I am a 33 yo male and i had my gallbladder removed about 15 days ago. For about 5 years leading up to the operation, i was experiencing severe abdomial pain about 1 every 6-12 months, which would land me in the ED at hospital because the pain was excruciating. So 3 weeks ago it happened again and I was told i had biliary colic as a result of gallstones in my gallbladder, and that i should have a laparascopic cholecystectomy.
Since the operation 15 days ago, i am experiencing diahorrea every time i go to the toilet. And to make it worse, i then have 2 days of constipation which cause bloating and general discomfort. I get random pains or cramps in my abdomen still similar to what i experienced 8 months pre-surgery, all this despite eating very healthy meals since my operation.
Im taking hydrolyte for the diahorrea, but i honestly feel run down and miserable ever since the op. After telling my surgeon this, he told me to take a stool sample at the pathology lab where i will find out the results in 2 days. Ive had 4 weeks off work and this has been the roughest period of my life. I was told i would only need 1 week off work initially, but I just dont seem to be getting better. I really hope to god that my bowels will become a bit more regular and consistent. I get the feeling that im overproducing bile in the liver which is causing my diahorrea and foul flatulance. Im starting to wonder if ill need medication for the rest of my life as a result of this surgery.
Its comforting to know that others have experienced similar symptoms in this thread, but this whole experience just makes you feel dependant on family and friends, and im starting to get very depressed.
I had my gallbladder out probably 20 + years ago and have suffered with the frequent diarrhea and occasional vomiting since then. I would appreciate any tips you have.
The random pains and cramps i experienced were in part to a fist-sized haemotoma that formed post-op. Rather than have another operation to drain the collection of blood, my surgeon said the best course of action was to just let it break down naturally. About 3-4 months after the operation im guessing the haemotoma was completely dissolved because the random pains and cramps started to subside.
I developed anxiety from this whole experience which i need medication for. Wish i opted for the gallbladder operation when it was first discovered that i had the gallstones. It could take years to become med free and recover from this. Some people never do. Anyway I hope this post has given some people out there reassurance that things for me did eventually get better, even if i did experience some complications and setbacks on the way.
And she said that immodium could be used every day.