May need an operation

[*Fallen Angel*]

I've been having some heartburn/pain on and off for some time and today I've been for a scan as my GP suspected gallstones .

He was right and I do have them The good news is they are very small.

The radiologist said I may not need the op as I don't get the pain that bad or that or that often. But, she said it's my Drs decision ultimately.

I'm a big wuss and don't like hospitals or operations

Has anyone had this? Is it a big op?

[Moffgal]

My friend had an op for this years ago. All I can remember her telling me was that she was told to flap her arms like a chicken to get rid of any trapped wind in her system caused by having the op!

Seriously, I hope it all goes well and you don't have to spend too much time in hospital.

[lisnic]

yes i have

i had quite a bad experience with gall stones though and was so weak by the time it came to surgery so may have something to do with how it was for me

it is major surgery but mostly they do it keyhole. i went down at 8am and was wheeled back into ward at 2pm - i didnt come round that quick after anethetic i kept wanting to sleep and was sick that was the reason.

i did wake up with a very sore shoulder - the gas from the op apparently!

this was the friday and i was discharged the monday. by the monday i was ready to run out that hospital (well walk slowly but ykwim!). i found the area a bit uncomfy afterwards but it was building my strength up (id been in a lot of pain for 7months with it undiagnosed) that took the time.

however on a better note - someone who was also getting it done same time as me i saw her get wheeled down and was next to me in a bed waiting to go into theatre i went first and she went pretty much at same time into another theatre and she was back 1st - i got wheeled back in and was completely out of it for evening visiting but she was sitting up with tea and toast and had got out of her hospital gown and was discharged the saturday pm

its not that bad though and im glad i had it done - tbh you dont want the pain if i had the choice id get the surgery again !!

[Adelelee]

Never had it done honey, but have been in hospital loads and have to say the thought of being in is always much worse than the reality.

BUT I hope you dont have to go in

i did wake up with a very sore shoulder - the gas from the op apparently!

That is really common and something they never tell you about

[*Fallen Angel*]

Thanks lisnic. Tbh, the pain I get is more like heartburn in my chest and back. I describe that more like an ache tbh. I don't get pain at all.

I'm hoping cos the stones are so small they will get left.

I know my aunt had her gallbladder out, but like you, she was in terrible pain.

Did you have any side effects>

[*Fallen Angel*]

Thanks Adele

[Redsquare]

The op can be relatively simple. It's usually keyhole surgery and if all is well you'll be discharged the next day.

I would have the op (if your dr thinks it's necessary) before the stones get any bigger and you start getting pain. The pain CAN be horrendous.

If I remember rightly, you can help the pain by eating a low fat diet.

Lots of hugs to you.

[*Fallen Angel*]

The op can be relatively simple. It's usually keyhole surgery and if all is well you'll be discharged the next day.

I would have the op (if your dr thinks it's necessary) before the stones get any bigger and you start getting pain. The pain CAN be horrendous.

If I remember rightly, you can help the pain by eating a low fat diet.

Lots of hugs to you.

Hey Red

Funny you should mention the low fat diet, as I know when I am eating better I don't get any flare ups.

Thanks for all the advice. Will wait and see what the Dr says next week.

[lisnic]

yes adelle i know at one point i wasnt sure what was hurting more

my side effects of it all are ibs sometimes and i cant drink alcohol like i used to - however to me i can live with these as 7months of horrendous crippling pain was just too much - i went to a&e and everything. i cope with them fine though as i hardly drink anyway and i eat well - however the strangest things can set it off but then i know it can happen

i would also get the op before it gets to pain as it is very very painful - i was told by my consultant if i coped for 7months childbirth will be a breeze im still to test that theory! im also sure you would be in and out of hosiptal too as i was just very weak before i went in which didnt help

redsquare eating a low fat diet can help some people but ive never had a fatty diet etc and i still got it. some people just do it seems - i still dont know why i had them had everything under the sun tested and nothing eased it either apart from getting the op

hope you dotn get the pain i was the same after my scan gobsmacked at what i was told i had

[Elle Driver]

sorry to hear you're poorly FA xxx