Surgical thoughts
By Faye
@FayeHazel (40248)
United States
January 14, 2019 10:39am CST
Happy 1 year with no gallbladder to me! It's hard to believe that it's already been a year since my surgery. So far my first and only (knock on wood!) surgery.
I am reminded at how I didn't know what it would be like.
The anesthesia was far nicer than I expected.
The way it completely drained my energy - surprised me.
It was supposed to be laproscopic , which isn't spelled correctly - but anyway it was supposed to be 3 tiny little incisions.... back to normal in a couple days. Because of some issues they encountered,it turned into the old fashioned "big slice" open surgery. Yay me.
That said it still beats the painful attacks I was experiencing before hand. And while I wasn't expecting to gain these 20 pounds after, I still prefer it to the pain and attacks. It was getting so that I didn't know when to expect it.
Then I think of my mom. It's been a bit over a month for her surgery. Her surgery was much bigger and was her 5th abdominal surgery. It is taking a long time for her to get her energy back. I don't much like that, but then I must keep in mind that she is twice my age and had a much bigger procedure.
Anyway! I hope you avoid surgery unless you really need it....
just a few thoughts - hopefully not too graphic or more than you possibly wanted to know lol
Photo: Pixabay
20 people like this
22 responses
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
14 Jan 19
I hope that I never have to have a surgery, the thought of it terrifies me. I am glad that you see the good things after the surgery. I am sure your mom will be fine, and I am sure she appreciates you worrying over her as well.
3 people like this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
I too hope you can avoid it. It was no fun.
Thanks! Turns out she was dehydrated.... slows healing especially in the little bit older people. :-)
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
17 Jan 19
@FayeHazel Oh yuck, dehydration. That has some nasty symptoms.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
@ScribbledAdNauseum Who'd have thought it?
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@FourWalls (62120)
• United States
14 Jan 19
I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically, too. The only thing I had to remember was that my gallbladder wasn't working, which is why they removed it (no stones or anything, thank God, just not working), so if greasy food made me hurt before surgery, it was going to make me hurt after surgery, too!!
3 people like this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
I;m happy you got yours out.... lapaproscopically too. Mine had to be the big slice way. I was not a fan. I hope you can enjoy foods as you see fit now.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40515)
• United States
14 Jan 19
I've had tons of surgery....some elective, most not...but glad you're recovering well. I've never had typical symptoms, so the only way I found out I needed my gall bladder out was that one side of my abdomen felt crowded. No pain, no episodes after eating. Hopefully, you won't need any more surgeries. Give my love to Vicki from Vicki.
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Ah I'm sorry you've needed surgery, but happy that it is things that are fixable... oh wow! Also happy you didn't have gall attack. No fun....
I will let mom know that Vicki club Vicki sends love. :-) Guess what? I met another Vicki this past weekend. Is that cool or what?
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
18 Jan 19
@1creekgirl I noticed that the 4th (new) Vicki and I got a long great. I bet we'd all get along. We're a special sort, we are!
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Thanks! We figured out that she was dehydrated. Thank goodness.
Thanks! I hope it's my only one, too. I hope you don't need any more, either
1 person likes this
@just4him (306113)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
18 Jan 19
@FayeHazel I'm actually looking forward to getting new knees, but I need to lose the weight first. I'll also have cataract surgery one of these years when I'm too blind to see.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
21 Jan 19
@just4him Oh that makes sense. Weight is hard on the joints, esp. the knees.
I hope eye surgery is far down the road
1 person likes this
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
14 Jan 19
Wishing your mom a speedy recovery, it takes time.
As you say with the fall bladder out it's a big relief from the pain.
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Thanks. We found out she was dehydrated
1 person likes this
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
18 Jan 19
@FayeHazel coconut water is very good after operations
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
18 Jan 19
@responsiveme Oh good hint there, I have heard it's very hydrating. Thanks!
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Thanks! It was getting very difficult.
We appreciate continued prayer
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
@Courage7 Yeah, I am , thanks for asking
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@Courage7 (19633)
• United States
17 Jan 19
@FayeHazel You are doing okay right now?
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@xander6464 (40872)
• Wapello, Iowa
14 Jan 19
I've never had abdominal surgery but I have had four or five eye surgeries. I like the anesthesia, too. And did you know that anesthesia doesn't cause sleep? Sleep doesn't disable pain or the flight or fight reaction. You actually go into a different state of consciousness that is different from being awake and asleep.
Congratulations on the lack of painful attacks. I've never had a gallstone but if they're anything like kidney stones, I know exactly what they feel like.
I'm sure your mom's energy will be back soon.
1 person likes this
@xander6464 (40872)
• Wapello, Iowa
17 Jan 19
@FayeHazel My eyes are far from perfect but as long as I'm wearing glasses, I can see plenty well enough.
That flinching fear is one of the biggest reasons I won't do Lasik. The single biggest reason is that I would still have to wear glasses after doing it. But they don't put you out when they do it, they just tell you not to move and that scares me. I don't want to end up with worse sight just because I moved a little.
I imagine that gallstones and kidney stones feel about the same. It's the same thing, just in different organs.
Was that as easy to fix as it sounds? Is she back to normal now?
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Oh ow - I hope your eyes are ok now? Eye surgery does not sound fun. At all. But like you say, at least the anesthesia is awesome! I didn't consider that it wasn't actually sleep, but that makes sense. I was a little worried that I would flinch or jerk or something while they were operating and give myself an even cooler scar.
Thanks! It was getting really old. And attacks were lasting longer. Worst pain ever. Sorry you've experienced kidney stones, I've heard about those being no good
Thanks -- she was very dehydrated …. who'd havw thought it? At least we got a reason now
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
18 Jan 19
@xander6464 Ah well, I'm happy the issue is solved - glasses aren't a bad thing.
Oh I don't blame you at all. I don't think I could lay still while someone shoots a lazer into my eye either.
Oh yes, I suppose it would be about the same. I can still remember feeling like a bag of coals was spilling out inside me.... worst pain I have experienced ever.
Ah yes and no.... due to how the surgeries have affected her - this may just be how her body works now .... but the "fix" is apparently just periodically getting some IV liquids. She is much better with even the first bag of liquid and her numbers came down right away, meaning no lasting damage , very happy
1 person likes this
@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
17 Jan 19
@FayeHazel You need a certain attitude for alternative medicine which I don't have. I live in a part of Germany where many people are in favour of alternative medicine and swear by it.
When I hear about curing cancer with mistletoe, I can only roll my eyes. I prefer a surgical knife to herbs and other plants.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
@MALUSE Hm. True. It seems like people think only one way or the other of alternative therapies. All for, or all against. I think research is in order for most things, there is so much info out there on - curing whatever ailment with - positive ions, or what not....
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
I hope that you are well recovered from all of your surgeries, it shocked me at how long it takes to feel better.
I think there is a place for natural and alternative medicine - but I think that when the need is there one should resort to having modern medicine care for it
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
18 Jan 19
Wow! I can't believe it's been a year already since your surgery! So glad you are pain free, and the pounds will come off.
Your mom is a real trooper, but as you said, it will take time due to the type of surgery and her age. I'm sure if we need surgery, we will get it.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
18 Jan 19
@FayeHazel Dehydration is very dangerous!
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
18 Jan 19
@DianneN I was shocked... it seemed like she was drinking enough. But - I'm so happy they caught it
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
18 Jan 19
Time flies, amazing, isn't it? Thank you. I sure don't miss those attacks. You're right, always time for the pounds to come off.
Thanks, she is easily the strongest person I know. We learned she was dehydrated. Go figure. But it really run a number on her.
Ah yes, I hope neither of you need surgery ever, but if you do, it's good to get it done
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
14 Jan 19
Happy one year!! It has been 18 months since I had open heart surgery.
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Thanks! Oh my goodness, happy 18 mos. ! How are you feeling?
1 person likes this
@Irishlasskicker (871)
• Canada
14 Jan 19
You have made me think of the time I had mine out and yup not fun at all and funny well I say funny now but turned out they discovered that I did not really need to have it removed at all and turned out it was a different problem that was causing my illness and thank god they were able to fix that . Hope your mom will be okay
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Great screen name there.
I'm happy that you were able to get the cause of your issue fixed. No fun not feeling well.
Thanks - turns out mom was dehydrated , not helping the healing process.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (169940)
• United States
14 Jan 19
I have never had trouble with my gallbladder and I hope I never do!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Oh good, I hope you never have trouble with it either - it is no fun....
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@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
15 Jan 19
mine was laparoscopic and i'm glad i don't have those attacks anymore. they were intense and unpredictable.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
I'm happy you got rid of yours, too and that you could have the laparoscopy
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@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
15 Jan 19
I'm so happy you're not having those pains anymore and haven't needed any other surgery.
I haven't had any surgeries, and always fear ever needing one.
I hope your moms energy is back soon.
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@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
18 Jan 19
@FayeHazel thanks.
Im glad you figured it out.
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Thanks! I didn't want the surgery for sure.... but better than pain. Happy you haven't needed it, and I hope you don't.
Thanks we figured out that she was dehydrated
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
And to think, he was was highly recommended by the hospital lol
Thanks!
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@nela13 (55698)
• Portugal
17 Jan 19
@FayeHazel why do you needed to remove your gallbladder?
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
18 Jan 19
@nela13 Because I had a large stone, and because the stone was in there - it would give me attacks - fits of bad pain.
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Thank you! We discovered that she was dehydrated so that is why it took so long to feel better. I'm happy you don't remember - surgery is no fun
1 person likes this
@MommyOfEli2013 (81983)
• Rupert, Idaho
15 Jan 19
Sorry to hear you had to go through that surgery....but that is good that you don't have the pain and attacks now.
I have had a few surgeries, although I would call them minor (well I guess the 2nd was a major surgery).
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
Thanks ! It wasn't fun, but better than attacks.
I hope you are feeling better after yours, too!
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@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
17 Jan 19
@MommyOfEli2013 Oh good here's to good health
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@MommyOfEli2013 (81983)
• Rupert, Idaho
17 Jan 19
@FayeHazel Oh yeah, I can understand that it wasn't....but that is good to not have the attacks!
And thank you, I am :)
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