Wellness

[hick]

An unexpected finding from a CT scan of my abdomen, showed a 9 mm node on my gallbladder.  Follow up CT scan 6 months later,  showed the node is now 11 mm.

I will be having surgery to remove my gallbladder end/Feb. 

Just wondering if anyone has gone thru this and what your experience was.

BTW, the CT scan was originally done for an emergency appendectomy

Thank you.

[Skyegirl21]

I have not had it but Im sure they try to do it  laparoscopically, which is the least invasive technique for abdominal surgery. I would think the prep and recovery is not unlike the appendectomy you had- except of course, preplanned, not emergency.
My good friend had it done recently and it did take several months for her toget back to all her regular activities (I.e., yoga and fitness). Best wishes! 

[Group 5 minus 1]

Not enuff info. Will this be out patient,and what does your doctor?

[Mom2Dogs]

I had my gallbladder removed years ago.  I was having pain and test revealed it needed to come out.  The only issue I had was nausea due to putting me out, I ended up spending the night in the hospital.

I was not told but learned later that once you have the surgery there could be certain foods that do not set right with your stomach, specifically lettuce.  I never had any issues with eating anything after my surgery.  

I was back to work several days later, dh and I are self employed so we rarely (at that time) took to much time away from the shop.  I took it slow but was able to work.

Good luck, hopefully you have good results as well. To bad you have to wait so long for the surgery.

[50Mickey]

@hick    I had my gallbladder out last year. i suffered with painful gallbladder attacks for years before deciding to have the surgery. My surgeon looked at the scan and scheduled the surgery. He told me if it is scheduled surgery 99% is done laprascopically and not to wait until it becomes emergency surgery. Mine was done laprascopically.  I had 4 small incisions on my abdomen. Woke up from the surgery very nauseated but was sent home shortly after waking up. You will be sore for about a week and have some bruising. But all in all it is very easy surgery. And best of all no more painful gallbladder attacks! 

Wish you a good outcome and easy recovery.

[Mombo1]

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@50Mickey wrote:

@hick    I had my gallbladder out last year. i suffered with painful gallbladder attacks for years before deciding to have the surgery. My surgeon looked at the scan and scheduled the surgery. He told me if it is scheduled surgery 99% is done laprascopically and not to wait until it becomes emergency surgery. Mine was done laprascopically.  I had 4 small incisions on my abdomen. Woke up from the surgery very nauseated but was sent home shortly after waking up. You will be sore for about a week and have some bruising. But all in all it is very easy surgery. And best of all no more painful gallbladder attacks! 

Wish you a good outcome and easy recovery.

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@50Mickey    Many years ago both of my parents had to have gallbladder surgery.  Laparoscopy was not an option.  It was definitely a long recovery...and they both had very large scars.  I guess my dad had a good sense of humor.  This was back in the day when CB radios were in cars...and everyone had a "handle".  He chose 2 names for himself and my mom.  "Scarbelly 1 and  Scarbelly 2".  

[SaveTheTurtles]

I had my gallbladder and appendix out in the same surgery in 1989 back when you spent 4 days in the hospital. Now it can be outpatient. I was out of work for 6 weeks back then but the recovery time is now also greatly improved. Haven't had any issues eating anything since the surgery.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

I never had a node, but 40+ yrs. ago I had stones and surgery to remove the gallbladder and my appendix.  Back then, it was a slice across the upper abdomen and staples to close it, plus a couple of drains. The Jackson-Pratt drain, for the appendix area, was removed before I was discharged.  The other one that was higher up remained for about 10 more days, I believe.  It had a clamp on it, that I would have to loosen and tighten depending on when I was eating or not.  It was removed in my surgeon's office on a followup appointment. That was awkward and a little uncomfortable but not unbearable. I had just given birth a month prior to my surgery so I was told not lift our baby for awhile.  I had someone come in to help me during the day for a couple of weeks.  

[ruthbe]

If done laparoscopy....one thing to not freak out about...you might have some referred pain...example in your shoulder.  I have had lap and also my duaghter.  We both had it. 

You may or may not have it. 

You will (or should) get a list of instructions nd things to look out for from your surgeon. 

If your procedure is open...your stay in hospital obviously will be longer.  I have had open surgery also.  Couple things to keep in mind.  I know it will be hard...but as soon as you can start to walk.  It will help your breathing...help prevent any possible complications

help you get better faster,

Support your stomach..  If you can find a small pillow.  Press it against your stomach.  To get to your gall bladder the doc has to go through everything (skin muscles...etc) to remove it.  All of that has to heal.  The pillow will help support your stomach especially when walking.

Best of luck to you.  I understand how you feel.  For you this is a huge event and it is scary...but keep in mind your surgen is very experienced has done it 100's or 1000's of time...and the staff is very experienced taking care of you. 

If you have any questions..ask your surgeon...that is also part of their job

[Kachina624]

@hick.  I had my gallbladder removed in 1970 after an attack with gallstones.  I think they've improved the surgical techniques since then but it was a painful experience with a fairly lengthy recovery period.