Wellness

[Kachina624]

I had surgery the old fashion way in 1970.  Was a week in the hospital in bad pain then my incision became infected and the abscess had to be lanced after a week with a high temperature.  Miserable experience.  Very painful. Laparoscopic surgery has been a wonderful invention for this procedure.

I've never had any dietary restrictions and eat whatever I want.

[chlema]

Had laparoscopic removal about 10 years ago.  Only problem I had was the shoulder pain I had that night, not pleasant.  No one told me to move my arms around after the surgery to dispel whatever they use to inflate the abdomen.  That lasted for 1 night, then all was well.

[Goodie2shoes]

My how surgery has changed ! I'm reading all of the post on this thread about  the lap surgery procedures now with home in the same day or a couple of days.  I had my gallbladder removed back in 1974( I believe) and had a NG tube (nasogastric), my stomach has a long incision line.  I was in the Hospital for a week and remember coming home, sitting down and my son who was about 3 yrs old came running to hug me and jumped up on my stomach and I thought my incision was going to come open ! (It didn't thank goodness )  It's good to see this procedure has much improved.

[Happy2BHere]

Mine was also laparoscopic and a breeze. I came in through the ER and I had a CAT scan, and yep, the gallbladder must come out.

I did have one problem for a couple days after surgery when my abdomen broke out in a really itchy red rash. The surgeon decided I must have been allergic to the chlorhexidine wash they used on my skin before surgery (I did add that allergy to my medical records so they won't use that on me again). Now, that was miserable!

[kate2357]

Had emergency gall bladder removal about 3 years ago. It was removed via laparoscopic procedure. Was very happy to have those stomach pains go away. Recovery went fine. No pain or any pain medication required. I followed doctor's after surgery recommendations regarding approved activities. 

For myself, food afterwards caused me to need to be close to a bathroom after eating. Even eating good fats, like olive oil, avocados...etc., caused me problems. Someone on boards suggested taking bile salts. I discussed bile salts with my primary and she had no issues/concerns. You may want to ask your doc about taking this supplement. 

I take this brand and only take 1 with each meal. If I have 2 meals, I take 1 at each meal. 

Good luck. I am sure you will be happy tono longer have those painful attacks.

  

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Glad the bile salts are working for you, @kate2357. 😉

[Flatbush]

@Mom in NY 

It was the best surgery ever. Strange that I used the word "best"..NO, it was easy peasy and it corrected a years old, horrible, episodes of 8 (eight) hour of physical nightmares.

It was done laproscopically.

It felt like a new world to me.

A few restrictions i.e. heavy lifting etc.

Go in with no fear and be happy it is available.

Let us know after it is done that you are relieved!

[DrakesMomma]

Mine was taken out about a year and a half ago.  It was done laparoscopically.  Home the same day.  I had shoulder pain for about two days as the gases were working out of my body and that is normal for me.  Had a soft diet for about a week and slowly began eating real food again. 

My doc was kinda excited about my case.  My gallbladder just stopped working.  Once he was in my belly and was about to see it and the ducts, he saw no trama of passing any stones.  I had sludge but almost every does.  My husband told me in the post anesthesia care unit when the doc came to talk to me I told him I was happy to help him.  I have no memory of it but sound just like me.     

[shoesnbags]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

I had surgery the old fashion way in 1970.  Was a week in the hospital in bad pain then my incision became infected and the abscess had to be lanced after a week with a high temperature.  Miserable experience.  Very painful. Laparoscopic surgery has been a wonderful invention for this procedure.

I've never had any dietary restrictions and eat whatever I want.

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Oh wow, @Kachina624 , it sounds like we were "gall bladder sisters."  I had mine removed in 1970 at the ripe old age of 21 and had all of the same complications as you did.  Incision had to be re-opened just like yours.  It was a staph infection and a 10 day hospital stay.  My incision scar looks like a railroad track - ugh.

Unlike you, I have problems with some foods, but not the same foods as some of the other posters have mentioned.  Onions, garlic and bell peppers cause me misery, and after all these years I still have to take a med every night to prevent IBS that is a direct result of that surgery.  I'm convinced that staph infection must have affected something in my digestive system.  Yes, the newer laproscopic surgery is truly a gift for everyone who needs their gall bladder removed.  What an improvement on the great big incision they made on us!

[Kachina624]

@shoesnbags.  I don't know about you, but that big Ole scar ruined me for bikini wearing.  Ah, the burdens we must bear.