Hi all,
I’m getting my gallbladder removed on 6th June in a private hospital in the UK. I have been having gallbladder attacks since August last year. An ultrasound confirmed gallstones early on, and after trying to manage things including losing weight (lost 64 pounds), my symptoms only became more frequent and severe.
I eventually decided to go private because of the NHS wait time. I had my first consultation on 1st April, an MRI on the 9th to check for stones in my bile duct (thankfully there were none), and was booked for surgery shortly after.
Some of my attacks have been unbearable, I’ve ended up lying on bathroom tiles, pouring water over myself, hyperventilating, and nearly blacking out from the pain. Even knowing that, I still keep second guessing surgery, especially if I go a week or two without an attack.
Right now I feel like my life revolves around food anxiety, worrying about eating out, trying to avoid triggers, and feeling like very few people around me understand how severe gallbladder pain can be.
I’m also really anxious about general anaesthetic, and one of my biggest worries after surgery is digestive urgency. I know some people experience that, and it’s something I’m quite scared about.
For anyone who’s had gallbladder removal how was your recovery? What was your diet like afterwards? Did anything help (supplements, foods, practical things for recovery)? If you were scared beforehand, did you feel relieved afterwards?
I’d really appreciate any advice or positive stories. Thank you ☺️