Gall Bladder Surgery Recovery

[jules614]

So, I had my gall bladder surgery Friday. It was harder than I expected.  I woke up in a LOT of pain and took a lot of pain meds at the hospital. I am now on vicadin because perks made me throw up i the past. Needless to say, when I breath in I get a sharp pain on my right side. The doc said that symptom is pretty common. Has it happened to anyone out there and how long did it take to go away.

Next is my stitches. I had laprascopic but DAM does my belly button incision hurt any time I sit up or lay down. I have been taking 1-2 vicadens at a time, but it doesn't seem to help me too much. How long did it take you to heal and when were you not feeling the dtabbing pains near your belly button incision?

Thirdly, I am constipated and have never been constipated in my life. Not with either pregnancy. I have not had a bowell movemet since Friday morning. Should I worry?

I would love anyone's input or suggestions on how to feel more comortable.

[jules614]

Well after drinking a bottle of plum juice, my constipation is no longer an issue. But, I am still sore in my stomach area. I have been icing it here and there. I am super bloated. I jus hope I am healing OK.

[enigma24]

I had gallbladder surgery 2 years ago and remember having pains for about a week and was back in school a week later. I do remember the belly button being painful because I believe they removed the gallbadder from the belly button. Gross but how amazing is it that in just three tiny incisions they can remove an organ... My scars are hard to find now!!! Pretty amazing. For the constipation make sure that you are staying well hydrated because your body has just gone through some trauma. Maybe a stool softener recommended by your primary care or surgeon would help :) A probiotic/fiber helps as well with digestive help-I have Crohn's Disease as well. Feel better soon!!!

[sara_eagle]

You're constipated because of the anesthesia and the pain meds, that will pass.  One thing that might help you sitting up is pressing a pillow to your abdomen as you are sitting up.  I know that it helped me!  I'm sorry to say that I had very little pain after my surgery.  Another thing that might help with the belly button pain is instead of laying straight back or sitting straight up, lay on your side and push yourself up with your arm and vice versa when laying down.  Hope you feel better!!