Gallbladder disease and a flare

I have gallbladder disease and learned yesterday that my pcp wants me to have my gallbladder removed. I hear that gallbladder surgery is no big deal but I've heard from folks here that there are special precautions to take for us lupies. I can't for the life of me remember what they are, so I'd appreciate a refresher course.

I've been feeling absolutely awful and I know now why. My lupus is flaring as well and I suppose it's possibly related to the fact that my gallbladder is hardly working at all so my body is being poisoned. My joint pain has become excruciating and walking is difficult for me. Could this be related to my gallbladder? I hope so because if so, removal of my gallbladder could possibly help these symptoms improve. I feel like I have the flu all the time and my joints are all on fire.

((((((Patty)))))))), I knew you must be feeling very bad since you havn't been around much. I wish you could have come here so we could have been more support.

I had my galbladder out in 2000, so I wasn't sick with anything else at the time. I was different than Lynnwood though I had to stay in the hospital over night.

The only thing I can tell ya that might help is that they put 4 little holes in me one on the side and 3 straight down my belly. The sugery was not a problem but what was a problem is that they fill you up with gas to move things around to get to your gallbladder. The gas was painful. The only way to get rid of it is to roll around in bed and walk as much as possible so you can get rid of it. I hope they can get this flare out of the way before the surgery.

keep us informed I'm so sorry you are having such a rough time.

love ya

carol

In my case it was given to me while I was still asleep, no extra pills to take. I know a lot of people do have pain from extra gas left in the abdomen, but a good surgeon will take care to remove as much as they can before closing those 4 little holes (and one hole is in the belly button, so only 3 tiny scars). It also helps if you walk around a bit as soon as you can -- I didn't even take all the pain pills they gave me, I think I only took 1 days worth & they gave me 4 days or so.... Hopefully removing the gallbladder will give you some relief -- I've been happy without mine. Some people have trouble digesting rich or fatty foods after gallbladder surgery, but I haven't had any trouble eating about anything I want. Cheers,

Thanks everyone. I'm not worried about the surgery but am looking forward to having it done because I know I'll fell better. I'm just devastated about more scars because now I won't be able to wear my string bikini anymore. (the one I haven't worn since I was 25)

My daughter is going to have a tonsillectomy on the 3rd so we can recover together. I'd rather have my gallbladder out ten times before I'd have my tonsills out.

I still have a houseful because some of my kids still don't have power and some of their friends are staying here too. But it's been great having them around and they all take care of themselves and we bring in food so I'm not doing anything extra. And I have help with the house and laundry. It's funny how it's taken me so many years to learn that I don't have to be supermom or ms. perfect anymore. Life is more fun this way. My daughter-in-law helped me wrap yesterday and we spent hours wrapping and talking. I had been stressed about all the wrapping etc. I had to get done and it turned out great to be able to spend so much time with her. She and my son are moving to Denver next week so this time with them has been precious. My tree is up but still not completely trimmed. May finish it this morning. Then last night my step-son helped me pick up all the mess and put everything up. I have such great kids.

I hope all of you are well and that the holiday season is wonderful and stress-free.

Hugs to all,

Pat

I wanted to warn you that high fat meals after the gallbladder is removed could very well cause severe diarrhea and cramping it depends on how your body adjusts. I had my gallbladder out but my experience is very different from everyone else's because mine was 3xs the normal size and close to rupture. I was very ill and hospitalized for a week unable to hold ANYTHING down prior to my surgery. I nearly died. Be glad yours is being cared for before it becomes too bad- because mine was let go to that point it too more than a year to recover- I was left very weak from the prolonged illness. Heck I began having problems with it at 14 but was misdiagnosed with an ulcer for years. Funny cause ulcer meds didn't work while pain meds did. No gallstones made it hard for them to dx the problem because they always think no gallstones means all is okay. I had to have a special nuclear medicine scan for them to find the problem and by then my gallbladder did not function at all. It would explain why I seemed to have stopped absorbing much of the nutrients in the food I ate. Good luck. My hubby had his tonsils out and I swear I need mine out but after seeing how it was for him I don't want it done unless they leave a thin layer of tonsil tissue to protect the muscles of the throat (new technique).

Patty, I was just thinking about you and I hope you aren't overdoing it with all the guests. Hope you didn't get hit to hard down there. We lost the computer and cable yesterday but at least we kept the power so I watched DVD's that I hadn't seen yet.
stay warm don't over due it on the food. Before I had my gallbladder out it seemed the worst time it would bother me is when I really over did it eating. I don't know what's wrong with yours but my was completely packed with stones.
love ya
lady
carol

Patty I'm worried about ya! How are you doing? please check in when you can. Or I will be sending you and email.

love ya

carol