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Life after Gallbladder Surgery

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 8/26/2009 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,

It has now been 7 days since I had my gallbladder out. I had 5 horrible gallbladder attacks (if you've had 'em, you know what I mean!), and had many small stones and inflammation.

about the 3rd day after surgery, I started to have horrible diarrhea that had a ton of yellow (I'm assuming this is the bile diarrhea from a post I saw from last year on here). The cramps and urgency is horrible, and I'm really fearing that this will not get better. My surgeon said that most people start to improve after 2 weeks, but I'm so skeptical from what I've read online. One person I know said to keep my diet very bland for a couple months and then it should improve. It's SO hard to find good information on what to do. I'm so weak and rundown from all the diarrhea (3-6 times a day), mainly within a half hour after eating.

We're flying to Hawaii in 3 weeks, and I'm so afraid to even go on the flight :( My surgeon told me I can take Immodium for the flights only, but not to use it too often. He also said that if I still had the bile diarrhea 6-8 weeks from now, they would run tests, and if those turn up negative - they will probably try me with Questran.

The question I have is...should I just let this run through 6-8 weeks, and then try the Questran, or are there things I can do for now to help control this. I had MAJOR IBS issues until about a year ago, when I gave up dairy, and then it cleared up 95% of my problems. I'm so afraid it is back to a life of watching where every restroom is, and giving up on going out to eat with family and friends.

Thank you for ANY help you can all give. I'm so depressed right now, and I just wonder if I will ever get better. I do realize it's only a week in, but from what I've heard - if you have the bile diarrhea - you usually don't get rid of it!?

Thanks again!

Dean

Posted 8/27/2009 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
You could try the calcium treatment - Caltrate 600D with every meal - see several threads here for discussion and advice. It is not a chemical med so is unlikely to screw up your system. It might work, it has been successful especially with gall bladder folks.

Imodium is great for travelling, a temporary fix and peace of mind.
Posted 8/27/2009 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much, Mitzo! I sure appreciate it - definitely gonna give it a try.

Is the word around here that Questran works best, or Welchol, or both? Wondering what people have had the best luck with.


Thanks again!

Posted 8/28/2009 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Welchol is considered better by most. While Questran works just fine when it comes to stopping the bile diarrhea, it does seem to give a LOT of people bad gas/cramps, which the Welchol does not. Welchol is also a pill, whereas Questran is a powder which has to be mixed into water. For me, Welchol is a lot easier to take while riding in a car, etc. places where mixing up a powder is really not feasable. I've been on Welchol for nearly 6 years and it works like a dream. You ought to take a multi-vitamin while on it (or any of the other bile sequestrants, for that matter), because they interfere with the absorption of fat-soluable vitamins.

It can take your guts 6-8 weeks after surgery to get straightened out (as much as they ever will). In the beginning, right after my surgery, I found that red meat and pork gave me D. I waited 3 weeks before I reintroduced them into my diet, and then I was fine with them (although I still try not to eat them too frequently, just in case). You might want to try a very mild diet between now and your trip. Certainly try the calcium; that works all by itself for some, and is a whole lot cheaper than the prescription stuff.

Things to avoid for a little while: caffeine, high-fat foods, red meat, dairy, acidic foods and drinks (tomatoes, orange juice, colas), hot-spicy foods (Indian, Mexican). You also might want to avoid fruit; most raw fruits, especially apples, do me in. Too much acid in them. Not to mention that apple juice is a natural laxative. You don't have to eat really bland food (you can use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, etc.--just nothing peppery/hot), but keep it easily digestable. Thing food you'd feed to a sick person or someone with an upset stomach. After 2-3 weeks, try adding things back in one at a time to see what you can handle. Like I said, I was able to resume eating pork and beef, however, even with medicine, I can't have raw apples or caffeine. And I can't have more than one non-caffeinated cola a day.
Posted 8/28/2009 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone; I'm a regular on the GERD forum, but this thread caught my eye, I hope you don't mind if I join in!

I had a Nissen with gallbladder removal a year ago July; over the years I've had a running battle with my "output", but since my surgery, it has been just awful. Only recently am I learning about "bile induced diarrhea". This has caught my attention; the symptoms fit me to a T. The only time I'm not dealing with D is when I'm on some sort of pain medication that causes constipation; frankly that makes for a wonderful little bit of time.

My problem came on gradually after the surgery, until maybe 4 to 6 months ago and now it is constant; I'm at the point where crackers and water will have me running to the bathroom. I'm tired, demoralized and exhausted...on top of everything else, I've been diagnosed with breast cancer too. So any advice on dealing with this monster is more appreciated now than ever!

Mitzo, I'm very curious about the Caltrate; why would that work? does it bind with the fluid?, or does it cause a chemical change which changes the peristalsis in the intestines and colon?

Welchol, this is the first I've read about Welchol; I'm equally curious about this.

I've been told and have read that Immodium can be taken daily without a problem, and that is what I'm starting to do, just to get some relief. I've scheduled an appointment with the PA at my GI's office, but that doesn't come up until mid-September.

I'm so glad to see this post!..here's hoping that we can help each other!
Janice
Posted 8/30/2009 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Wow - thank you so much for all of your suggestions. It's now been almost 2 weeks, and the past few days have been better. I don't know if it's because of the Caltrate-D, or just because my system is adjusting. I still get some bad cramping and gas at times - usually after eating, but the BM's are not nearly as loose, not necessarily right after eating as before. I have been doing as you suggested - keeping with a easily digestible diet.

One of the reasons they say I had gallbladder problems is because of my weight loss. I lost about 70 pounds from May 2008 through this year, and they said that is hard on the gallbladder. Wish I would have known that when I started Weight Watchers - LOL. Nah, actually - I do love the program and it wouldn't have mattered what program I went on :) BUT - I've also lost 10 pounds since surgery and everyone says I look like a skeleton. I started taking a One-A-Day multi-vitamin yesterday - that should be ok, right? The pharmacist said they wouldn't necessarily recommend drinking Ensure - because that has some fats in it.

I've added skinless unseasoned chicken as of last night to my daily banana, rice and english muffin diet. Any other suggestions of what I can eat. I will definitely be keeping with the easily digestible diet til we go to Hawaii, and then try to slowly introduce things back into my diet.

Thanks for the advice about the Welchol vs Questran. The doctor said Questran is always a possibility, but I'm assuming I can just ask if I can have Welchol instead?

Thanks again everyone. I was so depressed after writing that, and being in pain and tired from my surgery, and I'm hoping it's just a matter of time before I can start introducing stuff back into my diet for trial.
Posted 9/5/2009 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hello to all those that have a "bathroom" as one of their "acquaintences" in life.

 

Just finished reading your concerns, thoughts and remedies.  I can agree and relate with most of the information stated.  My primary concern is to research as much information as possible before I RE-VISIT the doctor(s).  Like everyone else, I am in the midstream of "testing, taking, and tasting" resources to alleviate this constant marathon running -diarrhea, volcano erupting aromatherapy-stomach rumbling, and modeling as the Universities Skeleton for forensic scientist students - loosing weight.  I am trying to make light of this situation that inadvertantly has taken over my life.  My symptoms: I eat, my stomach rumbles, I break out in a sweat (if outside of my home) contemplating if I should start now towards a bathroom, wait it out (after all it could just be gas...but what if it ISN"T) or sit there and take a chance and have an "accident".  Which I have had twice.  I have never felt so demoralized in life.  I am not a pill person.  I will but I want to know the cause(s).  I have just been tested for Celiac, am on IGL 2000 (a powder from my MD -he is into suppliments) and vit B12.  Nothing else.  The powder formula helps for now.  Friday I had the ultrasound of the Gallbladder, Pancreas and Liver.  Most all the bloodwork one can take and now I just continue to do research.  My question to whomever, is did having the gallbladder out recommended?  While working in Texas last month I had a major bought of D.  It was yellow and then this beautiful "green".  As we know this is not normal!  One more question and then I will wait for responses: how many of you have researched -Habba Syndrome,Chrons,U.Colitis,Gallbladder Dysfunction, IBS (by the way in Deland Fla they are doing research) ,and GERDs? The solutions suggested that I have researched have been catnip-digestion,dandilion-nerves,slippery elm and marchellow herbs for stomach relief, Colestid, Questran, Fiber products, bland diets and now Welchol.  The CaltrateD is on my list to try. 

 

Health to us ALL

LadyC

Posted 9/5/2009 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I have been a member for a few years now but mostly on the panic/anxiety forum but I do have exactly the same problems as all of you since I had my gall bladder out 6 years ago...I too have the bad diarrhea cramps etc about once every 2 weeks.The Dr. told me it's called "Dumping" since you can not longer digest fat products as well.But I have to admit..I hate it..I can't/don't go out for dinner in public places for fear of getting cramps right after and ending up in the washroom..I also don't travel or venture out to the other end of the city etc for fear of not being able to get to a washroom..I have told my Dr.several times how the bile upsets my stomach and she basically ignores me..She did give me the powdered cholesterol crap that you mix like metimucil but like everone else it gave me cramps and gas/bloating too so I quit taking it.I am so tired of trying to get someone to listen to me...I am going to look into the 2 medications mentioned and next Dr appt I am going to insist she listen to me..It really does change/dibiliate my life to the point I really don't go out or anything and it doesn't help that my Mom and Dad felt compelled to give me an intervention a few weeks ago saying I NEED to go see a Phychiatrist as something is seriously wrong...What they did is give me anxiety for a week that's all!!! My Mom thinks it's all in my head as she had her GB out right after I was born 41 yrs ago and she sats she has never had any problems..Well good for you...but I do....I am tired of family saying "What's wrong with you".Thank God I have a wonderful supporting husband who understands and does not judge or ever get mad if at the last minute I decide not to go somewhere or do something..I really would like something to help deal with the cramping and diarrhea...and it strikes at any time never the same day etc...


Laurel :)

Post Edited (Kiddiekakes) : 9/7/2009 11:14:50 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/5/2009 7:09 PM (GMT 0)
Laurel,

 

Back in 1990 I did major study on ANXIETY.... you might as well transpo that word with STRESS.  Both culprits of causes to the human body but also a diagnosis for those -Doctors, Friends, Parents, etc.. that either don't know for sure or can't understand the problem at hand. The majority of doctors believe a good benzodiazaphine and psychology sessions will make anxiety come under control.  Unless one gets their nuerotransmitters in line via their seratonine leveled -no therapy, meditation, praying etc. will help anxiety.  Although having IBS or any other abby-normal health issue intensifies anxiety. Again, I am not one for meds/pills.  However, there is a time and place for them.  Short term hopefully.  As far as support, I too have a wonderful husband that is trying to understand my condition.  I just finished reading a website by Sherry Brescia.  I checked our library for this book but to no avail.  They had 1 listed in North Dakota.  The book is "Great Taste No Pain".  I am looking more into this and will relay the fact findings unless someone else can relay :) 

 

LadyC

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