Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group gallbladder removal...what to expect/what to eat?

I had the laparoscopic back when I was 35 or something. Seems an eternity. Maybe it's just bad luck, but I ended up with retained stones in the bile duct afterwards. Went home after initial surgery, but ended up back in ER with codeine allergy 5 hrs later. They did blood work and found liver enzymes had all gone up from my pre-op tests. Admitted me back in and scoped it 2 days later. I had to sign consents for both ERCP and open surgery. Fortunately, they got the stones with the scope. Make sure the surgeon is going to look around before he decides he's done.

Diet-wise, I never had any issues. Lately, I've been having some GI distress after eating...but haven't decided what it might be. Doesn't seem to be tied to anything I eat/drink or amounts. Just another mystery.

When are you having this done? In my semi-comatose-after-work state, I didn't see that you mentioned a date. Don't be worried...you will be fine.

I've never known anyone else to complain about having mouth open a long time and spasming. I totally thought that was another quirk that no one else had. Are you my long-lost sister????

LOL.

sorry to hear of your troubles through the surgery, but appreciate you sharing them with me, good to know everything, both the positives and negatives.

i don't have any stones, that's not my problem, so don't think that will be an issue, just a growing polyp that needs to be out of there, so removal of the gallbladder.

since its taken 3 years to grow a cm or two, its up to me, at my convenience, since no serious symptoms right now, so thinking i will probably have it done end of may, given a choice, want to get my students through graduation and thesis defense first.

oddly, less concerned about surgery, though more potentially serious, short term, and the diet info is the thing is the thing i'm most concerned because once the gallbladder is gone, its gone, and living without it will be a life long thing.



think this isn't the first time we've noticed that.
yes, a lot of the things i always thought unique to me, finding out so many here go through the same things.

Hi Sue,

I am sure your Gallbladder surgery will go well. I had my Gallbladder surgery before they started laparoscopic surgery. I have about a 5" scar on my right side. They removed about six stones.

I was up and running (only kidding), within five days. Maybe not running, but day home after surgery - took friend grocery shopping - stayed in car while she did her shopping. When she was finished - went home to bed.

Only food couldn't eat too much was pork, and still have problems nearly 20 years later.

Hugs

Gerri

Sue you will be just fine. I have had many many surgeries and never had a problem....with the surgeries that is. Of course the docs will know what meds you are on and if any interact they will ask you to stop taking them a week or two before surgery. I had my gallbladder surgery about 3 years ago and went to my boys baseball game the same evening.....maybe not a good choice but whatever.
I have never had a problem since the removal......I can eat anything and no more 'tummy aches'.
I wish you luck...You will do great !!!!

Love,
Sherri

gerri and sherri,

thank you both so much for the words of encouragement! you two are such strong ladies! i will probably be much more of a big baby, sit in the recliner, let hubby pamper me a few days at least! not often we get to do that

thanks again! and so glad you both can eat almost anything.

but one comment: no pork! life without bacon! alas!!!!! what is a girl to do!

When are you having your gallbladder removed? Just kinda want to know when we need to check on you.
ETTE.
Darrel.

thanks darrel,

i'll know better after seeing the surgeon on monday april 19th. hoping we can squeeze it in right after graduation, and before my research students need to get started on their summer research, that would be the end of may, hope that timing works out. i'll let everyone know as soon as i know. thanks for thinking of me.

update:

good news:

the gallbladder may not have to come out, at least not right now.
will have another ultrasound and appointment with the surgeon in 6 months to reevaluate. so long as it stays under 1 cm, he thinks i'm good. he explained to me how gallbladder cancer is rare and there is no evidence that it starts from a polyp. how polyps are common, almost always sees them in the gallbladders that he removes due to stones and no evidence of cancer.

loved the surgeon, btw. seemed super knowledgeable about every thing, spent an hour and a half with me and i never felt rushed, wanted to know everything about me medically (very thorough), even gave me advice about my other health issues in a very honest way, advice i've been trying to give my other doctors, so i just asked him to please put all of that in the report (which goes to my GP, gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, and endocrinologist). i loved the combination of knowledge and honesty. as we were discussing whether the gallbladder should come out now or if we should just continue to monitor, we asked him "what would you do." so many doctors seem so hesitant to answer that question, but with all their experience and expertise, why shouldn't they. and i felt like he gave his honest professional advice when he said he'd wait and just monitor it, and his reasons seemed to make a lot of sense. so i get to keep eating ice cream! and that garbage plate special i was going to have before the surgery doesn't seem so urgent anymore; good thing, it really is pretty gross.

Yea! That's good news. Watchful waiting does have its advantages. And an honest, professional doctor....what a breath of fresh air that must have been. Enjoy your dinner tonight!

Great news, Sue.

Your surgeon sounds awesome - wish there were more like that.

So, I'm guessing the ice creams are on you? lol