I have gallbladder removal surgery next week because of a low HIDA scan result (less than 5%). This is silly, but I'm very nervous about it. From everything I read its a very common and very low risk surgery, but I don't know why I'm mostly focusing on the bad stories. Everything from common bile duct injuries and the senator that died because the surgeon accidentally nicked his intestine, to anesthesia issues and so many low probability situations. I'm in my early 30s, 6ft, 160 pounds, reasonably fit but spend a lot of time sitting because of my job.
Is there anything I should really be worried about? They did an ultra sound a few months ago and said everything appeared normal except for a small liver hemangioma (that I have no idea where it is but hope isn't too close to the gallbladder). Bloodwork is mostly normal. The HIDA scan was the only abnormal test result. Is there anything that's helped calm people's minds with regards to gallbladder surgery?
Hi John. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I also have a low functioning gallbladder -- not as low as yours, though (20% here). Anyway, I am terrified about surgery. I also know (as you said) how common and low risk it is, but that doesn't seem to comfort me much. Because of all this, my anxiety problems have intensified. I actually met with my surgeon and she said that my anxiety was so bad the anesthesiologist wouldn't want to work on me. So I have to get my anxiety under control to even take steps toward getting the surgery. I try to comfort myself by telling myself it is a common procedure, and that even the horror stories I read about people who came out of the surgery feeling worse have a bright side. They survived the surgery. That may not comfort you, but death is a huge fear of mine. Anyway, I'm rambling. I really do think you will be okay. I hope you come back after your surgery and tell us how it went. Good luck.
It's absolutely normal to be afraid of surgery and the pain associated with it.
I have been unlucky in that my surgery had to be the open procedure as I had a lot of large stones in my common bile duct, then the labs found a tiny growth in my gallbladder after it was removed and I had to have a liver resection five weeks later, but this is EXTREMELY rare. I only tell you this so you can see how bad I was. If I can recover from this, you can do it. I am glad I had surgery as it may have saved my life.
I am a 67 year old female, in otherwise good general health and I'm recovering well. The pain relief I got in hospital was good and I was out of bed and on the move the day after my gallbladder was taken out. I also know of one other who had open surgery and four others who had the laparoscopic surgery and all recovered well. I feel better than I have in years and have more energy. Complications ARE rare. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy IS one of the most common and safe surgeries performed. You just have to put your trust in the team of surgeons and nurses, who do this on a daily basis. Let them know of your fears and I'm sure you will find them empathetic.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Hello John, my husband has his troublesome gallbladder out on Friday. I think I am more worried than him as he is a nurse so understands all that sort of thing. Anyway, he says that it is quite normal to be scared of up coming ops and as he has reminded me many times it is a simple procedure and very common nowdays. What you must remember is that forums discuss the few percent who have unfortunately had problems with their ops and that the majority have had very positive outcomes. To help you to relax at a time like this try googling mindfulness and listen to the relaxing music and words whilst laid down, it will work wonders. Good luck with op and do come back and let everyone know how you went on, I am sure everything will go fine.
Thank you for this. I'm sorry to hear about the resectioning, but you make a good point that removal helped them find the liver issue. That's another reason I'm wanting to get mine removed, in case it is diseased to see if its affected aynthing else. Thanks for your words of comfort, it does help.
Thanks, this makes me feel better, especially if your husband had no concerns going in and has likely seen many of these done. Was his done laparoscopically?
Also forgot to ask how long did his surgery take?
I'm sorry to hear about the anxiety that's causing you. I had surgery several years ago, so I know as soon as the anesthesia kicks in I'll wake up what feels like seconds later and the surgery will be completed. I was young and naiive and never once thought that anything could go wrong, so it was really easy for me then. I'm hoping everything goes as smoothly this time as it did then.