newbie -- gallbladder surgery

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2006
newbie -- gallbladder surgery
2
Tue, 03-14-2006 - 4:25pm
Hi all. I am 21 years old and for the last 7 months I've been getting these random horrible "attacks" with severe pain late at night every couple of months. I'm one of those people though (because the pain stopped) I just put off going to the doctor. The other day I had an attack in the afternoon and I went to the hospital. Long story short, I have many large gallstones and I need to have my gallbladder out. The good news is that it can wait (I'm a college student so I'm putting it off about a month and a half until finals are over) and they can do it laparoscopicly. The bad news is that I'm absolutely terrified of surgery. I've never been in the hospital (before this past weekend) and have certainly never had an operation. I'm scared of being put under and I've read online about complications that can happen with the bile ducts. Anyway, I suppose I'm just posting to get some feedback from others who have had their gallbladders out. I'm so afraid that I won't wake up from the the surgery! I'd really like to hear about others' experiences. I'm just looking for a way to calm my fears I suppose. Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 6:55pm

Hi principessa - I think that your concerns and anxiety are totally normal. I had my gb out 2 yrs ago and was terrified about being put under and all the rare but possible complications.


Please feel free to vent here - we get it. I found it very helpful just to get it all out. Friends and family did get sick of listening to me and I really don't think they understood. And being told that having a GB out isn't really a 'big deal' did nothing to make me feel better or lessen my anxiety.


As you are searching the 'net remember that those who live happily ever after aren't the ones posting their stories. Most people have the surgery and life goes on.


For myself (and some of the other ladies who still vist the board after their surgery) it took a while for our bodies to adjust to eating certain foods.


Personally I have to watch my intake of fat, dairy and eggs. I've always been slightly sensitive to dairy & eggs but it seemes to have been more so after the surgery. There are so many options out there that it is pretty easy to avoid those food groups.


Hang in there - and all the best with your exams.


Jo

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-28-2004
Sat, 03-18-2006 - 4:37pm
Hi, well i had my galbladder removed last march it will be a yr on the 21st. i was in surgery at 730 and home by 1030am and in my own bed.. i was sore but not it was not real painful. when i woke up from surgery and looked at the clock it was only 820 am and i said to the nurse way wasnt i operated on yet? and she laughed and said honey you are done and you did real well. it took me about 4 months to start feeling good again but then again i didnt follow a good diet and i also have reflux and gastritis.. i can basically eat anyting now and dont get bothered by it.. try and relax and get through your finals and you will be just fine,
take care
Donna K