, forgot to mention that!

Thank you so much @Blummingorgeous. I think anyone else would just get on with things but this damn anxiety won’t let me leave it alone. And you are right it’s niggling away, whether it’s normal healing or not. I don’t think I can wait another 2 weeks or more for the gastro doc to just say it’s going to take time. But there is no point going back to gp because they won’t do anything until they hear from gastro.

@FleurandLion I would still go back to gp if you are struggling. There might be something they can give you in the meantime to help. I really don’t know why you weren’t offered anything at your last visit.
You could also email the gastro secretaries and ask if they can help. It’s worth a try.

Like most medical procedures….everyones reaction and recovery is different. Don’t compare yourself to others who say ‘yeah, I was back at work after 2 days’ or conversely’god, it was horrendous and I couldn’t cough for 6 months without excruciating pain’.
Take time, heal & enjoy life.