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Gallbladder keep or not? Really need advice!

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Posted 10/13/2009 11:52 PM (GMT 0)

Hey guys,

Sorry I haven t posted. I think it is a given that when were don't hear from each other we are taking a mental break or we are just too darn sick! Unfortuneately, it is "B" for me.  In addition to the usual problems, I have bloated (50 lbs in 3 weeks), and severe abdominal pain. Constant nausea, headaches, stomach pain severe! I spent last thanksgiving in hospital with this so it is not a new problem. (I will also have a hernia repair at the same time).

My questions are these:

Has the gallbladder surgery helped (fellow Lymers)?

Doesn't it make sense that if I am getting ready to

get another port, I would rather any "movement" go straight through rather than park in the gallbladder(bile)?

What is recovery like?  How long should I expect?

Should I get the port before the surgery or wait and get a few weeks under my belt?

I really appreciate your stories/advice.

For Jennifer in Tampa, are there any support groups arround here?  I really need one. If not, how about you and I starting one?  After over 2 years my marriage is going south very fast, I could use a group!

Take Care,

Jackie

Posted 10/14/2009 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Jackie,

I don't know too much about the gallbladder so Im not much help there. I did give you a call yesterday and left a message. I see Dr. C. In Florida too. Ring meback when you have a chance.

I'm sure someone else will answer your post soon.
Posted 10/14/2009 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Have you had an ultrasound done of your gallbladder? Do you know if you have gallstones for sure? I'd encourage you to have the ultrasound if you haven't already.

I had my gallbladder out 10 years ago and am glad I did. It was full of large stones and inflammation. It did not do anything for my gut other than stop 13 years of near-constant nausea. Recovery was difficult for me, but I was basically back to normal after about 3 weeks.
Posted 10/14/2009 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
This is ONLY MY opinion, I have NO medical training.
HI Waiting.
I'm really sorry to hear about your gall bladder issues. I had to have mine removed just last Feb. I had one really bad gb attack & that did it for me!!! They told me it was most likely diseased because of all of my medical issues, but it was also loaded with small (In their opinion, not mine!!) stones, and what the surgeon said was "sludge". EWW!!! Brings thoughts of when I would do all of my vehicle maintenance myself!!

I didn't feel that much better after surgery, although I know that it stopped the possibility of a major infection and/or the pain of having to pass one of those stones!!!

Now sometimes, I end up eating something to offend whatever is down there, I have a lot fewer issues to deal with in any given day.

Although, if I over-eat, I now pay for that a little more!!! Unfortunately, is pretty easy for me to over-eat any more, as I really don't want anything to do with food!!! Ewww - ick!!

At my 2 & 1/2 week post-op visit, I was no longer suffering with the symptoms of a "bad" gb!! Impressive enough to me!!!

With you suffering so much with your gb, it most likely not a bad idea to have it removed if it is diseased.
Posted 10/14/2009 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
If you don't need your gallbladder out. don't do it. I have some friends that have suffered miserably from bile salt diarrhea. One friend has to wear an adult diaper because none of the meds work for her. You can't tell in advance if you'll be one of the lucky ones. It's not a risk-free surgery. If you have a blockage or a medical need to have it removed, then the benefits outweigh the risks. Some of these women had their gall bladder removed and still have the same symptoms as before the surgery.
Posted 10/14/2009 4:47 AM (GMT 0)
Dagger is right! We all need to weigh the risks of every tx, every surgery, as we already feel bad enough & some things just aren't reversible (like most surgeries!)
Posted 10/14/2009 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
I made a decision to have mine out when I just couldn't stand the pain any longer. Took several years after the doc found a stone and recommended removal. I recovered very quickly and was not in much pain at all. I've had no lasting problems, but I must watch what I eat. Nothing fatty, like gravy, heavy sauces, fried stuff. Also I must be careful not to overeat. Looking back, there is a possibility I was infected with lyme at the time, but I am not sure.

Good luck in making your decision.
Posted 10/14/2009 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
During one of my Lyme related hospitalizations I had gall bladder ultrasound and other GI tests. I was told my gall bladder was only functioning at about 20%. The GI doctor sent me to a surgeon. The surgeon didn't think I needed surgery. So I didn't get the surgery. That was four years ago. Now I am getting gall badder pain when I eat greasy foods. My sugery may be coming soon.

I am sort of tentative to bring up the following but I think I should. My mother died 10 years ago when she went in for what was supposed to be routine gall bladder removal surgery. There were complications due to surgey she had about 20 years before. She had lost a kidney. Some issues with scar tissue. For the gall bladder surgery she went to a local hospital and the surgery was done by a competent respected surgeon. If you get the gall bladder removed make sure they know of any prior surgeries. I know laparoscopic is supposed to be quick and easy. I've learned to take all surgery very seriously.

saxmar
Posted 10/14/2009 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Very true, Saxamar!!
Every surgery has risks - and we should weigh the possibility of consequences carefully!!
Posted 10/14/2009 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I had my GB out on 8/13 - rocephin sludged it all up.  It is irreversible and my LLMD said that actigall has worse side effects than removing the GB.

Had the attack in July - at work - GB loaded w/stones...

I had the surgery done on a Thursday; was back to work on Monday...a little sore but okay.  I guess total recovery took about 2 weeks - but I have an office job and don't do much at home because too tired after work so I didn't strain myself.

Sorry this is short - not feeling great today....but if you need any other info just ask.

Hugs,

Lala

Posted 10/14/2009 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, and I have a PICC (since 2/09) - LLMD keeping me on Rocephin for a year, so not sure how to advise about the port before/after surgery...can they do it the same day to save you an extra trip?? Just a thought.
Posted 10/14/2009 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
OK - terrible Lyme brain today - one more thing.  I have suffered NO ill effects from the removal - no diarrhea, my digestive function is beautiful.


Sorry for all the posts....

Posted 10/15/2009 7:30 AM (GMT 0)
If you get the PICC prior to surgery, you won't have to be poked for an IV when it comes time for the surgery...
Posted 10/16/2009 3:49 AM (GMT 0)

I previously went to the ER after having shortness of breath with severe chest/upper abdominal pain with loss of arm use on the right side.  Although in retrospect, I believe this was an "MS hug" (I have both Lyme and MS), they did a gallbladder (GB) ultrasound in the ER, which did show some GB stones.  (During this incident, I had a PICC line in for IV Rocephin, and this drug is known to cause gallstones/GB issues.)  I was referred to a surgeon, who did recommend removing my gallbladder.  However, after seeing how my husband has to immediately go the bathroom every time after he eats following his cholecystectomy, I was not really willing to do this, especially because I did not feel the problem I originally presented with to the ER was the result of gallbladder problems.

My LLMD in NY subsequently prescribed Ursodiol, which I took for five months.  I then had a follow-up GB ultrasound, which showed the stones were gone.  I have had no other problems since then, and no side effects from the medicine to my knowledge.  Just another option to consider.  It's my understanding that Ursodiol is not prescribed that often as most people, when they finally present with their GB issues, have let it go so long that it's too late to try to address it with medicine over a several-month period.

Good luck with your decision!

Posted 10/17/2009 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Waiting in FL and all,

I would never get my gallbladder out unless it was the very last resort but that's me.  Reason being is that there are so many different recipes out there for gallbladder/liver cleanses, etc. 

I would get at least 10 different opinions including 1 or 2 from reputable naturopaths before having surgery. 

I do plan on doing a gallbladder/liver cleanse soon following a recipe by Dr. Jernigan which consists of apple juice, cold pressed virgin olive oil, berries, and a bunch of other ingredients.   I probably don't have gallstones but it's a healthy cleanse to do and I have been wanting to try it! 

Hope this helps,

Denise

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