Gallbladder/stones removal ... Anyone had this surgery ??

[Mother Goose]

There is most likely going to be a 4th hole hon. There is usually two on one side (depending on which side the surgeon likes to work from), one in the belly button (which is where the gall bladder is pulled from) and one inline with the sternum on your bra line.

Tramadol is 4-6 hourly. This should be clearly marked on the packet. You should take it when you feel you need it. As a nurse, I would recommend you take it if the pain is 6 or above out of 10. However, I would also educate you to NOT let your pain get that high. The higher it is before you take anything, the longer it takes to get under control and the need for a higher dose. I would suggest the panamax and some buscopam as soon as you notice the pain starting - wait 30 min and then if the pain is increasing, take the tramadol. Having said that, you don't always get that nice little warm up of pain - sometimes it starts at a 10!

1 week should be enough for DP to have off - I came home on a Fri and mine was back at work that afternoon (but my DD was also only 8 weeks old!).

[AnyDream]

Weight gain post this surgery is usually related to the person eating foods higher in fat content because those foods no longer cause pain.

YEP! I chewed my way thru a whole packet of mince pies that DH had saved for me because I coudn't have any at christmas LOL.

MG's advice is very good. You are such an asset to the BB community !!

Smiles, a week should be plenty, but if your DH's work is pretty flexible, and you find a week is not enough, then it sounds like he'll have no problems organising a few more days. You need to feel like you can cope ok before he goes back to work and don't forget to ask for help from friends etc if you need it!!!

[smiles4u]

......... Hi lovely ladies, just wanted to say thank you to you ALL again

My surgery is this Thursday !!

On one hand i can't wait so no more pains and on the other i'm dreading the recovery straight after the surgery (i guess the drain as i've never had one before and i don't know what to expect with it).

I'm a tad concerned as DP won't be there to see me when i awake from recovery so he could help me in the shower if i feel weak or aid me in someone (like hold a bucket if i throw up) as he will be home with DD (we have no one we can ask to look after her, as the only people i could ask can't due to other commitments).

So i guess i will just have to wing it and hope the nurses are there to help me when needed.


**** HOW LONG LATER DO YOU THINK I COULD WEAR MY UNDERWIRE-BRA ???? ****

[AnyDream]

L, YAY for your surgery...the recovery won't be hard, honestly...just imagine you're on vacation, sit in your armchair and watch lots of DVDs and get your DP to run back and forth fetching you cuppa teas LOL. If they are anything like my hospital they will probably give you loads more painkillers than you need a

Seriously don't fret about the drain...it's basically a narrow soft squishy tube that hangs out of a tiny hole in your side...feels weird when they pull it out but that's it really. I had one in for TWO WHOLE WEEKS after my mastectomy...was glad to see it go but they wouldn't leave them in for that long if there was any drama to it, kwim? ALSO don't worry about your DH not being there in hospy...mine wasn't either but not a problem as you get more attention from the nurses when you're straight out of surgery and they are only ever a buzz away. They keep you in recovery for 2 hours so you'll be going pretty well after that time anyway. If you are feeling nauseous tell the nurse as they have very good drugs for it. Don't be afraid to ask for whatever help you need.

Re the bra...I was still wearing mat bras but my highest incision was a good 1.5 - 2 inches away from my bra line & I don't remember any bra-wearing issues at all.