It's finally official...I gave in

[CAM]

I told my dad in December 2004 just before he passed that I would indeed take care of my health. Well, I had lots of tests done in January 2005 and found I had gallstones. Had more tests in April to rule out an ulcer in addition to gallstones and scheduled the surgery in June 2005 after foaling season, kids out of school, etc. much to the dismay of my doctors. I said those horses need me!

June 2005 came and guess what? I chickened out!

No pain so canceled the appointment. Then December 2005 hit with a vengeance. Regular tummy and back pain due to the gallstones. I have a high pain tolerance and this reminded me of childbirth. I was curled up on the couch begging my husband to get me an epidural. He was very supportive but I did see him roll his eyes a time or two. Now, if you know me you know I have a sense of humor so amidst all of this writhing in pain on the couch I still managed my sense of humor which is where the rolling of the eyes came from.

So, by the end of December I made the fateful call to the doctor's office and went in for my presurgery appointment. I am now officially scheduled for Jan 17.

It is the week in between 4H, the school play, swim lessons, one horse leaving on the truck and another being dropped off. Do you mom's out there know where I'm coming from here?

I know I have to get it done this day as it is the only day of the week they do the surgery and the only week I have free until after foaling season. Trust me, if I hadn't been having this intense pain, I would wait until then!

Has anyone else out there had their gallbladder removed that would be willing to offer their experiences to me so I know what to expect from someone who's been there?

 

[littlehorse2]

I do. I ahve gallstone. I found out 3 years ago when I became pregnant with my son. I went for my pre surgery blood test , etc. Well Noah decided after 5 home pregnancy test and urine test at the doctors and a blood test at my normal doctor that he wanted to be known. It was the hospital that figured it out. Still haven't gotten my surgery. I haven't had any problem since I had my son.

Christy

 

[Miniv]

Debra,

Never had a gall bladder removed....but have experienced some intense pain in the "female" area, I can perhaps somewhat relate.

I can also definitely relate with your juggling act between MOM responsibiities and Foaling Season.

Let me know if you need some help during recuperation.....okay? I guarantee you won't be doing much lifting for awhile!

MA

 

[minimomNC]

Hi Debra, I know where you are coming from. I had them from the time I was 18 until I finally broke down and had surgery when I was 27. The pain was horrible but I learned how to deal with it for the most part. When I had my surgery it was the old fashion way and it was just plain heck. Now a days with laser surgery it should go very smooth for you. And trust me the pain relief is wonderful. Good luck and I will be checking up on you.

Karen

 

[Marty]

OH MY GOD YES!!!!!!!

I was having these very violent painful attacks for about a year. I didn't know what it was but they would come unannounced and sometimes even when I was driving. I'd have to pull over and scream inside because the pain was just so bad. It would last about a good 20 minutes or so, sometimes more. Then it would go away for a while and then come back in a week or a month three times as bad. This pain was just as bad as childbirth if not worse.

If I would bend over to reach anything, I would go into an attack. So I bought all slip on shoes so I wouldn't have to bend to tie up shoelaces. If I reached to the left or far to the right, I'd have an attack too. Sometimes, it would come in the night and wake me up and I'd think I was going to die. I really did.

I was so dumb to have waited so long. I wish you could move your date up much sooner.

Finally I went to the doctor and tests were run to show I had gall stones.

They did not take out my whole gall bladder. I wish they would have. Idid't want it anymore. I was very mad at my gall bladder. But they got lots of stones out and huge ones they said. The surgery was 3 little incisions. One in the center of my chest, one in the side of my hip, and one........oh LORDY in my belly button! HOW UTTERLY RUDE !!! I never felt so VIOLATED!

I had the surgery three years ago on Halloween of all days!

I woke up in the room very groggy so drugged up and looked around and all I saw were nurses dressed as monsters and doctors and orderlys dressed as JASON and MIKE MYERS and all kinds of scarry stuff and I swear I thought I had died and went to heck.

I went home and went to bed. Got up to try to see the little Trick or Treaters that they boys were taking care of at the door, but I really don't remember much of that Halloween. Those pain killers that they gave me were just super!!!!!!!!!!

 

[keeperofthehorses]

Darrin had his out several years ago (turns out the GB was fine, it was a misdiagnosed heart condition and he had a quintuple bypass 2 weeks later). Anyway, after the gall bladder came out, he did have a good year of getting his guts to adjust. Fats and sugars caused digestive disruptions, to put it politely. If he watched his diet, he was OK, and is fine to eat just about anything now. His was done laproscopically. He was kept in the hospital for a few days, but that is more likely because he is high risk due to his other problems. It seems my sister said that she was out after 1 night after hers. She also had the same problems with fats and sugars for a few years.

Marty; I had to chuckle at your comments about them going in through the belly button. When I had surgery many years ago, they went in through my belly button. I used to have the cutest little navel, but they messed it up. Yes, sure, I was happy that they saved my life, but I was ticked about my belly button.

Good luck with your surgery CAM; hopefully you will be feeling well again soon and have a speedy recovery.

 

[minisaremighty]

Oh Debra! I feel for you!!! BTDT!!!!! I wasn't in terrible pain from my gallstones, but figured I'd just get them out before it got too bad. I'd previously had an ectopic pregnancy where they went in with the tiny incision in my side, belly button and top of my stomach. It was the worst experience of my life (besides almost dying from the huge blood loss, the pain was excruiating, before and after the surgery).

So, after that, I figured the gall bladder thing wouldn't be nearly as bad, was told as much by the doctors. UH WRONG! It was every bit as bad. If not more so for me. The ectopic surgery, I was so out of it, they had me on IV's and painkillers through the IV. Well, the gall bladder thing was a day thing and home in a few hours. Problem is, the oral painkillers they gave me made me sick. OMG. Throwing up after having incisions in my stomach!

I just wanted to die!

As long as you are good with painkillers, shouldn't be too bad, at least that's what I've heard.

Good luck with it all and I'll keep you in my prayers.

 

[Sue_C.]

Get it gone!!!

I was misdiagnosed for at least a year, and by the time I ended up in a Dr's office who had a clue,

my gllbladder was so infected, it was about ready to burst. I had lost over 30 pounds, (and couldn't afford it then)

and for a month, all I had kept down was jello and areoroot cookies. I left that Dr's office, went directly to have an ultrasound done, and was admitted the next morning. I was on IV for three days before they dared to do the surgery; as they wanted the infection to subside enough to make it safe. I was also cut from "stem-t-stern", as they didn't dare to try and pull my gallblader out the smaller incisions; afraid it would burst. They found 17 stones, several as large as the end of my thumb. I consider myself pretty darned lucky, as had it burst, especially at work, I was told I could have died from peritonitis. I still have occational pain...I call it my "phantom gallblader" pain. They suspect there is another stone that is in the ducts somewhere, that moves around and blocks it sometimes.

Throwing up after having incisions in my stomach!  I just wanted to die!

Yes, hurts like he**!! I was in for 7 days, and had to lie to get out that "soon"...I told them I wasn't sick any more...but was still sick for days after I got home...

Soooooooooooooooooo...

That is a good example of how it can always get worse.

 

[Sterling]

Oh my yes I can feel for you!!! I had a few pain attacks before I had to go in ER and they scheduled me the next day to have my gall bladder removed. Don't wait, once you're having pain attacks, they only get worse...and if it's on the verge of bursting...well not good...like mine was! I had a laparoscopy done.....a few slits, no stitches, just bandaids and the next day I was ready to go home. Was up and riding horses in a weeks time!

 

[minimule]

My Grandmother had gallstones and my mother had gallstones. My Grandmother had hers removed back in the 50's. My Mom waited until about 15 years ago. They did the laser surgery and just destroyed them. She would have attacks so bad she would cry for days. I have been lucky so far and not had any problems like that.

You'll be glad you did it. My Mom was very glad after the surgery. I think she was down for about 3 days total. Her gall bladder was left intact.

 

[ClickMini]

I had my GB out a few years back after I discovered the true meaning of the term WRITHING IN AGONY. Yes, worse than childbirth, I agree!!!

The surgery is NOT BAD!!! In no way did the surgery approach the level of pain inflicted by those dang stones!!!

Here is the funny part. When you see your gallstones they look like rocks polished by a river. My husband took home the jar of them, and did a nice little crafts project. Since my surgery was right before Christmas, he made everyone in my family a tree ornament featuring, you guessed it, one of my gallstones!!!

It is quite a family joke and of course everyone still has theirs, reminding me each year of the "fun" I had.

Do it as soon as possible, you will NOT regret it!

 

[Secret22]

I hope it all goes well for you! God Bless!

 

[CAM]

Wow! Some of those stories...Not sure if I feel better or not.

I have had a more extensive surgery in the past where I could do absolutely nothing for myself for two weeks and was only on pain meds for a day after I got home so I am hoping this will be smooth sailing. I guess the hard part is imagining lying still for that long.

I am not one to sit still while watching others working around me. Hopefully I will be up and at it in a couple days like some.

Minimule, they say gallstones can be hereditary. Was just as you mentioned on the maternal side in my family too. Usually hits in the 40s but was the 30s in our case. Good luck!

MA, thanks for the offer. I may take you up on that with a husband that works out of town, three kids, a load of horses, dogs, cats...I only have two helpers and it will take at least five to do my job. Don't you know it!

 

[minisaremighty]

Hey, Debra, who is your Dr.? Are you having it done in Bend?

 

[lvponies]

I had my gall bladder out 7 years ago. Best thing that had ever happned to me!! I had suffered off and on for years with the pain. At the end, the pain was unbearable. They said that my gall bladder had totally shut down and was flat. They gave me my stones as "souvenirs". A few were as large as quarters. I had the triple incisions. It was painful at first, but within 4-5 days I was feeling much, much better and was back to work the next week. Nothing compared to the 2 c-sections I had before this. They were much worse!! Please don't dread the surgery. You will feel absolutely so much better after it's over. Really!!!

 

[minimama]

Ok first, Debra, best of luck to you in your surgery. I have a feeling you are going to be very glad you did it when all is said and done though.

Second, I would like some kind of a description of the pain from this if anyone could oblige me. I have bene have these weird pain attacks for a few months and boy do they hurt and not quite sure what it is. A descriptin would at least help me decide if this is something I should mention to my doctor.

Thank you everyone.

Stacy

 

[CAM]

Hey, Debra, who is your Dr.?  Are you having it done in Bend?

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My doctor is Dr. Stephan Archer. He has an office in Redmond and Bend but it will be performed at St. Charles in Bend.



Stacy (Minimama) -I have read that the pain is sharp and at the center of the abdomen or on the right side near the rib cage which makes sense as that is near the location of the gallbladder. My pain was on the left side and also in the middle of my back and has been both a sharp pain as well as a knawing, burning, dull pain. If fact, I thought it was an ulcer because originally I had all of the symptoms of that, hence the reason for all my tests to eliminate other possibilities. They told me if the pain is really bad and in your back then a gallstone is likely trying to be moved through the cystic duct or the common bile duct and that can be painful if they are large. If you wait too long you can cause inflammation of other organs like the liver and pancreas as well or in very rare cases, gallbladder cancer.

For me, the pain is generally in the morning when I first wake up and have an empty stomach which didn't follow the protocol of "after you eat fatty or spicy meals". That came later and very intermittently for me and rarely after fatty foods.

My pain would typically subside after I ate. I did get really nauseous alot earlier last year shortly after this all started. I think if others tell their experiences regarding the pain you may hear different stories as I think everyone has their own individual experiences and the gallbladder can still be the culprit. Best to get it checked by a doctor to be sure.

 

[Roxy's Run]

I had my gallbladder removed on Sept. 11, 2004 via laproscopic surgery. I went in the hospital late morning, had the surgery, and was home by midnight. I would have been home sooner, but I had a problem urinating before being discharged. But try having your Mother, Father, and boyfriend HOUNDING you to go pee so everyone could home!!!! Talk about pressure!!!! I am not one who can just pee on command to begin with.

Anyway, back to the surgery. I got home around midnight, went straight to bed, woke up the next morning at 8:30 a.m., walked down to the barn, and watched my boyfriend feed the horses to make sure he was doing it all right.

Then came in, had breakfast, and went food shopping. Then rested on the couch. Never took one pain killer. I had the surgery on a Friday, by the following Wednesday, I was down at the barn doing some things and I was fine. I just had little incisions - 1 below my breast bone, 1 in my belly button, and two on my right side. They are hardly noticable. My surgeon did a FANTASTIC job! I just LOVE my surgeon!!!!!

I loved him so much that I even called and BEGGED him to do the D&C and endometrial ablation that I had to have this past December. Of course, he couldn't do that though as only my GYN could do those things. But he was flattered at my pleading.

The big thing is NO LIFTING for a few weeks after surgery. Good luck!!! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Linda

Roxy's Run Miniatures/Renditions

 

[nootka]

This sounds miserable, and I hope your surgery resolves it completely and that you heal quickly.

I know you are an integral part of your family's support system and I know exactly how you feel knowing you will be in a weakened condition, etc., but you do need to take care of you and get to full health, too.

I'm sorry you're going through this, you are pretty tough to have put up with so much for so long.

Liz M.

(PS-I sent you out the AMHR papers w/your name as lessee, today)

 

[CAM]

I had my gallbladder removed on Sept. 11, 2004 via laproscopic surgery.  I went in the hospital late morning, had the surgery, and was home by midnight.  I would have been home sooner, but I had a problem urinating before being discharged.  But try having your Mother, Father, and boyfriend HOUNDING you to go pee so everyone could home!!!!  Talk about pressure!!!!  I am not one who can just pee on command to begin with. 

Anyway, back to the surgery.  I got home around midnight, went straight to bed, woke up the next morning at 8:30 a.m., walked down to the barn, and watched my boyfriend feed the horses to make sure he was doing it all right. 

  Then came in, had breakfast, and went food shopping.  Then rested on the couch.  Never took one pain killer.  I had the surgery on a Friday, by the following Wednesday, I was down at the barn doing some things and I was fine.  I just had little incisions - 1 below my breast bone, 1 in my belly button, and two on my right side.  They are hardly noticable.  My surgeon did a FANTASTIC job!  I just LOVE my surgeon!!!!! 

I loved him so much that I even called and BEGGED him to do the D&C and endometrial ablation that I had to have this past December.  Of course, he couldn't do that though as only my GYN could do those things.  But he was flattered at my pleading. 

  The big thing is NO LIFTING for a few weeks after surgery.  Good luck!!! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. 
Linda

Roxy's Run Miniatures/Renditions

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Aaahh...now I feel better.

But, no lifting for a couple weeks?!

I heard the doctor say that but chose to ignore it.

Try explaining that to the horses who need hay and grain, the fire that needs wood and the 3 year old that has a boo boo that only mom can fix.