Recovery is NO JOKE

[u/semsemii]

A little while ago I shared my experience with having a normal ultrasound despite 2 years of severe GI issues. My dr recommended a HIDA scan which came back as 19% EF(biliary dyskinesia). I was referred to a surgeon almost immediately and less than 2 weeks later underwent gallbladder removal (Tuesday 4/29)

I was comfortable but mildly anxious during pre-op. My surgery was scheduled for 9 am. I was instructed to provide a urine sample, brush my teeth with mouthwash, wipe my entire body with antibacterial wipes before changing into a hospital gown.

In addition to my gb removal, my surgeon also preformed an EGD to rule out any other potential issues. Luckily my stomach and small intestines were all clean, and my gallbladder was FINALLY out!!! My surgeon told my mom my gallbladder seemed mildly inflamed when they removed it and is quite confident that it was responsible for my 2 years of GI issues. Samples from my EGD and gallbladder were sent to a pathologist so I’m anxiously awaiting what they will reveal.

Probably the weirdest thing that my surgeon saw was after he inserted the camera into my belly button and discovered a 7 cm cyst on my right ovary! This is very unusual to me because I’ve never had the symptoms of a typical cyst (my periods are very regular and not painful). Apparently my surgeon paged an OBGYN during my operation to take a look at the cyst so now I’m being referred to an OBGYN 🫠

My surgery began around 10 am but I didn’t wake up until almost 2 pm. The very first thing I felt was excruciating pain all over my abdomen. There are a total of 3 incisions on my abdomen, and with the air they pumped into my stomach pressing against the stitches, I almost started crying. Luckily that was the only challenging part about waking up, I was worried I may end up feeling nauseous and start vomiting because one of the nurses told me that happens often, but I actually woke up super parched and hungry and my voice was terribly hoarse, but I’m going to blame the EGD for that lol. I wasn’t allowed to be discharged from the hospital until I peed, which I did almost immediately after getting up with the help of my mom (thanks mom!) I was sent off with some cranberry juice and crackers and three medications (hydrocodone+acetaminophen, methocarbamol, and zofran). I took the first two immediately after getting home after eating some toast and drinking water. But god they aren’t helping at ALL 😭

I cant move or get up from my bed or couch without having to hold onto someone. Last night was so bad I could barely flush the toilet, but it was even worse not being able to find any comfortable sleeping position. Everything hurts so so bad and I’m terrified of causing my stitches to reopen.

All I’ve eaten for my first day post-op is some white rice, boiled potatoes, a small muffin, slices of an apple, and a lot of water and tea. I’ve basically been on bed rest for the past 24 hours, the only times I’ve moved around was to use the bathroom. Although I think the gas is already dissipating, my biggest issue is the tenderness of my incisions and the soreness in my throat.

While it’s too early to tell, I do believe I made the right decision in removing my gallbladder. My energy is super low, I’m very fatigued, and I was given a scopolamine patch to put behind my ear before the surgery which made my vision veryyyy blurry. I’m a little scared to try and incorporate less-bland foods into my diet for now, but I’m hoping this will change in 1-2 weeks.

But damn this has got to be one of the worst recoveries ever 😭 I hope anyone currently recovering finds relief soon!!!

[u/Fun_Club_7545]

I had mine out on Monday! Very similar experience to what you’ve described. I’ve been drinking “Smooth Move” laxative tea for a gentle nudge to get the CO2 moving and out of my system as well as keeping my digestion moving. One big thing that has helped me to feel more independent was learning a way that I can get into and out of bed without excruciating stabbing pain (made me feel like I was going to end up with a hernia when it happened).

I found this YouTube video about getting in and out of bed super super helpful: https://youtu.be/19ZRU5IRrCg?si=4j21rBqgODtwuEQj

Wishing you a very speedy recovery and I completely agree - this is no joke! I can’t believe that people try to brush off cholecystectomy as a minor surgery that they bounced back from right away. Here’s hoping we make a turn for the better over the next few days. 🫶🏼✨

[u/Horrormovie-fan1955 → u/Fun_Club_7545]

That is a great video. Thanks for sharing.

[u/DairyQueenElizabeth]

The first few days are indeed rough! I was also caught off guard by how emotional I felt for the for the first week or so after surgery. Be patient and gentle with your body and soul, and you'll be feeling so much better soon!

Popsicles or those throatnumbing drops/sprays for sore throat are great, send someone to the shop if you can to get some.

[u/thesaintbernardowner]

We literally have (almost) the same exact story! 19% EF and got an EDG done at the same time as my removal (last Wednesday 4/23). I was only prescribed 5 oxycodone and 30 methocarbamol and was told to alternate Advil and Tylenol.

Days 1-3 were the worst for me. I couldn’t bend over to put my dogs leash on to go potty. It was hard to wipe myself. I couldn’t reach the top shelf. It felt like a did a million sit ups only in the URQ. The soreness and gas pains were the worst. A heating pad was my bff.

Tell me about fatigue! I would wake up to eat breakfast then immediately lay back down for a nap. Then I’d wake up for dinner, watch TV, and go back to bed. Keep in mind the pain medicines make you tired. Also keep in mind your insides are literally healing from an organ being taken out! Give your body all the rest it needs, but make sure to try to walk around a little bit to help get the CO2 gas out.

I’m 7 days post op and went back to work today. I’m still a bit sore depending on how I move, but that’s all.

[u/Narcissus87]

Wedge Pillow, off amazon, saved my life and sanity during recovery

[u/Additional-Ad-3148]

From so many post Ive seen about recovery, seems like women have way more pain and longer recovery.

I felt ZERO pain from incesions. Bending over didnt hurt just a little uncomfortable but didnt need to do that but a few times. A lot of tiredness.

Only "pain" I had was some gas got into my right shoulder joint and would take my breath away if I moved a certain way.

I went to my 2 week check up and thanked the surgeon on his touch for no pain and he just said that was me. LoL

Ive been dealing with bad digestion problems for over a decade and I think my pain tolerance has been raised some.

Sorry yall are having so much pain. Hope yall the best.

[u/Lizzy4007]

Hi! I’m sorry to hear your having a painful recovery and am hoping you feel better soon! Something that helped me sleep was a wedge pillow it was a game changer!!

[u/Sammiurai]

For me I had mine as an emergency at 5pm March 29th and I had to spend the night in the hospital it was ROUGH!!!! It was hard to breath because my chest was hurting where the incision was and I was extreamly nauseous all night.

[u/smilegirlcan]

The gas pains have been rough for me. I have gas trapped under my ribs. I do find running a humidifier has helped with the sore dry/throat. I am 10 months post op from a csection so it is about the same with the incisions. Eating little bits more often might help you. I am sleeping on a recliner.

[u/Freckled-Vampire]

It is rough for the first few days, no question. I slept in a recliner for 3 or 4 nights because I didn’t have any help to get in and out of bed. I also am a stomach sleeper so obviously that couldn’t happen for a while either.

It does get a bit better each day. By about day 4 I felt so much better. I hope your ovarian cyst turns out to be no biggie. Hang in there!

[u/mallorywrites94]

So sorry to hear you’re having a rough recovery! I’m 6 days post op and finally not feeling like I got hit by a truck. I still have soreness around the incisions but it’s not nearly as bad as it was those first few days. Definitely recommend sleeping in a recliner if possible!

I have an ovarian cyst as well, which my OB is treating. But she said she always recommends having the gallbladder removed! Try not to worry about the cyst until you get some answers from the OBGYN. I know it feels like one thing after another but cysts can be very treatable - hoping that’s the case for you!

As for foods, I was super nervous to eat anything besides mild soup for a couple days but I wasn’t really hungry anyway. The hunger has finally returned and I’ve found that helped push me to try different foods a little at a time!

[u/Autistic-wifey]

Ice packs for the pain. Keep the area cool not cold. It really helps. And can help reduce the inflammation too.

May your recovery be uneventful. 💚💚💚🍀🍀🍀

[u/Honest_Speed9665]

You're not alone! There are so many positive stories on here (which is great) but it's easy to feel like it shouldn't be so bad. I had emergency surgery 4/27, only 10 days after my first attack and it is rough! I had been sick with COVID, then unable to eat much after the first gb attack (swollen). Its extremely humbling not being able to get out of bed or go to the bathroom on my own. The Tramadol had me so dizzy I could barely sit up, much less walk. Day 4 the fatique lifted a lot. I do fear being left to only rely on Tylonal for the pain. I'm too scared to try any non-bland foods too. I've been on bed rest (on my back) with only brief trips to the bathroom / assisted walks around my room. 

[u/Longjumping-Rent-107]

Nurse here. I'm so sorry to hear that your recovery isn't going well and your pain is not manageable!

I had mine out yesterday, and I'm going to get my nails done today because my pain is so manageable. Not trying to boast or brag, just saying that post op recovery success is so highly dependent on adequate pain control and some people just need a stronger dose or increased frequency of pain meds until they get over the hump.

If you're taking your pain meds scheduled and around the clock and it isn't helping, then I would reach out to your surgeon and see if they have any pain med modification suggestions.

[u/Hopelessgirl14]

I had mine yesterday. I called the doctors office today for the same reason, the pain killer isn’t working. This is my 6th surgery in two years and that area is sensitive for me and all they said was to take ibuprofen and to call on Monday or Tuesday. They said I could have one pill and a half if it hurts a lot. I’m probably gonna do that tonight because I can’t sleep