Dealing with symptoms after Gallbladder surgery

Posted by roisemaire @roisemaire, Nov 30, 2017

Hi is there anyone out there that suffers from nausea and pain almost 4 weeks after gallbladder operation. Every time I eat anything i get pain in site of operation. And tired all the time no energy

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

@heatherwright

Hi. I had my gallbladder and a small part of my colon removed about three weeks ago. First the removed three stones. Two days later they went back in to remove the gallbladder but found that it was fused to my colon. I had some internal bleed from them trying to remove the gallbladder so I had to be rushed in for emergency surgery where they removed the gallbladder and the piece of the colon it was fused to. After they released me, besides the normal pain from healing, I was ok for the first week. Then I just started vomiting up everything I ate after that. I’ve been taking nausea pills twice daily now just to keep the minimal amount of food I can eat down. I’ve lost about 25 pounds and can’t afford to lose more. Does anyone have any ideas how to help? Thank you.

Jump to this post

@heatherwright Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can definitely relate to what you are going through. I had my gallbladder removed and had major complications because of it.
I'd like to invite @jfperrone, @astaingegerdm, @fourof5zs, and @princessd to the conversation as they have also had issues after gallbladder removal.

Here are is another discussion on connect that you may be interested in:
– Complications/symptoms after Gallbladder Surgery: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nausea-pain-and-headaches-after-gallbladder-laparoscopic-surgery/

And here is a site with some valuable information on side effects:
–"intense nausea or vomiting; yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; no bowel movement or passing of gas for more than three days after surgery ..." -- Gallbladder Removal Surgery: Side Effects and Complications: https://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-removal-side-effects

@heatherwright, have you been hospitalized or brought to the ER for this vomiting? Are you dehydrated?

REPLY
@heatherwright

Hi. I had my gallbladder and a small part of my colon removed about three weeks ago. First the removed three stones. Two days later they went back in to remove the gallbladder but found that it was fused to my colon. I had some internal bleed from them trying to remove the gallbladder so I had to be rushed in for emergency surgery where they removed the gallbladder and the piece of the colon it was fused to. After they released me, besides the normal pain from healing, I was ok for the first week. Then I just started vomiting up everything I ate after that. I’ve been taking nausea pills twice daily now just to keep the minimal amount of food I can eat down. I’ve lost about 25 pounds and can’t afford to lose more. Does anyone have any ideas how to help? Thank you.

Jump to this post

I need to preface my comments with the fact that due to an inordinate amount of delay, my gall ball bladder had turned gangrene, resulting in emergency surgery. Despite the odds all turned out fairly well. I remember almost nothing. After a brief time of very limited appetite, I was left with what I called SD (surprise diarrhea). It could happen any moment and any place. It took control of my life. Since then (last August) it has slowed down, but not completely. I was prescribed several meds; most made me sick. The most effective thing I did was take Metamucil in the morning. This has helped to slow things down. Sometimes the best thing is the most simple thing. Good luck to all. As you say it is a simple surgery but not always a simple recovery.

REPLY
@heatherwright

Hi. I had my gallbladder and a small part of my colon removed about three weeks ago. First the removed three stones. Two days later they went back in to remove the gallbladder but found that it was fused to my colon. I had some internal bleed from them trying to remove the gallbladder so I had to be rushed in for emergency surgery where they removed the gallbladder and the piece of the colon it was fused to. After they released me, besides the normal pain from healing, I was ok for the first week. Then I just started vomiting up everything I ate after that. I’ve been taking nausea pills twice daily now just to keep the minimal amount of food I can eat down. I’ve lost about 25 pounds and can’t afford to lose more. Does anyone have any ideas how to help? Thank you.

Jump to this post

@heatherwright - You have had some serious surgery- recovery can be complicated. Not only did you have 2 operations, but lost a piece of colon.
Have you seen gastroenterologist since operation? What dietary advice did you get? Have you had blood tests to check electrolytes and liver values? You vomit, so I think you have to be monitored more carefully. 25 lbs weight loss in that short time is worrisome.
Please contact a gastroenterologist- you need to be evaluated.

REPLY
@heatherwright

Hi. I had my gallbladder and a small part of my colon removed about three weeks ago. First the removed three stones. Two days later they went back in to remove the gallbladder but found that it was fused to my colon. I had some internal bleed from them trying to remove the gallbladder so I had to be rushed in for emergency surgery where they removed the gallbladder and the piece of the colon it was fused to. After they released me, besides the normal pain from healing, I was ok for the first week. Then I just started vomiting up everything I ate after that. I’ve been taking nausea pills twice daily now just to keep the minimal amount of food I can eat down. I’ve lost about 25 pounds and can’t afford to lose more. Does anyone have any ideas how to help? Thank you.

Jump to this post

@heatherwright I would call my doctor/surgeon.

I mostly had the complication of diarrhea. Which I controlled mostly by not eating greasy foods and sweets. I also added a probiotic.. it may be trial and error finding the right probiotic for you. Align is the one that finally helped me. Eat probiotics foods too. There are lists at many web sites.

Your nausea is concerning. My brother had much the same happen to him.. gallbladder was gangrene and they had to take part of his colon.. he stayed in hospital for a few weeks because of more complications.. including a very mild stroke.

Best to return to your doctor/surgeon.

REPLY

Hello! Since my gallbladder surgery, I've been having extreme fatigue (accompanied by a bit of dizziness and tinnitus). I also developed a lump near where the gallbladder used to be, approximately at the level of the right elbow. I have some digestion issues, too, but the fatigue and the lump worry me a lot! I ruled out many things: nutritional deficiencies, infection, stones, parasites, ulcers, etc. The CT doesn't show anything. Has anyone experienced anything similar? What can it be? I am feeling awful and I am at my wit's end.

REPLY
@ogarabrandt

Hello! Since my gallbladder surgery, I've been having extreme fatigue (accompanied by a bit of dizziness and tinnitus). I also developed a lump near where the gallbladder used to be, approximately at the level of the right elbow. I have some digestion issues, too, but the fatigue and the lump worry me a lot! I ruled out many things: nutritional deficiencies, infection, stones, parasites, ulcers, etc. The CT doesn't show anything. Has anyone experienced anything similar? What can it be? I am feeling awful and I am at my wit's end.

Jump to this post

Hello @ogarabrandt and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It must be puzzling to find yourself with a lump in the location of where your gallbladder used to be and the additional on-going symptoms.

You will notice that I have merged your post into an existing discussion on gallbladder surgery so that you may review information shared previously by members as well as connect with active members such as @hopeful33250 @contentandwell and @rosemarya who may be able to lend you some support based on their experiences.

This comment that is quite a bit older may prove to be helpful to you as well as you explore possibilities: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gallbladder-surgery/?pg=11#comment-176389

What has your doctor said in response to these symptoms?

REPLY

Hi, I’ve had mine out for years. I think I was in my forties, now 66. My daughter also had hers out at 32. She suffered no side effects ever. I had to change my diet completely and even today if I stray from it I get terrible indigestion. Only after the fact did I realize the important role our gallbladder plays in digestion. Sounds like time for a second opinion. It’s worth it. Best of luck…Joanne

REPLY
@ogarabrandt

Hello! Since my gallbladder surgery, I've been having extreme fatigue (accompanied by a bit of dizziness and tinnitus). I also developed a lump near where the gallbladder used to be, approximately at the level of the right elbow. I have some digestion issues, too, but the fatigue and the lump worry me a lot! I ruled out many things: nutritional deficiencies, infection, stones, parasites, ulcers, etc. The CT doesn't show anything. Has anyone experienced anything similar? What can it be? I am feeling awful and I am at my wit's end.

Jump to this post

@ogarabrandt

I have never had one but the bulge sounds like an Incisional hernia. You should let your surgeon know.

It is normal to be fatigued several months after surgery. Your body has gone through a change.

I had a the digestive issues. Best to stay away from greasy foods and sweets. Stay to a bland, nutritious diet for a while. Eat small meals.. 4-6 a day instead of 3 meals. This will help keep your energy level up during the day.

A probiotic… and some say a pre-biotic… may help with the digestive issues. I tried several probiotics until I found the right one for me… of course it had to be a more expensive one. Adding yogurt and other probiotic rich foods will help too. Bananas, oatmeal, and psyllium fiber will help bulk the stool.

Exercise… gently.. such as walking, yoga, tai chi .. stretching. You will want to watch the bending for awhile.

If possible set aside a time in the afternoon to lie down and rest for 20-30 minutes in quiet place or with soothing music. You don't have to nap. .. but if can .. go for it.

Best wishes.
ZeeGee

REPLY
In reply to @missdraggunn "Amitriptyline" + (show)
@missdraggunn

Amitriptyline

Jump to this post

Amitriptyline? How did you doctor describe to you how this helps after gallbladder removal? I have similar issues.

REPLY
@fourof5zs

@ogarabrandt

I have never had one but the bulge sounds like an Incisional hernia. You should let your surgeon know.

It is normal to be fatigued several months after surgery. Your body has gone through a change.

I had a the digestive issues. Best to stay away from greasy foods and sweets. Stay to a bland, nutritious diet for a while. Eat small meals.. 4-6 a day instead of 3 meals. This will help keep your energy level up during the day.

A probiotic… and some say a pre-biotic… may help with the digestive issues. I tried several probiotics until I found the right one for me… of course it had to be a more expensive one. Adding yogurt and other probiotic rich foods will help too. Bananas, oatmeal, and psyllium fiber will help bulk the stool.

Exercise… gently.. such as walking, yoga, tai chi .. stretching. You will want to watch the bending for awhile.

If possible set aside a time in the afternoon to lie down and rest for 20-30 minutes in quiet place or with soothing music. You don't have to nap. .. but if can .. go for it.

Best wishes.
ZeeGee

Jump to this post

@fourof5zs Hello ZeeGee. I, too, have developed a small hard lump in my abdomen, a few inches from and horizontal to my navel. I'm wondering if it could be a hernia, but worrying about cancer (of course! Lol). Thankfully, I'll be seeing my doctor this afternoon about it, so will keep in touch regarding the outcome.
Good luck to @ogarabrandt! Laurie

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.