Gall bladder surgery anyone?

You probably don't want to hear what I have to tell you. I had mine out and now I suffer from chronic bowel troubles. The gallbladder holds bile and when that is taken away your body is supposed to absorb it. For some reason mine didn't do so well. The bile acts as laxative salts. I guess you can figure what happens. Your gallbladder has a function that dr's forget to tell you about. It helps digest fats. To. This day I have chronic problems. I have had numerous hospitalization from this. Please do your homework because I have read thousands of stories like mine. You can find lots of info on line. I know others have done well. I wish I was one of them.

Hi Grandma~

I suppose you will hear horror stories and happy stories from those of us who answer so you'll have to sift them out for yourself. All I can do is tell you what I experienced.

I had my gall bladder out in Jan of 1975. That was way before the era of laproscopy. Needless to say I have a scar that runs from several inches below my waist to near the top of my rib cage. My bladder was infected and was giving false negatives on tests so they couldn't find what was wrong until I went totally jaundice! I've never really looked good in yellow since...lol But besides the pain from a very large incision up my front I've not had any troubles. Yes, after gall bladder surgery some people have problems with digesting fats. One thing that bothered me for a long time was Chinese Restaurant food and it's one kind I love. Also, once in a while something I cook has a bit too much oil/fats in it and gives me a tiny bit of nausea. It goes away pretty fast. It's been many years since I've had an episode like that.

I would not recommend refusing the surgery. The alternative to having it out is not a pretty thought. My daughter had hers out about 3 years ago and came through with flying colors. She was home in the afternoon taking it easy and has had no problems since. Just like any other surgery there is a bit of risk, but you can get that from having your wisdom teeth out also. Most people going in for surgery are nervous even though we know we will feel so much better afterwords. We don't have control over the situation and that's frightening. If you trust your doctor then try to relax about it if you can. I couldn't wait to have mine out since I'd been in so much pain.

Come and chat about your surgery any time you wish. We'll help you keep your mind occupied until after your release. I will say an extra prayer for you tonight and I just know you'll do fine.

Hugs,
Chutz

I had my gall bladder out in September of 2006. I was so glad at the time I was finally getting rid of that thing as it was making me so sick! I had been sick for 3 months before the doctors would believe me that it was my gall bladder. They finally did a special test (not sure what it was) and discovered my gall bladder was not functioning at all and that it had a virus. Ever since then I have had the worst bowel problems ever. My doctor did not explain that this could be a possible after effect of having the gall bladder removed. I did finally find out that this could last for up to a year but after that I should be fine. Well, here it is almost 5 years later and I still have horrible bowel problems. But.......my Rheum doc says my bowel problems could be due to the Fibro as Fibro and IBS/bowel problems go hand in hand. But even with the bowel problems I am still glad to be rid of that nasty gall bladder! Good Luck to you!

I had mine taken out over 10 years ago. I did not know I had a problem until a few days before the surgery. I had out of town guests and I started having a horrible pain in my back. When it got worse and I was starting to have chills I took myself to the hospital emergency. I was admitted and told that my gall bladder was gangrenous (sp). It was too infected to do surgery so they gave my lots of antibiotics for 2 days and then removed the darn thing. I was in the hospital 4 days total because of the infection. Surgery went well and I don't have any scars except one little one.

I have not had any problems since.

Had my gall bladder out 3 days ago. Surgery went well and I came home that afternoon. The next night I started throwing up and threw up all day yesterday. Ouch, that hurt! Today I am very sore and having some severe pain around my belly button and on the lower left side of my belly button. Not sure if that is normal?! Did anyone else have this problem. I don't have much appetite or energy! Hoping to feel better soon!

Yes maam I called the doctor late yesterday afternoon. She called me in a prescription. Funny (not really) thing is that when my hubby went to pick it up the pharmacy was closed!! Just so happens a very kind neighbor had some meds that she brought over. I checked with a close friend who is an RN and she said to go ahead and take it. Within 30 minutes I felt so much better!!

Pretty sore most of the day today but feeling a bit of relief this evening :) Yeah!