Off-Topic OT: gallstone surgery

[Lori_Michigan]

Ended up at the ER on Saturday night with a gallstone attack. I had no idea I even had a gallstone. Now I have to wait a month for laparoscopic surgery. Has anyone else experienced this? And how did you manage until surgery? Moreover, did you feel better after? I'm also on a blood thinner for a blood clot a few months ago, so I have no idea how to eat so I don't have another attack and need emergency surgery. I still have pain after eating anything and am just incredibly nervous.

[Pat58]

No personal experience - but best wishes with your surgery and I hope you feel better soon.

[Scorpio6]

Stay away from fats. Drink vinegar water to help digestion. Lots of vegetables. Broiled fish or soft boiled eggs for protein.

My father had a gall bladder attack and used to drink a tsp of olive oil in a squeeze of grapefruit juice. He gradually increased the amount of olive oil about every 3-4 days. Apparently the oil is supposed to stimulate the gall bladder in a mild way so things don't build up.

I had the laparoscopic surgery in 2007 as did my husband. I don't get along very well with pain pills so after they sent me home, I just packed myself in ice 24/7 and after 4 days Iwas done. Only missed 5 days work but there was a 2-day weekend in there for recovery.

[Vintage VFer]

(((Hugs))) Lori!

[Lori_Michigan]

Thanks all, I really appreciate the replies. It seems I can't catch a break this year, just a lot of health problems that I had no idea about. I was so healthy for so long and then the bottom fell out...

[geojill]

Good luck with everything. My mom had to have her gallbladder removed and now has to be more careful of what she eats, but she recovered just fine from it.

[MathTeacher]

I had my gallbladder removed in April 2018. I have four very small scars. If you want to see the one by my belly button you have to be looking for it.

I am allergic to most pain meds so I took Benedryl for the pain. I think that was 2 days. I was in pain some but it was a lot better than the pain I had from the "attacks."

I had surgery on a Friday and was back at work on Thursday. I could have gone back on Wednesday, but we were having a faculty meeting so I took another day off.

I have had to change my diet very little. I cannot eat broccoli or green beans. Greasy food makes me sick occasionally. I have to decide if it is worth it.

Good luck to you.

[Lucky Star]

Good luck Lori. I know an attack can be very painful; the surgery will really help you.

[AsSweetAsSugar]

Lori, I hope you will feel better soon, take care.

[Lannette]

Lori, I hope you feel better soon!

My father took a morning dose of olive oil and lemon juice daily - actually suggested by a specialist. I don’t however suggest you try any of these olive oil citrus flushes without consulting your doctor. They’re supposed to “flush” gallstones by forcing the gallbladder to contact. If you’ve had surgery recommended your stone must be too large to pass. Flushes could create more pain and harm than good. Your doc could say no harm in trying but better to check first.