What Symptoms Of Gallbladder Disease Did You Have?
Ten years of upper abdominal, right-sided pain which sometimes lasted for days, following eating fatty and/or dairy foods. Over the years, this increased in severity and frequency of episodes, and often included IBS symptoms. My upper abdomen was painful to touch, and I could feel a golf-ball sized lump in that area. I did not have odd colored stools or the typical foamy ones. Occasionally I would feel nauseated, too.
What Happened When You Were Diagnosed With Gallstones?
I did not have gallstones, but my gallbladder was enlarged and covered in a thick layer of scar tissue from years of inflammation. The ultrasounds (multiple ones) and HIDA scans showed nothing wrong. Very frustrating and surgeons were reluctant to take it out without a definitive test saying it was 'sick'.
Advice
- If you know your body and are sure your gallbladder is the issue for you with or without tests confirming it, keep pushing your doctor to help you. Don't give up and find someone to help, even if it takes time to convince them -- it's worth it. Also, eat smaller meals (5-6 throughout the day) that are low in fat to attempt to fend off large, painful attacks. When attacks occur, stop eating and place a warm pack on your upper abdomen to ease the pain.
Did You Have Surgery To Remove Your Gallbladder?
Yes, 10 years after the first symptoms. No stones.
Did You Have Laparoscopic or Open Cholesectomy?
Laparoscopic out-patient done in hospital, 4 small incisions.
What Happened During Your Recovery?
It was very painful for about 3 days so I took narcotic pain meds and rested. Within a week I was off the meds and eating normally. Occasional bouts of diahrrea occurred for 3 months following surgery, but I was fully recovered in 4 months.
What Advice Do You Have For Others Considering Surgery?
Find a good surgeon who has done many of them both laparoscopically and open. Keep looking until you find one and get it done laparoscopically if you can, as the recovery time is much quicker and easier, and it's less expensive too.
