1. < Digestive Health

Abdomen still sore 4 weeks after cholecystectomy

Posted by waschultz @waschultz, Nov 30, 2018

It's been 4 weeks today since my cholecystectomy. I'm a 52yo male and I had a laparoscopic procedure. I am experiencing some light but sharp pains in and around the 4 incisions. The pain is intermittent and sometimes not there at all. If I am sitting I feel nothing but when I walk around I may experience some odd pain and sensations. It can be a little tender to the touch like a bruise but everything looks great. My surgeon was very pleased with procedure, no complications. My 2 week post-op appointment also went well and my doctor is pleased with the outcome and my healing. I fell better than ever, for the most part, and I can eat just about anything I want without any problems. Internally, deep inside, I can't feel a thing and I suspect it's just fine. The problem is that one month later, the muscles in my abdomen are still a bit sore healing and have a little way to go. Is that usual? It almost feels worse this week than last week? What the heck? I want to go back to the gym and exercise but I don't want to make it worse. Anyone else in a similar situation?

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cariad | @cariad | Sep 24, 2023

I am 12 weeks after gall bladder surgery and have pain on my right side under ribs front and back.Very uncomfortable and stops normal life.
No reason found yet. A scan revealed no cause, but if it is nerve damage or scar tissue would this show on a scan?
Any solutions?
I keep going back to Drs and A and E .
Painkillers - codeine caused constipation. Am taking paracetamol with amitriptyline. Still have the pain.
I see pregabalin is recommended. Has anyone tried it ? Did it work? Any side effects?

REPLY
marmay52 | @marmay52 | Mar 11 8:49am
In reply to @astaingegerdm "Healing takes time. Outside may look good, but on the inside there is muscle healing, nerves..." + (show)
@astaingegerdm

Healing takes time. Outside may look good, but on the inside there is muscle healing, nerves and area where gallbladder was. It can take still another month or more. It is normal and it’s great that your energy is back. It took 8 weeks for my energy to return- even with a rather easy procedure.

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Although I am sorry to read it took 8 weeks for your energy to return it makes me feel better as I am 3 weeks post-op and am exhausted! My post-op pain level was never very bad but it is about the same as before surgery, being mainly in the front right and also in my back. I still am unable to sleep on my right side or back. But what worries me most is my lack of energy.

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 11 9:30am

@marmey52
Everyone heals differently and one day you’ll feel normal. It could be next week or in another 3. Your discomfort could be related to nerves near the see surgery site. If it continues, have it looked at.

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ashley2000 | @ashley2000 | Apr 14 11:00am
In reply to @hoylandk "Hi Can I ask if you are feeling better now. I am 3 weeks post gall..." + (show)
@hoylandk

Hi
Can I ask if you are feeling better now. I am 3 weeks post gall bladder surgery and I have the same aching feeling in my ribs that you had. Would be good to think this isn’t a permanent pain as I’m very uncomfortable.
Thanks

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Hello! Reading this a year later and my mom is in the same boat. Sorry you had to experience this. Has it gotten any better?

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ashley2000 | @ashley2000 | Apr 14 11:04am
In reply to @cedro78 "I'm just about 4 and a half weeks post gallbladder removal surgery and even though the..." + (show)
@cedro78

I'm just about 4 and a half weeks post gallbladder removal surgery and even though the 2 week follow-up went great and everything has been healing nicely, a few days ago I started having pain on my right side, some abdominal pain...I compare it to having an intense workout and doing too many crunches. I've been getting chills and that 'I have a fever feeling ' yet no fever. But I'm also having pain if I take deep breaths or sneeze. Very similar to the pain I had 2nd week of surgery. Wondering if anyone had similar issues and if this is part of the healing process? I should mention that I'm still avoiding fatty foods, etc and sticking with healthier food choices since April when I was first told I had to get gallbladder removed.

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Sorry you had to go through this. Did it ever improve?

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green66 | @green66 | Nov 23 3:05am

Can I ask you how this all turned out? I am 7 weeks post gallbladder and having the exact same symptoms you did.

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