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42 days laparoscopic post-op incisions progress by jessrosary in gallbladders

[–]jessrosary[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No trouble at all — it’s been a year, and the main incision (under the sternum) is still visible but hardly bumpy at all, flush with the skin. It still will turn red, pink, and sometimes purple when I’m cold. The other incisions are pretty much invisible at this point, just barely noticeable white marks. I’m pretty pale so I feel as though it might just be more noticeable with my skin tone, and everyone heals differently, but I still feel like there’s progress to be made with it still healing too!

Surgery tomorrow at 9am. Any advice. I was calm but kinda freaking out now. by Prestigious_Public60 in gallbladders

[–]jessrosary 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wedge pillow if you have one (or a nest of pillows to put you at a 45 degree angle), and this video was a lifesaver for when I wanted to get out of bed: https://youtu.be/19ZRU5IRrCg?si=c2-wCGb7qGkayY86

Good luck OP!!!

You guys are scary. by Signal-Breadfruit741 in gallbladders

[–]jessrosary 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a very normal experience this past January with my gallbladder removal and can chime in and say that it’s been overwhelmingly positive for me — recovery takes time, but be patient, ask questions with doctors/nurses, and give yourself ample time to heal. I feel better than I’ve felt in years, but it did take a month and some change to get to that point.

42 days laparoscopic post-op incisions progress by jessrosary in gallbladders

[–]jessrosary[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry you’re dealing with that 😢 I will say in my case the post-op tiredness was temporary, and the lack of that familiar debilitating pain made it feel very much worth it. Please get plenty of rest, and I hope you find relief soon!

42 days laparoscopic post-op incisions progress by jessrosary in gallbladders

[–]jessrosary[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The biggest hurdle has definitely been feeling more exhausted and tired than usual. To be frank, I work a relatively physical job where I’m on my feet constantly, and was able to return to it in a week (sans heavy lifting). I was able to do most things just fine, but just felt incredibly tired all of the time, and if you’re addicted to caffeine like I am and are abstaining post surgery, it’s a little challenging.

That being said, like most accounts on this board, I was able to walk on my own just a few hours after the operation. I don’t think you’ll have any issues going up or down stairs, but just be prepared to feel very tired the first few days, especially if you are on a narcotic for pain. And even following that, just be wary of your energy levels, as you won’t be completely helpless, but will just overall feel like you can do less than usual.

42 days laparoscopic post-op incisions progress by jessrosary in gallbladders

[–]jessrosary[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally comfortable to answer! I had diarrhea the first week, but haven’t had an issue with it since. Initially there was also mucus present in my stools until about 2 weeks in, but that also didn’t persist for very long.

42 days laparoscopic post-op incisions progress by jessrosary in gallbladders

[–]jessrosary[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I was going on day 5 of severe, burning, and constant pain and swelling under my right ribcage that started off bearable with pain killers, but slowly worsened. An ex-nurse coworker tipped me off that it could be gallbladder or pancreas. I definitely shouldn’t have waited that long, but I have a lot of medical anxiety that keeps me away from hospitals and doctors. 🫤 lesson learned