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.