Long detailed, but hopefully helpful, post.
Symptoms
It all began last Christmas Eve when I fell ill at work. I suddenly developed a searing pain below my ribs, just above my stomach, 10 minutes after declaring that the bacon sandwich I had just eaten was 'the most delicious I think I had ever had'. Darn you wonderful tasting breakfast treat.
I went home on the train crying and doubled over in pain. As it was Christmas Eve the train was packed and I think people presumed I was drunk on merriment and too much prosecco. The same horrendous pain lasted all week up until New Year's Day. Christmas well and truly ruined.
I went to the doctors on 29th January when they reopened and described my symptoms. I was told it sounded like acid reflux and to take Omeprazole twice a day for a month. Great, I thought, but I wasn't getting any reflux. The pain eased off though and I thought that would be the end of it.
March rolled around and lo and behold two days before my birthday I developed the same pain again at work. Again I was doubled over with what I can only describe as an acidic, burning feeling sitting in my stomach high up below my ribcage. I was sick numerous times and couldn't stand up straight. My colleagues were understandably worried and paid for a taxi to send me home. I'm so grateful that I didn't have to fend for myself on the train. My birthday rolled around and I couldn't eat anything without vomiting and I was writhing around in pain for six days.
I saw a different doctor this time and she said the same as the previous, take Omeprazole. I explained I wasn't getting any reflux but because the pain felt acidic and almost 'gurgley' she felt this was the right course of action. In all honesty I was in so much pain I didn't have the energy to try and argue and presumed this would help.
I got the same pains in June, July and August. Each time getting progressively worse as the pain was now radiating through to my back.
I was sent for an urgent gastroscopy. This was awful. I decided not to be sedated as it would take less than 10 minutes so I opted for the numbing throat spray instead. This whole procedure was horrendous. I won't go into details but no abnormalities were found except a slight build up of bile at the bottom of my stomach.
Following this and a few tears at the doctors I was sent for an abdominal ultrasound. This found 'a few small stones' in my gallbladder. This made SO much sense after googling (never do this, the 'you're on your death bed' thoughts sprung up immediately) as gallstone symptoms were exactly what I had been experiencing particularly the pain radiating through to my back with the symptoms returning on and off every few months.
Surgery
I am very fortunate to have private healthcare through my work. I, along with the help of my incredibly wonderful and patient Mum, got everything sorted to go privately and the ball was rolling almost immediately. I saw a consultant who was lovely and reassuring and my keyhole surgery to remove my gallbladder was booked in for 17 days later.
This is when the panic kicked in. I had never had surgery before and despite everyone and their cat telling me I would be fine I couldn't help but worry that I wouldn't wake up or that I would wake up MID surgery.
But, everyone is right. Going under general anaesthetic is oddly a non-event. The lovely nursing team held my hand and were so incredibly patient. They were talking to me about beach holidays and the next thing I know I'm awake and the surgery complete. I was groggy and confused for about four or five hours but I was discharged the same evening and was allowed home to my own bed.
Recovery
I was advised to take two weeks off work for recovery which was most definitely needed. The following morning I couldn't pull myself up to rearrange the pillows, I couldn't stand up straight when walking to the bathroom and I had to sleep on my back for the first week. I didn't feel sick though which was good as I can't imagine having to suddenly leap out of bed. Ouch.
I had four separate wounds. One in the middle below my ribcage, one on my navel and two to the right of this. They were all so much smaller than I imagined and the nurse seemed pleased with how they looked when I left the hospital.
I am now two weeks in to recovery and I feel much better than I did 12 days ago. My wounds are still covered in the glue they put on after surgery. I was advised not to get them too wet for the first few days and to dry them delicately wth kitchen towel. Since then I have been careful too but showering normally.
I have been eating a normal diet since surgery but trying to keep it low in fat. As the gallbladder is no longer there working to break down fats, my liver is now constantly dripping bile into my intestine and I don't want it to overwork. Although the chocolates that friends and family have kindly bought me have gone down a treat so there has been some fat in my diet!
I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon on Monday and I have my fingers and toes crossed that he thinks surgery went ok and that I'm making good progress.
To anyone in a similar position having the same symptoms I had in the last 10 months, I advise you consider having surgery to remove your gallbladder. The pain, if like mine, is a million times worse than waking up from the anaesthetic dazed and confused.
I hope this has helped answer some questions you may have been wondering or worrying about prior to surgery.
Alex
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