cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
Any suggestions for questions I should ask my LLMD and/or the GB surgeon?
LLMD wants my GB out - I have stones, sludging, lots of pain (has intensified over the past weeks), and family history of gall bladder disease on top of a year of treatment for Lyme and co's already under my belt. She also believes some lymies recover quicker w/o GB, if it is indeed very infected. (Any of you have that lucky experience?)
I've read and read on the topic, and have agreed to discuss this with surgeon tomorrow.
I think the writing's on the wall, but I'm nervous.
LLMD has already told me that my recovery will not be as quick as other peoples' due to the state of my health in general (TBIs and several other chronic infections).
My past surgical experiences have been pretty rough - I'm allergic to nearly every pain med, and do not recover well from anesthesia. Recovery time is always longer than anticipated (maybe because I had undiagnosed/treated TBIs).
Is there anything I should be aware of before visiting the surgeon for a consult? Any advice from those of you with gall bladder issues? Any burning questions I should ask??
My brain feels useless & I'm so tired of surgeries that the only burning question I've got is, "What about bulk surgery? Any other "expendible" organs? Can we get it all over with one surgery - kinda like shopping at Price Club??" You know, Value Surgery or something along those lines... Or maybe if we can't kill the keets we can cut 'em all out??
Thanks for any thoughts on this!
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
some advise I heard recently was to make sure to ask the surgon to check the duct(the tube leading out from the GB) for stones before he closes you up.
posted
My one tidbit of advice would be to TELL the surgeon you want IV abx during the surgery and you want to follow that up with several weeks of oral abx. Zith or biaxin would do.
WHY? I had a very serious infection 11 days after GB surgery. I was given IV abx during surgery, but nothing afterwards. Mistake!
[I was off abx, as my Lyme treatment was basically "over."]
Bulk surgery....forget it! God gave you those organs for a reason. I fought my GB surgery for nearly two years....didn't want to give it up.
Don't miss it any!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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quote:Originally posted by 5dana8: check the duck(the tube leading out from the GB) for stones before he closes you up.
[/QB]
Do you have ducks on your mind these days, dana???
I think you mean "duct." Good advice!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
You guys are fast! I'll have them check the duct, ask about the IV abx, and I'm already on Ketek, omnicef, malarone and art, anyway...
Lymetoo - would you still fight it if you had it to do over?? Just curious.
I'm interested in what happened while you fought it. I've thought about fighting it (I fought a hysterectomy for 6 years, till it had to be done)... What would you do in my shoes? I've got a 2 year old, and I'm home alone with him when my health permits (otherwise my mom helps out, yay for moms!!)... I'm afraid of landing in the ER without back up child care, if I'm home alone. When you were fighting it, did it get that bad for you, did you have to go to the ER?
Thanks for your thoughts on this! I'd love to hear any more on this one - you guys rock!
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
posted
In addition to checking on the duct, see if they can take your appendix out at the same time, if needed.
I had a leaky appendix which was causing problems for years and I was so much better after having it out at the same time they took out my sludgy GB.
Sending all good thoughts and wishes for a successful surgery. Ann - OH
Lymetoo - would you still fight it if you had it to do over?? Just curious.
[/QB]
Probably not!! I took several months of Actigall trying to dissolve the stones. I was afraid of doing a cleanse. Didn't want to cause an attack with a lodged stone.
I should have gone to the ER with my first attack. It was really bad!! I was stubborn!
After I found out the problem, I followed a mostly fat-free diet and was careful of what I ate....very careful.
I understand your situation with the kids...that would scare me too.
about the appendix....Yeah, get rid of that thing for sure! Mine was already out since I'd had a hysterectomy many years prior. They took it then.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I had my gb removed when I was already sick (but not knowing it) and about 18 months prior to my Lyme diagnosis.
The first pain was bearable for me. The second and third times I experienced it, I begged to go to the er. With the third bout of pain, I turned bright yellow...
I'd never been in the hospital and did have some trouble with the anaesthesia, but the surgery itself was easy, as was the recovery.
One thing I'd suggest is having it done lapsocsopically, if it's at all possible. That really cuts down on the recovery time.
Here's to a good and successful surgery, if that's what you decide to do.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
cactus, I had my gallbladder out in 79; 10-12 days in hospital. I was MURPHY'S LAW; everything that could go wrong; did go wrong. I didn't know I had lyme disease since 1970.
Every day it was a different problem. Had terrible STAPH infection shortly thereafter on Mother's day & they would not call the surgeon or provide another MD to start me on abx or whatever! Infection spread to my entire back; my butt, my complete stomach area, and I was burning up.
Little later, 1 lung collapsed! They have you do those breathing exercises after ... and work on them hard! I did; but not good enough so the lung collapsed on me.
Had IV problems; they couldn't get it put back in ... I'm a hard stick!
DEFINITELY GET YOUR APPENDIX OUT TOO! They didn't then; they took it when they did my colon polyp surgery and also checked my chest area for this "unknown" growth the endoscopy found. "fatty tissue!"
Also I was vomiting but it didn't help with them building 3 floors above my ceiling; the jack hammer drove me batty.
Ask for a CORNER room away from the NOISE and LIGHTS. I had notes outside asking them not to be banging the doors/meal trays, etc.
Also, note on door for drs., do NOT put on the EXAM light until I could cover up my eyes due tothe extreme pain I have from lights. My room was dark like a morgue & I was so happy that way.
Visitors didn't like it; but tough; it's what I needed! I wish you only the BEST with NO complications that I mentioned above.
But speak up; if you are not listened to and ignored, contact the hospital CEO for action! I'll never go thru a staph infection like mother's day again. No one would help me.
Also, tell them when you pass GAS & also your 1st BM after. They never told me about the gas; they would have taken out the NOSE TUBE SOONER had they knowsn. That thing really gets to me.
Every surgery; 11 since 1970 when I go mono/lyme disease has been complicated. You know you have lyme, and can prepare a bit better for it; I didn't. I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
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I was also warned that my recovery might be slower, for similar reasons, and I did really well ... so if you've got to get it done, it may not be so bad!
Good luck!
monkeyshines
Posts: 343 | From Northern VA | Registered: Oct 2004
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
I agree with making sure they check the duct (I think they are SUPPOSED to do that anyway)
I had mine done laproscopically (sp?) They make 3 little incisions instead of one really big one. It wasn't so bad pain wise - most of the pain was from the air they put into you ao they can see better.
I was having lots of attacks that sent me to the er even though I was watching eating low and non fat foods.
I dont have any problems with my ghost gullbladder I can eat whatever I choose. I know some people have problems with fatty foods after losing there gullbladder.
One thing I found out you should know - sometimes when the gullbladder is removed the little tube connected to it, The Spinctor of Oddi (sp?), can spasm and cause pain.
char
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8315
posted
All I can think with a 2yr old is "Can you line up some help so Mom can rest up after surgery?"
The lapriscopic makes it a lot easier.
I would work with insurance to make sure you can stay overnight.
The surgeon said some folks jump up around dinner time and want to go home. I kept saying, but she has lyme disease and she is already fatigued. It helped a lot to be at hospital to be monitored and to rest.
Sorry you are having to deal with this. My daughter feels tons better with the Gall bladder out.
Good luck, Char
Posts: 1230 | From US | Registered: Nov 2005
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
I disagree about staying in the hospital. GET OUT! Coz there are so so so many infections to be caught there and the place is rampant with ducks and duck nurses. You are much better at home with your family and loved ones taking care of you.
I know this is hard with a 2 year old, but a 2 year old is MUCH better than an ignorant nurse trying to shove unwanted meds into your IV.
Make sure everyone in your family is WELL aware you need time to rest---including yourself.
I know my opinion may not be popular, Trails
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
Nowadays I believe most of the gallbladder surgerys are done laparoscopically and done in outpatient surgery. No hospital time needed thank god.
Posts: 649 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2003
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
Great advice - thank you, everyone.
What a surprise - I was kidding about the "bulk surgery" idea, but now I've heard enough of you chime in about the appendix that I will ask about that as well.
Lymetoo, I'm afraid of doing a cleanse, too! And the ER - oh, I am one stubborn girl, when it comes to going there... So I hear you.
Bettyg, what a nightmare. Your experience is unbelievable, thanks for sharing it with me. I will do everything you suggest. My last surgery experience was pretty bad, so anything that might help is a gift - thanks for the ideas!
Char, I'm fortunate to have understanding moms to help out when I need them! They'll be here!
Trails, I've heard they want to do it outpatient, so I believe I'll be heading home the same day - my insurance would fight an overnight pretty hard, I suspect. So I'll probably head home and tough it out. You raised a very good point with the unwanted meds - thanks!
Thanks for all the good wishes and support, all!
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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I took several months of Actigall trying to dissolve the stones. I was afraid of doing a cleanse. Didn't want to cause an attack with a lodged stone.
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