Itchy skin after gallbladder removal

Hi 

I had my gallbladder removed three days ago laparoscopically. I have not stopped itching since the procedure. I was told by the nurse it was just a side effect from the morphine but it still continues. Anyone else experienced this? 

Thanks

I had the same op three days ago as well, I don't have any itching but my right shoulder is painful, I have felt good since getting it done but get easily out of breath at the minute, time will get me back to normal and I am sure that you will be the same. Keep asking about the itch if it persists incase any infection starts.

Thanks for this. Are you finding it difficult sitting up? Is it painful still at the incisions?

When I had itching before my gallbladder was removed, it was because I had jaundice. There's a very close relationship between gallbladder, liver and pancreas.

I had mines out 10 days ago and still have padded dressings over 2 of the wounds as they're really sore at the slightest touch. Are you itchy all over? Sometimes I think it's due to dry skin. Unless you're jaundiced with it then wouldn't worry. 

I was a good week before sitting up was bearable and still hurts sometimes. Still sleeping with loads of pillows as lying flat then trying to get up isn't the easiest! Know I've overdone it today though as have pain around the incisions. 

Only side effects I've had is the yellow stools but my GP says that's totally normal. And the sensitive scars which should hopefully get better in time too. Think I'm always going to be careful now with what I eat though. But have managed some fatty foods like macaroni cheese and have eaten chocolate with no side effects 👌🏽👌🏽. Hope you're healing well!! xx

I didn't have the shoulder pain with this op but was expecting to. Had appendix out last year and the pain in the shoulder was worse than any of the wounds. Did take a good few days to settle down. I didn't leave the house til 5 days post-op and even then took it easy but was exhausted when I got home! Think it takes a good 2 weeks to feel reasonably normal again but longer for insides to heal xx

I am finding it easier to sit up, lying down is causing me discomfort and pain, I feel discomfort more than pain at the incisions

Hi. Did your Dr say why it is normal to have yellow stools? Mine are often loose any sometimes yellow but I don't know the reason. I have only half a bowel left as well as no gallbladder, which was removed by open surgery just over three months ago. My liver readings are now back to normal and I don't drink alcohol. My diet is a bit ice creamy and chocolately however. Which I know is 'a bit naughty.' I might see a dietician. The half bowel removal was 45 months ago. 

So, apart from a suspect diet, is there a medical reason for the yellow stools? neutral

She said it's because the bile is constantly dripping into the intestine instead of being held in the gallbladder until it's needed. So the yellow stools are basically bile that has gone through without being changed by the intestinal bacteria. So yellow stools are pretty much gonna be the norm from now on! It's normal though so not to worry! Have been told eating takeaways or things really high in fat is likely to cause issues. Don't think the occasional creamy thing is gonna make much difference though so wouldn't worry about that! I'm back to eating some chocolate now after a few months of giving up. And managed some cheese too 👍🏼. 

Diarrhoea after gallbladder removal can be caused by the bile irritating the intestine and has a laxative type effect on the person. You could try some Imodium type tablets to see if they help? Maybe better letting doc know of this side effect though, especially with the bowel issues you've had. But normally they'd suggest something like that to combat the diarrhoea if it's gone on that long xx

Thanks for that! A constant supply of bile even when it's not needed. I do eat too much creamy stuff though. I have been taking a fibre supplement called Konsyl D since my bowel surgery as there is not enough bowel left to absorb water they say. I'll mention those Imodium tablets to my Dr. Thanks again. smile

Wow this has been really useful guys. The itching is all over but can't see any signs of jaundice I guess I should just be patient and let my body just heal.  No nasty side effects from food yet but don't really have much of an appetite.  

Hi sick of waiting.

I’ve been feeling poorly for 9 or so years and was told it was chronic fatigue/ fibromyalgia. All my liver function tests and everything else was normal but I had a nasty bile taste, IBS, feeling overly hot or hot/cold without a fever, plus fatigue and insomnia.

I mentioned all of it to the many GP’s I saw, and they are aware I had Hepatitis 15 years ago which cleared quickly.

Recently I went back with more severe pain under ribs and in back, and itching. GP thinks it’s gall stones and is sending me for a scan, she said it’s not an emergency and she can’t say how long I will have to wait.

I’m so worried and scared it’s liver damage as I’m itchy and have a yellow coating on my tongue.

I don’t know what to do I’ve convinced myself I’ve got liver damage and that’s what’s been wrong with me all these years despite the normal LFT’s.

Any comments or advice would be much appreciated.

X

Did you ever get your itching figured out? I had mine out four days ago and itch sometimes

The itching feeling started about two days ago and is driving me crazy. Gallbladder was removed one week ago. Is there any way to stop it

Hi .... I am in my 5th week after the surgery and the pain has still not gone and my occasional itching continious till now.

when did your itching stop and did you have to take any meds for it ?

Please let me know if possible

Thanks

so how long did it take ? My itching has actually become more frequent now after 5 weeks

I had my gallbladder surgery last February. If it’s already 5th week and you still feel pain that’s not normal, you should visit your doctor. You might have infection due to surgery or your appendix might be affected because of the gallbladder surgery. (Check your appendix if the pain is on your lower right belly) This is base on the experience of other patients including me. And regarding the itchiness, doctors will say itchiness is normal due to the medicine you’re taking. Ask your doctor for ointment or some med you can apply on your skin. It is hard but avoid to scratch the itchy part as much as you can because it will just get worst and it might leave you wound/scar. Drink plenty of water 

Hi it’s been a long time,  how are you doing with the removal of your gall bladder?  - can you tell me how long the shoulder pain lasted? I at day 17 - still getting some pain is right side and shoulder neck area ... thanks 

Hi folks. The pain is normally in your right shoulder following gallbladder removal because of the gas that needs to be put into your abdomen to enable the surgery to take place. It can also cause discomfort in your abdomen, but it will pass.

As for your wounds, if you've had keyhole surgery the three little wounds will be itchy, this is normally a sign of healing, but keep an eye on them it can also be infection or an allergic reaction to dressings. Watch your belly button wound, remember it gets hot and sweaty anyway and now you have a wound there too.

Any concerns see your doctor. I had my surgery for weeks ago, and had all of the above. I'm a nurse so knew what was going on, except the pain in my shoulder,that took me by surprise, I'd heard of it but never experienced it before.

Sorry I'll stop worrying a novel. Hope we're all feeling better. Claire.

Yes my hands and feet. Its been six weeks and its still happening aparently it can be a warning sign that there is something wrong with your liver.