Gallbladder surgery

Mar 07, 2009

So, I had my gallbladder taken out this past Thursday. It was a long day. My surgery was scheduled for 11am (I was supposed to  arrive at the hospital at 9, but wound up getting there early as traffic was light.) After waiting in the pre-op bed for a while, an OR nurse came in to tell me that there was about a 3 hour delay due to the current procedure that Dr. Quilici was doing had become unexpectedly complicated. So I wound up going into the OR around 3:30. 

I was much less nervous this time around then when I had my RNY. I didn't get nervous until I was in the OR. I hadn't needed any Versed (nor did the anesthesiologist offer me any in pre-op) until I was in the OR. She told me she was going to give me some at that point and I was glad because seeing all the instruments in the OR did make me a little nervous. But just a little.

I woke up in recovery and couldn't wait to get some ice chips. Who knew ice chips could be so yummy. After a little while I was brought over to the "short stay" area. I saw Dr. Quilici briefly and asked him how my GB looked, and he said he could see scar tissue on it and that there was evidence of GB attacks. (Thank goodness I hadn't experienced a high degree of pain!). After an hour in short stay, I was allowed to go home.

On the way home, at one point I thought I might throw up in the car, but I managed not to. The first night home was pretty easy and I felt alright.

The next day, Friday, I started to feel a little blah...lot of aches and pains in my muscles. I thought it might be from walking (doctor's orders). But my dad, who is an anesthesiologist, told me that there is a specific anesthetic which is used frequently in ambulatory surgery, and that there was a decent chance it was used on me. Muscle aches are a common side effect of this med.  I also have a sore throat. Probably from being intubated. I hope so, because it would be a bummer if I'm coming down with something.

I walked more today, mainly at the farmers' market. I didn't really buy much, I'm feeling a little worn out and don't expect to cook much, not yet anyway.

Part of me feels guilty, that I'm being too easy on myself. I feel like I should be back at the gym, which is probably ridiculous. It's too soon. I guess because others said that their GB surgery/recovery was such a piece of cake that I feel like I need to be some sort of super-hero.  But it isn't going to happen, I'm tired and achy. But I'm sure it will get better soon.

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