Advice Needed: Gallstones/Gallbladder Removal

[SnowBunny]

Hi Erika, I had a lap chole in 1995. I can't believe it's been almost 13 years!. I went in to Short Stay on a Friday morning, had the surgery, & was on my way home by 3PM. I took a few pain pills over the weekend. However, I returned to work on Monday.

I didn't have any post-surgical problems or with eating. I'd been following a low fat diet that was recommended by my surgeon as I put off surgery for several months. I love spicy foods & have no problems eating it.

I, too, had Gallstones & the worry is they will move. I found out in September 1994, but planned on sinus surgery in December. So, I waited until February for my lap chole. I have a few teeny tiny scars in my abdomen. It's so easy as an out-patient. I didn't have to worry about coverage as work. I took the weekend to relax & then returned to work on Monday. No one would ever have believed I had surgery on Friday unless they knew.

You will do GREAT!!! We are all here for support. Sending you lots of
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

Sharon

[Dettao]

I recommend the surgery, too. It is outpatient. I had mine out two years ago. They did mine making three tiny holes that required no stitches. I had no pain, only a small amount of discomfort the first day and some fatigue for about a week. You will not realize how bad you felt until you get it out and you feel good all the time. I didn't realize that uncomfortable full feeling I got every time I ate was from that dysfunctional gallbladder.

[durhigh]

I'm going through the pre-steps before surgery.

My gallblader problem started (well it started before this, just didn't know it was a GB problem) on Jan 7th. I saw my family physican on Jan 8th. I had an ultrasound on Jan 14th. I saw the surgeon on Jan 24th. He's referring me to a gastroentrologist to remove a gallstone that's stuck in the bile duct. I meet with the gastro doctor on the 28th. If the gastro doctor can remove the stone, I can have the GB removed laprascopically. Otherwise, I'll have to have an open surgery.

Can't believe it's taking this long.

I really don't want to have surgery either, but I had a real bad attack this last week after eating carrots and an apple.

At least the surgeon gave me some pain medication in case I have another attack.

Lanette