I found out this week (after a visit to the emergency room on Monday night) that I need to have my gall bladder removed as it is not functioning properly. I am due to have surgery next Tuesday and it is supposed to be removed laprascopically (sp?). Has anyone had this surgery? I know the recuperation period is supposed to be much quicker, like 2 weeks.
My parents are taking me to the hospital as it is an outpatient surgery and my son is staying with his dad that day. Hopefully he can keep his dad occupied.
I had it done about 5 yrs ago. Yes, much better than the old way with the big incision, and recovery is faster, although I don't remember exactly how long it was. I had stones, and thought I was going to die....all I wanted them to do was to stop the pain!
Deb, wishing you all the best for your upcoming surgery. I have heard many good things about this type of procedure so rest assured that all will go well. take care,cassie.
I had the surgery about three years ago like you described. The recovery is fast, I honestly can't remember any discomfort. I think the most inconvenient was that I couldn't drive for a couple of weeks. I never knew I had gall bladder issues, but I had an attack that put me in the floor - I thought it was a heart attack. The surgeon said it was full of adhesions and infection and of course the stones. We will be praying for you. I can barely see the scars, so THAT isn't the reason I am not wearing a bikini :-).
I too had my gallbladder removed. My whole family has had to have theirs removed by age 30. Crazy. Mine did cause some pain because I got a cold while at the hospital. Coughing after having it done was painful. But I learned to hold a pillow against my tummy when I coughed and it worked like a charm. I will be thinking of you Tuesday ((hugs))
After you get home, you may or may not experience pain and discomfort for a few days, plus, as Dagma said - don't drive for a couple of weeks, plus DON'T LIFT things for a couple of weeks. That means if you normally physically help your husband by letting him lean on you or helping him sit down, etc. , be very careful. Also, if you take out the trash, empty it when it is half full, so it is not heavy. If you have any little ones who come around, don't pick them up. Take showers instead of baths for a couple of weeks if you are a bath person...
Gee, I didn't know I had so much advice in me! LOL
Take good care of yourself, and don't worry....you will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Thanks everyone. I'm lucky that my husband can still do everything for himself. He needs someone to make sure he eats properly and doesn't wander off. Our son is going to stay with him that day and my parents are going to take me to the hospital. Hopefully he (my husband) won't get to agitated while I'm gone--I told my son to take his dad out for lunch or even to the zoo if the weather is nice. He loves the zoo :)
The gall bladder problem was found last Monday when I had this excruciating pain and had my son take me to the ER while my daughter stayed with her dad. They kept me through the next day for testing and my son took over watching his dad while my daughter went to work (my son just graduated from college--so no school right now). Well, the next day he brought my husband to the hospital and he was pretty good except that while I was away from my room having a test done he got away from my son. It took him, a janitor and nurses about 15 minutes to find him. They found him in the lobby--don't know how he found his way there from the fifth floor. He didn't know what the big deal was....I think both of my kids have a bit more understanding of what I do daily with their dad. My son said he was exhausted from just keeping him from leaving all the time.
Isn't that hands-on experience that the kids get handy!! LOL It shows them as nothing else can, how much constant watching our spouses need. They have a new appreciation of what we do!
I'm so sorry you are experiencing the pain! It was worse than childbirth for me! Of course, I had my surgery the old fashion way, and took 6 weeks to recover and I had a 18 month old, a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 year old. Guess how much rest I got!!! <grin> I DID NOT lift the kids though!
I remember the day my husband brought me home from the hospital. Several couples were at the house, having made up a roster for meals and one for watching the kids for the 10 days I was in the hospital. While they welcomed me home, the 4 year old came in and started searching every room. When I asked her what she was looking for, she said "the new baby"!!!! LOL Every time I had gone to the hospital, I had brought one home, so she expected another one this time! <grin> It's one of our favorite family tales!
I am SO glad that they didn't give me a baby when I had my gall bladder out. Just for info, the pain that I had that let me know something was wrong, was in my upper back between my shoulder blades. Good luck - we will be praying for you.
Had my surgery the old fashioned way-back in 1986!! (The dark ages!!!). I never had a problem but I got this horriffic pain, thought that I was having a heart attack. Surgery went fine but it took me 10 days in the hosp. I do not envy anyone who goes through that pain. No problems after the surgery. I can eat anything now. I don't know if that's true for everyone but hope all goes well. Will be thinking of you. {{{HUGS}}}
Are you going to have some help after you get home from the hospital? It may be a couple of days before you really feel like being up and around and doing everything you usually do.
We will be thinking of you on Tuesday. Hope everything goes absolutely the best that it can. Please let us know how you are doing when you are able.
My mom is going to stay with me to help at home. My son will also be here in the mornings and my daughter in the evening after she gets home from work. My husband is comfortable with my parents so hopefully her staying won't be a problem.
Also went with my daughter and got a pedicure today. Thought I deserved it for the pain to come :)
Just an update to let everyone know that my surgery went well and today--day after surgery--I'm feeling pretty good. Pain has not been bad. Yesterday I took pain pills all day and slept quite a bit. Today am just taking advil as I can't stay awake on the pain pills they gave me.
My son took his dad to see a movie and my mom made dinner and did anything else I needed. Right now she is washing clothes for me :)
My mom will be here another day or so and my husband has been very cooperative, although he keeps forgetting I had surgery. Thanks for all your good thoughts.
I hope Kitty gets along as well as I have been with her surgery.
I'm so happy for you that your surgery went well and that your mom and your son are there to help you! We'll still keep you in our prayers for a speedy recovery!
Take it easy and rest. My surgery went so well that I felt I could do more than I should and had a relapse. It takes time for our bodies to heal and we can't see the healing that is going on inside. I am so glad that it is over with for you and that it went well. Thank you for keeping us posted.