Pancreatitis and Gall Bladder Removal

[NW-Bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braumeister Better get used to it; this will recur as you get older!

Speaking from personal experience there, buddy?

Well, I believe I am younger than you, but I have been getting used to it too.

[August West]

Although I can't speak to your specific condition, I suffered from acute pancreatitis on two occasions 27 years ago and can say without a doubt it was the most painful experience of my life so I partially know what you went through (without the GB surgery). I seriously thought I was going to die (and probably should have - but that is another story). Both times I was hospitalized even though the second time I ended up working my way out of the restraints, ripping out the IV's and walking out of the the hospital.

In my case, the acute pancreatitis was brought about by prolonged acute alcohol abuse. Luckily, once I was able to stop drinking the condition never reoccured and I have been quite healthy since with no pancreas or GB problems although the older I get, the more potty breaks I have to take . My coworker's wife had to have her GB removed a few months ago and she seems to be getting along well although I know modifying your diet is important after the removal.

Glad you are out and on the mend.

[Dreamer]

I have never known anyone who has had these problems. Yikes! Another thing to keep in mind.

I am so glad that you are home and on the mend.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by August West My coworker's wife had to have her GB removed a few months ago and she seems to be getting along well although I know modifying your diet is important after the removal.

I think that medical thinking on that has changed over the years in that diet modification after gall bladder surgery is pretty much optional now AFAIK. At least, when I had my gall bladder removed, my doctor said to try eating the same as always and then modify my diet only if I was having digestive troubles. Luckily I had no problems digesting anything so no diet modification needed.

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_M5 I just got home from spending 10 days in the hospital due to severe acute pancreatitis and the removal of my gall bladder. They told me my case was so bad, it could have been fatal.

Glad to see you posting again, and wishing for a speedy recovery.

[pacergal]

My DH will be having GB surgery this week after 3 bouts of pancreatitis. Finally referred to pancreatic specialist as all tests essentially negative and no risk factors. First thing he said was "schedule surgery to remove your gallbladder!" Wish that would have happened after the first time. Pancreatitis is extremely painful to go through.
Hope you heal well and stay healthy.

[AllDone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R I think that medical thinking on that has changed over the years in that diet modification after gall bladder surgery is pretty much optional now AFAIK. At least, when I had my gall bladder removed, my doctor said to try eating the same as always and then modify my diet only if I was having digestive troubles. Luckily I had no problems digesting anything so no diet modification needed.

Yes, no need to modify your diet unless something bothers you. Some people have diarrhea just after the surgery. I had no need to change my diet.

[eytonxav]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacergal My DH will be having GB surgery this week after 3 bouts of pancreatitis. Finally referred to pancreatic specialist as all tests essentially negative and no risk factors. First thing he said was "schedule surgery to remove your gallbladder!" Wish that would have happened after the first time. Pancreatitis is extremely painful to go through. Hope you heal well and stay healthy.

Hope everything goes well, however, your DH will have no problem with the surgery pain wise vs the pancreatitis. They had to treat me with bedrest and fluids for 6 days to allow my pancreatitis to calm down to appropriate levels before commencing the GB surgery. Since coming home, I have already peed off 15 lbs of fluid and have at least another 15 lbs to go. I can't believe how those fluids affected my body shape, used to be V shaped upper torso and now its like an upside down V

[tfudtuckerpucker]

10 years ago I was hit with a sudden GB attack. I had no symptoms up till that point. I recall it was quite painful. They checked me in and did a "Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy". I was back to work in a few days, and have since detected no related heath issues. It seems that your body can get by just fine without it.

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_M5 Hope everything goes well, however, your DH will have no problem with the surgery pain wise vs the pancreatitis. They had to treat me with bedrest and fluids for 6 days to allow my pancreatitis to calm down to appropriate levels before commencing the GB surgery. Since coming home, I have already peed off 15 lbs of fluid and have at least another 15 lbs to go. I can't believe how those fluids affected my body shape, used to be V shaped upper torso and now its like an upside down V

Pancreatitis produces massive quantities of digestive enzymes that, amongst other things, mess with your capillary exchange (that is, how fluids get into and out of tissues from the circulatory system). When you were very sick, albumin leaked from your capillaries into your tissues, dragging water with it due to osmosis, causing edema, and draining your circulatory system, which in turn mandated a high fluid intake, some of which also leaked, exacerbating the edema. It's a vicious circle, and improvement in edema signifies recovery of capillary function. Edema settles according to gravity and tissue laxity, hence your new (temporary) pear shape. As your condition improves, your capillary function is healing and the edema will gradually resolve. You have been through the wars and are lucky to be here to tell the tale!

[redduck]

Quote:

Originally Posted by August West ...Both times I was hospitalized even though the second time I ended up working my way out of the restraints, ripping out the IV's and walking out of the the hospital.

Where did you go?

[eytonxav]

I've been home for 5 days post discharge, and I've lost 25 lbs. I'm thinking I may have another 5-10 lbs more of excess IV fluid to lose. Weight loss was never this easy in the gym, but I'll take the gym approach every time. I am now wondering at what point I can return to the gym; have follow-up appointment with surgeon in about 10 days.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_M5 I've been home for 5 days post discharge, and I've lost 25 lbs. I'm thinking I may have another 5-10 lbs more of excess IV fluid to lose. Weight loss was never this easy in the gym, but I'll take the gym approach every time. I am now wondering at what point I can return to the gym; have follow-up appointment with surgeon in about 10 days.

If it was me, I'd wait and ask the surgeon at your appointment. By then, you will have had more time to recover.

My surgeon won't allow me to go to the gym until 2 weeks after my second cataract surgery (which is on Thursday, so two weeks from Thursday). Maybe that will give you some idea although the surgeries are very different. I imagine that your surgery was more complex and serious than mine. For example, I was awake through my surgery although sedated so I experienced no pain.

When I do start going back to the gym, I am going to start with very gentle, low key workouts. For the machines on which I used to lift 150 pounds, I will start out with 30 pounds, and so on.

[eytonxav]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R If it was me, I'd wait and ask the surgeon at your appointment. By then, you will have had more time to recover. My surgeon won't allow me to go to the gym until 2 weeks after my second cataract surgery (which is on Thursday, so two weeks from Thursday). Maybe that will give you some idea although the surgeries are very different. I imagine that your surgery was more complex and serious than mine. For example, I was awake through my surgery although sedated so I experienced no pain. When I do start going back to the gym, I am going to start with very gentle, low key workouts. For the machines on which I used to lift 150 pounds, I will start out with 30 pounds, and so on.

Absolutely, I won't do anything until he gives me a green light, other than walking. I'm just wondering what he is going to say as to when the internal stitches will be fully healed and I am allowed to get back at it. I imagine it is going to take months to regain my former strength level.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_M5 Absolutely, I won't do anything until he gives me a green light, other than walking. I'm just wondering what he is going to say as to when the internal stitches will be fully healed and I am allowed to get back at it. I imagine it is going to take months to regain my former strength level.

I have no idea, but I figure it won't be really soon. We are paying these surgeons for their expertise, so like you I figure I'll just do exactly what mine says to do too. I think that would be the fastest way to become physically fit again.

I look at it as an opportunity to start over, and slowly/gradually work up to my former strength level. Maybe beyond, too! I won't have that mental block about lifting more than a certain amount.

Also, I am thinking that my "new eyes" will help me a lot as I try to get used to walking every day. I'll be less likely to trip (or break toes, like I did in August) with the help of better vision. I will start that again slowly and gradually, too.