Having GallBladder Removal Surgery

Well, I'm two weeks out from gallbladder removal surgery. It's been quite an adventure, so I thought I'd tell all y'all all about it. BE WARNED I HAVE INCLUDED PHOTOS OF MY HEALING INCISIONS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE ARTICLE!

I've been having problems for years... actually, one of the reasons I tested for pregnancy with Cocoa Puff over 4 years ago was because of a weird pain in my side. It got worse throughout my pregnancy but then went away after he was born so I didn't think anything of it until early 2018. 

I went to the GI, had a Colonoscopy/Endoscopy, landed in the ER, had an MRI, and a HIDA scan before finally finding out that my gallbladder was functioning at 6%. Actually, I had suspected my gallbladder all along, so this wasn't a surprise for me... in fact, I was annoyed that it took so long to figure out. 

Anyway, I met the surgeon about 10 days before surgery and he was very nice and really goofy, so he won major points with me. He said that it sounded like I definitely needed to have it removed because of all the pain I had been in, but it may not solve all of my digestive issues. In fact, I would probably still have bowel trouble afterward, especially while my body was adjusting. 

I didn't really have any major pre-op instructions other than to eat stuff that wouldn't upset my stomach and to take two showers with antibacterial soap. I also had to fast after midnight the night before surgery. No biggie. 

Since the hospital is around the corner from my parents' house, we thought it would be a LOT easier for me to just stay overnight there and have my mom take me to the hospital since I had to be there at 6AM. SO EARLY! 

I was pretty nervous but also looking forward to feeling better. Their cat kept me company most of the evening, which was great. 

Their goofy dog was also a much welcomed distraction. 

Anyway, the booklet from the surgeon's office said I had to take a shower with normal soap, then shower with Hibiclens.

Then, I had to dry off with clean towels and put on clean clothes. I also had to take off all my jewelry at this time. 

When I went to bed, I was supposed to go to bed in a bed with freshly laundered, clean sheets and pillowcases. 

Then, the next morning, I needed to take another shower with the hibiclens, pat dry with a new, clean towel, then put on new, clean clothes.

Well, then my mom took me to the hospital and we got me all checked in. I had to fill out yet MORE paperwork, even though I had done a lot of it online the day before. I got my medical bracelet and then clearance to wait upstairs in surgery. 

Unfortunately, my bowels were not happy with me, so I had to use the bathroom, which is a big no no because they have to have every female take a urine test for pregnancy. It ended up not being a big deal as they did it via blood later. I was also given my allergy bracelet as I'm allergic to ciproflaxins. 

Once I got admitted, I was put in my room. My mom waitied with me while we talked to nurses and got my vitals done. I also changed into a gowl and got into bed. 

Finally, the nurse came to do my IV, and of course, the first time they tried, it failed. I'm STILL bruised! 

They got the second one in my hand and took the blood for the pregnancy test (negative, of course), then started my "banana bag" of IV fluids. Later, I was given my antibiotics through the IV too, as well as the relaxant before the anesthesia. 

There was a lot of waiting around, checking vitals, etc. The surgeon came in to say hi and meet my mom and explained once again what they were doing... I'd have 2-4 incisions in my abdomen and I was having robotic, lapraoscopic surgery to have my gallbladder removed. I had to sign more papers to give them permission to do the surgery and give the anesthesia and bill my insurance. 

There was more waiting around and then finally the anesthesiologist came in. He explained about the anesthesia... I'd get a sedative through my IV to relax me and it would help me not remember everything. Once I was in the operating room, they'd put a tube down my throat and into my lungs and administer the anesthesia directly into my lungs until the operation was over. Then, I'd be allowed to slowly wake up. 

Another nurse came in and took my vitals again and helped me to the bathroom one last time. 

Then, I was given a quick rub down with the stupid antiseptic iodine stuff, as if two hibiclens showers weren't enough... 

Finally, it was time. I was given the IV sedative and it worked very fast. I immediately felt dizzy and then very relaxed. I do remember being wheeled into the O.R. and getting put onto the operating table, but that's the last thing I remember. I don't remember the face mask or the breathing tube or anything else. 

The next thing I knew, I was in recovery with about 20 people around, including my husband. (my husband and my mom switched places once he arrived). I was a little confused because I was supposed to wake up in my pre-op room. 

Apparently I was in a lot of pain and was severely nauseated and had some trouble waking up. Once I finally did regain consciousness, they really had to get me moving... I maxed out on pain killers and anti nausea meds, so they left me to recover in the PACU and not the post op. I was forced to get up and walk to the bathroom, which was torture. I was very groggy and super nauseated. 

After going to the bathroom, my IV was removed, and I was given some crackers and apple juice to eat and drink, and since I kept those down, I was cleared to go. I don't remember much about this other than being put in a wheelchair and wheeled outside to wait for Honey Graham to help me into the car. 

My mom met us there with Cocoa Puff and my other bags, including my pillow to hold against me on the way home. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH! I was also STARVING so asked my mom to bring me some crackers. I've pretty much had my pillow against my belly since getting in the car. Yes, for two weeks.  It helps when I cough and it keeps little boys and dogs from jumping on me. 

I got into the car and said bye to my mom and then we started home. We had to stop at the grocery store because I NEEDED a Dr. Pepper like, BADLY, as well as apple juice and a gatorade. I don't remember asking for any of this, but apparently I made Honey Graham stop for it. I think I slept the whole time they were in the store as well as the rest of the way home. 

Eventually I made it home and I was soooooo tired. I slept pretty much the rest of the day. I ate and drank a little here and there and other than pain, I felt pretty good. I went to bed finally... was recommended to have clean, freshly laundered sheets so I had those as well as about a million pillows on my bed so I could sleep propped up. This is recommended to help with gas pains and post-op pains. My failed IV also really hurt. 

I took my pain meds and slept well enough. I woke up a couple times, once needing my pain meds. 

WARNING: GROSS IMAGES BELOW! 

The next day (Saturday), I woke up hurting pretty good but otherwise, I felt good... my headache was gone, my side pain was gone, and my head was clear.

I napped most of the day, but was able to take a shower to wash off the adhesive from the monitors and the iodine wash. I did a couple little walks from one end of the house to the other, but that was about it. I couldn't take more than a step or two without help. My throat hurt really bad and I started coughing a little throughout the day. Otherwise, all was well. I had some nasty bruises on my abdomen... they ended up doing 4 incisions: one right in my belly button (this one hurt the most), two in my lower right abdomen, and one off to the left of my belly button. My ab muscles were VERY sore and it hurt to move at all, but I kept trying. I was also EXTREMELY bloated from all the gas they pumped into my belly. I was sooo bloated and my belly hurt from being stretched out from the gas. 

WARNING: MORE GROSS IMAGES BELOW!

Sunday, I stayed home from church while Froot Loop took care of me. He entertained me and helped get me drinks and snacks and helped me to the bathroom a few times. He was great. I also napped most of the day. Pain level was less. I ended up having to take a stool softener because I was having gas pains. 

Monday, I was able to stop taking pain killers during the day (just took one before bed), and I slept a lot. My bowels woke up and I was uncomfortable all day. Pain level from the incisions wasn't as bad, but I was still coughing and it hurt to move around. I was also very crabby. I was less bloated fortunately. Overall, I felt better, but my body had started to adjust, so it was annoyed with me. 

WARNING: GROSS IMAGES BELOW: 

Tuesday, I finally left the house for a half hour for a piano lesson, but otherwise felt soooo crummy. My stomach was upset, I was coughing a lot (which HURT), I was nauseated, and had a low grade fever of 99.8. Definitely felt worse than the day before.  My incisions didn't hurt as much, although they looked TERRIBLE. 

My failed IV was also giving me issues. Yuck. It looked gross and hurt as well. 

Finally, Wednesday rolled around. I was totally off the pain pills by then, but I was still hurting. My butt was also hurting from sitting so much and having to sleep propped up. My surgical glue was very itchy and starting to peel off, which was really gross. And speaking of gross, there's two gross photos below... 

My abdomen was still pretty bloated as well and the muscles around my incisions were very sore. I took an extra long shower and just let the water hit my back and my sides (not my front because that still hurts!). My stomach was bugging me all day as well, but overall, I felt like I was improving. 

So, a few days went by and unfortunately, I had to get back to doing a few things in life and overdid it a little bit. I've gotta tell you, DO NOT OVERDO IT, even if you're starting to feel better. One wrong move and you're set back a day or two in recovery. Ouch. On the plus side, all my surgical glue came off (with only a little bit of help), and honestly, the incisions felt MUCH better with that adhesive gone. The incisions started healing sooo much faster without all that glue on them. 

GROSS PHOTOS BELOW! 

I definitely think that even though you may feel amazing right afterward, definitely take a FULL WEEK to start getting back to your normal routine. TAKE IT EASY! 

Here’s the final photos... how they look two weeks later. They’re still a little gross so be warned!

Any other questions you'd like to ask me?