Gallbladder removal

[brummymummy]

I had mine out the 20th December last year, out the same day but 6/7 weeks off work. I was ready to go back after 5 but the dr said no...

I think the first 2 weeks were the worst and I couldn’t lift anything heavy for a couple of months, I still cooked Christmas dinner though my daughter lifted everything out the oven.

[lulu bear]

Mine was keyhole surgery but had complications as mine was so badly infected it burst as they were taking it out. This meant I had to have a chest drain in and was on oxygen for 2 nights. They let me home after a physio assessment on the 4th day post op. I was off work for 6 weeks in the end. I still suffer with some stomach issues now but nothing compared to the pain of the gallbladder infections.

[gl20]

Resurfacing this old thread as due for consultation on Friday about likely gall bladder removal.

I’m hoping to be able to work again ASAP. In the last 20 years I’ve not had a day off sick and as I’m recently self-employed I don’t want to change that habit more than I have to!

I see from above that most seem to have had a week off but not sure if that was what was neeeded or was more a case of being signed off for a week but feeling reasonably ok sooner than that.

My work is all desk based and clients won’t really mind if I work from home under such circumstances.

So... if you’ve had keyhole... should I accept I won’t be able to work for a week or is it likely I can at least be at my keyboard sooner than that?

[MrsHonestBob]

If you’re working from home you could be at your keyboard. Just realize that the anaesthetic drains you so you will need to rest also. Don’t try to do too much.

[gl20]

Thanks. Never had anaesthetic (other than local) before so not sure what to expect.

[Leggibone]

I had mine out last year, it was fine to sit with after couple days, but I did feel wiped from the anaesthetic for a few days. The scars for me were a little sore for about 3 weeks, so made putting work clothes on uncomfortable for my first week back at work, but besides that I felt fine. You’d probably be fine working from home after a week or so, just listen to your body, and take care!
Best thing ever not worrying about stone attacks though!

[gl20]

Thanks. Very helpful. I was in 2 minds about getting it removed as, until this week, I’d just had two attacks (first while in Hong Kong &#128577 about 2 days apart back in August and nothing since. Had scans and tests that confirmed it was too big to dissolve so either live with it (GP recommendation) or keyhole (private recommendation). Was booked to see specialist this Friday but was going in with view that unless they really put up a convincing argument I was going to tell them I wouldn’t bother.

Then... had an attack two days ago. Coincidental timing but is now making me think removal may be the way to go!

[Guest]

Removal is the way to go in my view. The blooming things only get bigger in my view and therefore the pain gets worse.

I had mine done a few years ago. I was off work for two weeks. I have a desk based job. Much of the time off was due to recovery from the anaesthetic, plus it may only be keyhole on the outside but it is still internal surgery. You need to take it gently.

My GP was like yours for conservative management, I thought he meant that meant no operation ever, nope, he meant watch n wait with a view to it needing to be done further down the line. In that circumstance I just got it over with. Plus insurance was not that easy for US with diagnosed but untreated gallstones.

[gl20]

Yes, I think GP advice is partly about trying to manage NHS budgets whereas private advice is about maximising revenue! I’ve been ok so far in that attacks haven’t been as bad as I think many people get them but I’ve been warned if it got properly lodged then it would be painful and the procedure to sort would then be more than just keyhole. So think it has to go.

So do you get to see the nuisance item after they take it out? (The stone. I can do without seeing the bladder)