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#3971769 - 06/23/14 03:44 PM Anyone had their gallbladder removed?  
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Pielstick Offline
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The Engine Room
Evening all, just home from hospital this afternoon after a five night stay.

I woke up early on Wednesday morning with a really severe pain in my abdomen, just under my right ribs. By lunchtime it hadn't got any better so my wife took me to hospital. One ultrasound, one CT scan and a bunch of blood tests later it turns out I have calculous cholecysitis - or an infection/inflammation of the gallbladder caused by a 15mm stone stuck in the top of my bile duct.

Very painful and not a very pleasant experience at all!

I've just spent the last five days on Tramadol and hooked up to some IV antibiotics. The good news is the pain has got much better, and my blood tests show the infection is well on the way to clearing up. It still feels a bit sore and I can definitely feel something's not right in there, but I'm not shaking and sweating in pain like I was last Wendesday. Next step is an op to have my gallbladder removed once the inflammation has gone down. I'm going to be hitting up my private health insurance for that - as good as the NHS is (especially the nurses) I wasn't entirely happy with my experience in hospital

Which is all kind of bad and good news. The bad news is I was due to fly out to Dubai to join a ship this week. That's not going to happen now. The good news is it means I have more time to mess about with my sims copter

Has anyone else here had their gallbladder removed? I've been told to lay off fatty foods from now on. I'm not a huge fan of fatty food in the first place, but I do enjoy a full English breakfast every now and then. Anyone else with experience of how their diet had to change following a gallbladder removal?

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#3971771 - 06/23/14 03:50 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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PanzerMeyer Offline
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Yikes. I'm glad you're having a quick recovery Pielstick.

As for me, I've not had my gall bladder removed and I've never had kidney stones. I feel very fortunate indeed.


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#3971778 - 06/23/14 04:05 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Entil'zha
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Entil'zha
Sierra Hotel

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Space Coast, USA
I was told I need to. I haven't. I experienced in a period of a month or so a series of pains. First was one night in November, then it stopped. I thought it was just anxiety.

Then in December I started getting a pain that felt like a heart attack (hard to breathe, intense pain under the ribs, unable to be comfortable anywhere) except instead of 30 mins it would last 3-6 hours, usually every night around 11PM, sometimes later, and my stomach would bloat out.

After literally 3 weeks of this, and seeing the local clinic that thought I had a blockage and recommended I use some stuff that had me on the can for hours, I finally got in to see my GI. He sent me for an MRI or CATSCAN, I forget which, and they diagnosed me with stones and scheduled me to see a surgeon. Ironically, the day before the scan was the last day of the pain, making me think the stone passed.

I lost my insurance when my wife and I lost our jobs, so I had to wait on that. That was 18 months ago, and I've not had a single attack since. A really fatty meal can bother me, but I've been that way for a decade or more now. I see no reason to have it taken out after 18 months unless I get another attack...then I will want it out NOW because that pain was miserable.



The Jedi Master


The anteater is wearing the bagel because he's a reindeer princess. -- my 4 yr old daughter
#3971780 - 06/23/14 04:08 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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csThor Offline
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Germany
Mine got removed about 5 years ago when they had to remove a far too large lymph node. I have issues with fatty food but I have a chemical helper (acts like artificial gallows fluid and helps with digesting) that can prevent/end a colic.


Intel i7 960 @ 3.2 GHz - ASUS Rampage III Gene Republic of Gamers - 6GB RAM OCZ CL7 XTC Platinum PC3-12800 - ZOTAC GeForce GTX 480 - 64GB Crucial RealSSD C300 SATA II - 1TB Western Digital WD1002FAEX SATA II - Creative Soundblaster Xi-Fi Titanium - Windows 7 Professional 64bit
#3971789 - 06/23/14 04:32 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Peally Offline
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Wisdom teeth were the only thing I ever needed or had removed, and it major league sucked biggrin

All the best for a speedy recovery.


Scully: Victim died of multiple stab wounds.
Mulder: *throws her a file* Ever heard of the knife alien?
#3971891 - 06/23/14 07:58 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Hyena Offline
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Houston
Had mine out about 6 yrs ago and I havent changed a thing with my diet. Or noticed any difference, and I eat a lot of fatty and spicy and generally bad for you foods.


"He's not just a regular moron. He's the product of the greatest minds of a generation working together with the express purpose of building the dumbest moron who ever lived."
#3971896 - 06/23/14 08:10 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Entil'zha
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Entil'zha
Sierra Hotel

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Space Coast, USA
Have you noticed you can't hold as much gall?


The Jedi Master


The anteater is wearing the bagel because he's a reindeer princess. -- my 4 yr old daughter
#3971925 - 06/23/14 09:34 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Snake_Pliskinn Offline
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Snake_Pliskinn  Offline
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Enterprise, AL
Had mine taken out in 1986...the old hack you open and cut it out. I had a gallstone bigger than a normal gall bladder size. Yes, they are painful suckers when they go bad. I was in the hospital for a week. Then a month of medical leave for recovery. Mom had hers out about 10 years ago. Small incision, outpatient surgery, minor pain.

Never changed diet,and never affected me one way or the other after it was out.

But until you get it out, don't eat any fatty or greasy foods...it can cause the pain to flair up. You already know how bad it can get pitchafit

#3971968 - 06/23/14 11:25 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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WolfDancer Offline
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Ontario, Canada
I have 'sludge' in my bile duct but it's my gastroenterologist's opinion that an operation at this point would cause more problems than it would solve. As for pain, there's nothing on god's green earth more painful than pancreatitis. When I had it five years ago, morphine didn't even put a dent in it (and they gave me as much as I could take). My advice: prepare yourself for a lifestyle (not just dietary) change once your gallbladder is removed. It won't be as hard or depriving as you think. Good luck with your operation. thumbsup


War is the continuation of natural selection by other means.
#3971969 - 06/23/14 11:26 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Lobber Offline
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Upstate NY
Ten years ago I had pain like you did and ended up in the hospital for a day. They said it was a gallbladder attack, and eventually it would have to come out.

Had it taken out last May. Outpatient Laproscopic surgery. After I woke up and drank something, I got dressed, took a leak, and off I went. Very little pain or discomfort. My shoulder hurt a bit in the evening as the gases the used to inflate you dissipated. Bruised a bit the next day, 5 holes were taped over, but the wife and I walked the dog in a nature preserve and I got around just fine. No changes in my diet, if anything, what I thought was IBS improved.


HAF-X, ASUS X58 Sabertooth, Intel i7-970, 12GB HyperX DDR3-1600, EVGA 970, 60G SSD, 1TB 7200,Win10-64
#3971983 - 06/23/14 11:52 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: WolfDancer]  
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Murphy Offline
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Murphy  Offline
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Northern Michigan, USA
Originally Posted By: WolfDancer
I have 'sludge' in my bile duct but it's my gastroenterologist's opinion that an operation at this point would cause more problems than it would solve. As for pain, there's nothing on god's green earth more painful than pancreatitis. When I had it five years ago, morphine didn't even put a dent in it (and they gave me as much as I could take). My advice: prepare yourself for a lifestyle (not just dietary) change once your gallbladder is removed. It won't be as hard or depriving as you think. Good luck with your operation. thumbsup


Ah yeah. It hurts.
I've had pancreatitis for about 5 years now. Not fun 'sometimes'. Specially when you don't pay close, very close, attention, to your diet. Yeah, no fun. It's why I post at such odd hours, I only sleep 3-4 on, and 2 off, repeat. Can't lay horizontal for more than 4 hours, max. Then, well, you know....you've felt it. Like acid in the stomach. Gotta get vertical, wash it down. I use green tea and banana bread.
Been to University of Michigan, did the whole thing with the head of the Gastrointestinal Department. Ran the gauntlet of tests. Mines in the tail, 20% dead tissue. They say it's stress, I don't drink, and I've always been a normal weight. Stress can kill you. Nobody in my family has ever had trouble with their pancreas.
The Doctor leaned over the table and said quietly...."To be totally honest with you, we really don't know 'why' your pancreas is failing, sometimes, they just do."

Funny thing is, they kept telling me I was fine. Took me almost a year, and every specialist I could find, every test mankind has ever developed. Finally I found a good GP, who sent me to the University of Michigan. I'd have been dead by now, if I hadn't fought for my life. Or if I didn't have the finest HealthCare available. Which I've since 'lost', thank you Detroit, and our fine Governor.

Could be worse, I've had kidney stones that put me on the floor. Last one was 9mm. Worst pain known to mankind. But it fades after a few hours. Just to return the next day, till you pass it down to your bladder.
I now drink green tea, all day long, wash out the system, it works. No more kidney stones.

Life's little bumps.

Beats pancreatic cancer.
Or worse, throat cancer.
Try getting over that one.... wink
I dodged the bullet, some don't.

Learn to listen to your body, nobody else is going to care as much as you do.
And nobody is going to fix you, if you don't make them.


"Murphy's Law"
#3971998 - 06/24/14 12:35 AM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Wrecking Crew Offline
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Colorado
My dad had his removed about three years ago.

He will get sour breath and chews Altiods for that.

He has mentioned a few times since the operation that when he has "to go" he has to go.

WC

#3972020 - 06/24/14 01:19 AM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Mad Max Offline
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NSW, Australia
I had mine removed in about 1986 I think.

Have never had subsequent problems with diet etc.


"You'll never take me alive" said he,
And his ghost may be heard if you pass by that billabong
"Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me?"



#3972071 - 06/24/14 03:50 AM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Murphy]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 534
WolfDancer Offline
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WolfDancer  Offline
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Ontario, Canada
Originally Posted By: Murphy
Originally Posted By: WolfDancer
I have 'sludge' in my bile duct but it's my gastroenterologist's opinion that an operation at this point would cause more problems than it would solve. As for pain, there's nothing on god's green earth more painful than pancreatitis. When I had it five years ago, morphine didn't even put a dent in it (and they gave me as much as I could take). My advice: prepare yourself for a lifestyle (not just dietary) change once your gallbladder is removed. It won't be as hard or depriving as you think. Good luck with your operation. thumbsup


Ah yeah. It hurts.
I've had pancreatitis for about 5 years now. Not fun 'sometimes'. Specially when you don't pay close, very close, attention, to your diet. Yeah, no fun. It's why I post at such odd hours, I only sleep 3-4 on, and 2 off, repeat. Can't lay horizontal for more than 4 hours, max. Then, well, you know....you've felt it. Like acid in the stomach. Gotta get vertical, wash it down. I use green tea and banana bread.
Been to University of Michigan, did the whole thing with the head of the Gastrointestinal Department. Ran the gauntlet of tests. Mines in the tail, 20% dead tissue. They say it's stress, I don't drink, and I've always been a normal weight. Stress can kill you. Nobody in my family has ever had trouble with their pancreas.
The Doctor leaned over the table and said quietly...."To be totally honest with you, we really don't know 'why' your pancreas is failing, sometimes, they just do."

Funny thing is, they kept telling me I was fine. Took me almost a year, and every specialist I could find, every test mankind has ever developed. Finally I found a good GP, who sent me to the University of Michigan. I'd have been dead by now, if I hadn't fought for my life. Or if I didn't have the finest HealthCare available. Which I've since 'lost', thank you Detroit, and our fine Governor.

Could be worse, I've had kidney stones that put me on the floor. Last one was 9mm. Worst pain known to mankind. But it fades after a few hours. Just to return the next day, till you pass it down to your bladder.
I now drink green tea, all day long, wash out the system, it works. No more kidney stones.

Life's little bumps.

Beats pancreatic cancer.
Or worse, throat cancer.
Try getting over that one.... wink
I dodged the bullet, some don't.

Learn to listen to your body, nobody else is going to care as much as you do.
And nobody is going to fix you, if you don't make them.


5 years? Boy, Parris Island (Marine boot camp) would be a Caribbean vacation to you, if you handled 5 years of that kind of pain. My bout only lasted two weeks. Two weeks in hell. They don't know for sure what triggered it, but their best guess was: a combination of hyperlipidemia (high blood fats) and alcohol (although I'm not a heavy drinker) conspired to set my pancreas on fire that particular weekend. It was severe enough (the cysts took over a year to heal) that I radically changed my diet and haven't looked back since. Never want to go through that again. nope


War is the continuation of natural selection by other means.
#3972085 - 06/24/14 05:05 AM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Murphy Offline
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Murphy  Offline
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Northern Michigan, USA
You had 'acute' pancreatitis.
I had 'acute' and 'chronic' pancreatitis.
5 years ago 20% of the tail end, was just dead tissue. Mines not going to get better. But no cancer.
I have no idea how much has died since then, but the next time I see a doctor, I'll be on a slab.
I'm done with their "tests".

It doesn't become 'acute' unless I poke it, with fatty food, or too much food. No alcohol.
Or too much sugar. Or too much anything. Then it becomes 'acute', which is very painful.
I can only eat about a fistful of food at a time. Anymore, and...."I feel your pain" wink

Chronic is just 'uncomfortable'....you might say. Night sweats.
Just swollen, inflamed, and leaks into my stomach when I lay down....causing 'severe' nausea after a few hours, it wakes you up out of a very dead sleep. And you do get up, trust me. wink You've felt the 'nudge' yourself.
So you get vertical...and it passes, in time. You eat a little, sit up for a while. Couple hours, and try sleeping again.

I can live with it. Nobody can tell I'm even sick, I look perfectly healthy.
Lots live with much worse..... wink .
Any one of us, can leave, anytime we want to.
But we only get one ticket for this ride.

If I was you, I'd be real nice to that little guy next to your tummy.
Cause you can't get a new one, and they can't fix the old one.
It's the last, most mysterious organ in the body.
Your chemistry set.

Do what it tells you to smile


"Murphy's Law"
#3972105 - 06/24/14 06:55 AM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
Joined: Sep 2013
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Pielstick Offline
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Pielstick  Offline
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The Engine Room
Thanks for the input guys and thanks for your kind wishes. Like I said I don't eat a huge amount of fatty food to begin with. As long as I can still have a cooked breakfast or a burger every now and then without collapsing in agony I should be ok.

It's still fairly uncomfortable, but I can live with it for now. I suppose I need a few more days on the antibiotics. I just emailed by employer with an update, my GP's surgery and health insurance both open shortly so I'll be giving them both a call.

#3972148 - 06/24/14 11:06 AM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Murphy Offline
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Murphy  Offline
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Northern Michigan, USA
I hate to bring this up Pielstick, but if I were you, I try to get a good doctor to do a check on your pancreas with a dopplar down your throat, and into your pancreas with needles to get a biopsy.
Mine started out with a gall bladder problem, passed the gall stone, then sludge in the bile duct. Then turned out to all be from a bad pancreas. Don't let them shove you out the door wink

Just my experience.... wink

The dopplar is non invasive, a CAT scan is not conclusive, and without a biopsy....you got nothing.... wink
If the CAT doesn't turn up anything, they might just send you home. With a bad pancreas. They don't like finding them, because they can't do anything about it. But you can. Your diet.

Try this....don't sleep on your back...."EVER" for a while. See if you don't feel better in the morning.
Just a hint... wink

I haven't slept on my back in 5 years. When you get violently ill, your body 'learns' to stay put.

Let me know, if you feel better sleeping on your stomach.
Roll over if you wake up on your back.
Just a night or two, try it.

Course yours may be the mouth, in which case you will have diabetes, very bad start.
Hope not.





"Murphy's Law"
#3972194 - 06/24/14 01:14 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Jedi Master Offline
Entil'zha
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Entil'zha
Sierra Hotel

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Space Coast, USA
I would think after all that pain it would be easier to just have the pancreas yanked and go on insulin. Certainly a needle is less painful.



The Jedi Master


The anteater is wearing the bagel because he's a reindeer princess. -- my 4 yr old daughter
#3972199 - 06/24/14 01:24 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Peally Offline
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Peally  Offline
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To hell with needles I'll keep the pain biggrin


Scully: Victim died of multiple stab wounds.
Mulder: *throws her a file* Ever heard of the knife alien?
#3972205 - 06/24/14 01:31 PM Re: Anyone had their gallbladder removed? [Re: Pielstick]  
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Urban Furball Offline
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Qld. Australia
To be honest Pielstick...

Never had the mis-fortune as yet.
Wish you good things my friend and hope all is well ... Kind Regards and take care.

However, a lot of similar symptoms posted from others here I pertain to feel at times ...
Perhaps it is just because I do not make enough posts!

Something I have to suffer for I guess.

Hope all goes good for you.

Cheers


One Flash.......and ur Ash!!
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