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#1
Dec 08, 2010, 02:26 PM
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I have to have gallbladder surgery next wednesday and I am terrified. It is going to be laproscopic, but I can't eat for two whole days before and can only have water. My liver is too large and if it doesn't shrink enough....he'll have to cut me open.
 Has anyone had this done? Was it bad? What is the worst part? What should I be careful of after? I asked the doc a bunch of questions, but I like answers from regular peeps who have gone through it. Thanks everyone. 
__________________
"The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open."  Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped. 
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#2
Dec 08, 2010, 03:26 PM
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If it is laparscopic, there are 3 small incisions which will be covered with band aids by the time you wake up and you are out in a day. You also will eat a little something before you leave so there is an end in sight to the hunger. I had no real food restrictions afterward except that something light was recommended the first few days b/c of the anesthesia. They do go through the abdominal muscles so there is pain and then soreness for some time and everyone heals different so the time varies; but you will have meds to combat this. It is important in the first days to take it easy and allow yourself time to heal. Abdominal muscles are slow to heal anyway so take care of yourself.
Not everyone experiences this but my only complication was from the gas that was injected into the abdomen which elevates it so they can see in there. It is harmless and they remove it before closing but sometimes not all of it gets out. A day or two after the procedure sometimes when I would sit up too fast or was upright for long periods of time, there would be the sharp pain in my chest or shoulder; I thought I was having a heart attack. The nurse at the hospital had warned me about this and had told me just to lie back down until it went away and then sit up slowly. The gas is absorbed into your system and goes away within a day or 3. So in case they forget to mention this to you, wanted to mention it b/c it sure scared me at first; thank goodness I had been warned. So definitely expect soreness in your abdomen and know you'll have meds to help. Rememeber if you have any concerns, contact your doc and their staff. That's what they are there for, truly. Wishing you the best and no worries! 
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#3
Dec 08, 2010, 04:36 PM
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It's a breeze. My surgeon had his done and returned to work the next day. I had mine done and was housecleaning the next day. Really nothing to it.
The medical staff will take good care of you while you are there
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#4
Dec 08, 2010, 06:27 PM
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I have to say it was the easiest surgery I have ever had. now they have you in and out of the hospital in a couple of hours. as soon as you can eat and drink you are outta there! good luck! I had no pain. I was just a little sore for a few days.
__________________
He who angers you controls you! |
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#5
Dec 13, 2010, 03:33 PM
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Quote:
__________________
"The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open." Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.
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#6
Dec 13, 2010, 03:33 PM
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Quote:
__________________
"The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open." Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.
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#7
Dec 13, 2010, 03:34 PM
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Quote:
__________________
"The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open." Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.
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#8
Dec 13, 2010, 06:15 PM
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Quote:
Sore spots where the little incisions were, but that's it.
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#9
Dec 13, 2010, 09:21 PM
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I had this done two years ago. Wasn't so bad. I was able to eat normally two days later and the pain wasn't unbearable. They gave me some T3's for the pain, so that was nice. After about four days, I was able to do most things normally and with only a bit of soreness.
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#10
Dec 14, 2010, 10:00 AM
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Quote:
__________________
"The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open." Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.
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#11
Dec 16, 2010, 06:23 PM
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Well, it was such an easy procedure!! Just like u all said. I am just sore today, but that's it. Otherwise I feel great. Thanks for all the encouragement and help along the way!
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#12
Dec 16, 2010, 07:22 PM
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I'm so glad all went well! Thanks for letting us know how you are doing.
I'm also glad that sharing our positive experiences helped ! |
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#13
Dec 17, 2010, 06:12 PM
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It was the easiest thing ever. Today I feel even better. I don't even need the pain pills anymore. I just feel like I did way too many sit-ups! lol I am still trying to cough up the anesthesia, but other than that I am doing great!
__________________
"The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open." Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.
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#14
Dec 17, 2010, 08:49 PM
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I'm glad you're continuing to feel good!
Isn't it amazing how laparascopic surgery has changed the gall bladder removal? It used to be, and in some emergency cases still is, an open surgery with a 6 week recovery! |
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#15
Dec 25, 2010, 01:06 PM
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I couldn't even imagine having to have been cut open and out of work for 6 weeks just for a gall bladder. They have come such a long way in the medical industry and I am glad!
__________________
"The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open." Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.
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