Why put so much Gall in on place?
I sit before you this evening a changed man.
I sit before you sans Gallbladder.
Last night I started having significant pain in the upper part of my abdomen. I had a similar feeling two days before, which resolved on its own after 2-3 hours. When I had the pain last night, it would not let up. I could not sleep for the pain, no matter what position I took. At 3 AM my wife took me to the ER. All I wanted was to feel some relief from the pain that had lasted now 5 hours.
The Emergency physician didn’t think it was my gallbladder, as it was not really tender to touch. Yet an ultrasound got ordered showing gallstones and so they came asking me if I wanted to proceed to get it removed. Since I had gotten a substantial amount of pain medication and was feeling somewhat better, I was a little muddy-headed. Did the pain come from gallstones, or was this just an incidental finding? Was I just a person with gallstones who had a bad stomach virus? Since my symptoms felt different than any other stomach virus I had ever had (predominantly pain), I opted to get the surgery. I didn’t want another night like last night.
By 11 AM I was in the OR (I have very vague memories of this, aside from the anesthetist saying “Margaritaville” when he put the Versed in my IV). The next thing I remember was talking to my friend the surgeon and he was telling me that my symptoms were clearly from the stones. There were only three stones in the gallbladder, but one was obstructing the exit and the the gallbladder was “blown up like a balloon and sick appearing” behind the stone.
I was released from the hospital by 2 PM. Amazing. I should be back to work by next week, maybe even this Friday.
I even got 2 souvenir gallstones to show for it. Maybe I can have them mounted. Just kidding.
Certainly is it an education in itself to be put on the other side of the Doctor-Patient equation. I am glad to say that all who treated me in this instance were very professional and helpful. I am incredibly thankful to have such help at my disposal. Whenever I am the one to receive care rather than give it, I think of the movie “The Doctor,” starring William Hurt (which I highly recommend). I didn’t have the lessons he had to learn, but it is humbling to know that there are times your medical knowledge or position won’t help you. You just need to ask for help and accept what people have to give to you.
February 27th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Absolutely no fun being the one in need of assistance. I’m so sorry you were in need of help. Glad that’s behind you, and you’ll soon be well again.
February 27th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
Hope you get to feelin better soon!!! I had that surgery done almost a year ago now. I had so many stones the surgeon was stuned by it. I don’t get it, how it all happens and why so many? but anyway… the first day or so are not so comfortable but after that it’s smooth sailing:)
February 28th, 2007 at 8:22 am
I too hope that you are up and about, feeling better soon. Yes, it is truly very odd to be on the ‘other side’ as a doc. but I am glad for you that all went well.
Take Care,
Sisiphus
February 28th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Sorry to hear about your trouble.
Sounds like you had a smooth surgery & are fine now.
Hope you get some rest and get back into your routine soon.
February 28th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Good grief, Dr. Rob. Best wishes for a sound and speedy recuperation.
Regards - Shinga
February 28th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
My goodness, my gracious. Your very own surgical tale. I hope your surgeon was as good as Dr Sid. How the times have changed! Don’t forget to post your tiny scar at Dr Charles’ Eschara site. Well maybe you shouldn’t. We’d all know it was you cos there’s no gall bladder scar yet and it may be difficult to do it modestly.
I’m looking forward to some great posts, you’ll be bored out of your mind.
Take care and be well soon
jmb
February 28th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Thanks to all for your caring comments. I am feeling sore today, but better. There is not much to do, so I’ve been writing a lot for future blog posts (aren’t you lucky??).
I had thought about the Eschera post, I am not that self-conscious about being identified. I still have staples in (which gross my wife out). I am not sure I can convince my wife to take a picture.
February 28th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Ooooh. Sorry you were so ill and it resulted in surgery but glad that you received good care. I hope you are feeling better soon.
Stay well,
PA
February 28th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Well that was fast. Im happy it all went ok and you are home. Just don’t rush things to quickly. Aren’t you supposed to wait until after you see your surgeon before you go back to work? I went back at one week post G/B removal and it was ok, but I don’t know about going back sooner.
I get versed with my EGDs…I think I like that stuff.
Get some rest the next few days!
March 4th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Last year I fell and broke my hip and from the moment the ambulance arrived I too knew “You just need to ask for help and accept what people have to give to you.” I was also extremely fortunate that everyone who helped were very professional, competent and kind, and very grateful to each of them.
March 6th, 2007 at 12:03 am
Man, I feel bad I just now found out about this. I’m glad to know you are recovering well. I watched The Doctor during my first year of med school but shoud watch it again now that I’ve a few more years under my belt. The enema scene was cheery as I recall it.
August 9th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Oh the gall of that damned bladder!
Now we need to know,
What causes gall stones?
Did you get stoned in the gall_ery?
Did you have the gall to throw stones
at the bladder?
Or is it something as simple as calcium
rentention?
Just curious…….
Micheal