Gallbladder removed Monday - back home now!

[ChadFL]

Well I've known my gallbladder needed removed for sure since an ultrasound detected in about two weeks ago. Unfortunately the soonest I could get a scheduled procedure done (barring emergency) was mid-August. I'd had a few gallstone attacks in recent month, but nothing TOO unbearable. But last Saturday afternoon I had a KILLER gallstone attack. Worst pain in my life (like being knifed in the abdomen) and was admitted for surgery Monday morning, which was successful. I was released this afternoon and feeling SO much better. They've come a long way with this surgery, just four very small incisions these days. I think I'm a little young for this having already at only 31.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

Well I've known my gallbladder needed removed for sure since an ultrasound detected in about two weeks ago. Unfortunately the soonest I could get a scheduled procedure done (barring emergency) was mid-August. I'd had a few gallstone attacks in recent month, but nothing TOO unbearable. But last Saturday afternoon I had a KILLER gallstone attack. Worst pain in my life (like being knifed in the abdomen) and was admitted for surgery Monday morning, which was successful. I was released this afternoon and feeling SO much better. They've come a long way with this surgery, just four very small incisions these days. I think I'm a little young for this having already at only 31.

Both my Mom and my sons have had this done - and the boys were 29 and 26 years old at the time. Crazy stuff. It's no big deal once it's over, thank goodness.

Glad you got it done, it'll be fine, and it's over.

[filmnut5]

Hang in there Chad. You'll be fine in no time. Take it easy and watch sports.

[Clark Kent]

Rest up and get better.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

Both my Mom and my sons have had this done - and the boys were 29 and 26 years old at the time. Crazy stuff. It's no big deal once it's over, thank goodness.

Glad you got it done, it'll be fine, and it's over.

Thanks for the kind wishes everyone. I think there might be some heredity to it. My mom, uncle and both my grandparents all had their gall bladders removes. Seems like if it occurs within a family just about everyone has it. I'm only thankfully it's so minimally invasive nowadays. Most of my family members who had it decades ago ended up with big scars from the incision. Now it can be done with 4 very tiny incisions.

Originally Posted by filmnut5

Hang in there Chad. You'll be fine in no time. Take it easy and watch sports.

Thanks Filmnut and the Olympics helped me survive the tedious nearly 4 days in the hospital. It was literally the only thing on TV to keep my mind occupied. I'm also thankful that unlike so many in my country I actually have very good quality insurance through my employer that should only top me out at around $1,500 out of pocket tops.

[crazyBLUE]

Hope you have a speedy recovery Chad

[filmnut5]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

Thanks for the kind wishes everyone. I think there might be some heredity to it. My mom, uncle and both my grandparents all had their gall bladders removes. Seems like if it occurs within a family just about everyone has it. I'm only thankfully it's so minimally invasive nowadays. Most of my family members who had it decades ago ended up with big scars from the incision. Now it can be done with 4 very tiny incisions.




Thanks Filmnut and the Olympics helped me survive the tedious nearly 4 days in the hospital. It was literally the only thing on TV to keep my mind occupied. I'm also thankful that unlike so many in my country I actually have very good quality insurance through my employer that should only top me out at around $1,500 out of pocket tops.

That's Awesome. Who needs the financial burden piled on top of an already stressfull situation...NOBODY. Glad to hear you're covered, for the most part. Man, our Countries are different when it comes to this stuff. Our taxes are higher but we don't worry about doctor or surgical expenses (MAJOR peace of mind).

Keep 'er cool bros. and get well.

[ScarredLungs]

Glad to hear the surgery went well. Hope you recovery quickly!

[West E]

get well soon.

[The_Donster]

YIKES!! Like most things in life, seems just about everyone knows someone who had to have this. My wife had it done a few years ago and I'm pretty sure I need the surgery too. I just need to stop being stubborn about it and go in to get it checked out. I will tell you that the one thing you need to adjust is your diet now. Otherwise you might need to wear a diaper when you go out and about

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by The_Donster

YIKES!! Like most things in life, seems just about everyone knows someone who had to have this. My wife had it done a few years ago and I'm pretty sure I need the surgery too. I just need to stop being stubborn about it and go in to get it checked out. I will tell you that the one thing you need to adjust is your diet now. Otherwise you might need to wear a diaper when you go out and about

Well they sure did cut me off the bad foods cold turkey. Between Saturday morning and Monday afternoon when I had surgery I was allowed NOTHING to eat or drink. No solids or liquids, just an IV I was hooked up and these stupid "mouth swaps" to keep my lips from getting all dried out. It sucked big time. Even being allowed a liquid diet post-surgery seemed like heaven.

[onyxbfly]

Glad to hear that your surgery was successful. Feel better!!

[Moviefan1203]

Good to hear everything went well for you. My wife had hers removed several years ago when we were still in college. Those attacks are brutal! I hope you have a speedy recovery.

[Bodyslide]

Glad to hear your doing better. You will have to adjust your diet ongoing. Some foods you will find you have a rather quick reaction with also.

[ChadFL]

The bills are already amusing. Checked my insurance website and the one bill they've received so far is $1,744 for anesthesia during the operation. Yes... that's $1744 to knock me out only. Of course that's just the billed amount. With things like this my insurance plan typically knocks about 75% off that, then I pay 10% of the remainder.

But I imagine the $1,744 would be what someone uninsured would be expected to pay. Can't wait to see the bills for the actual procedure and 4 nights spent at the hospital. Whohoo... best HC system in the world... Filmnut, please get me a passport to someplace sane.

[silversnake]

Girlfriend had hers removed last summer at age of 24

Her lifestyle and diet didn't change much because she was already eating healthy and a vegetarian. She does avoid some fatty food and ice cream etc.

Good luck in your recovery and new chapter in your life

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by silversnake

Girlfriend had hers removed last summer at age of 24

Her lifestyle and diet didn't change much because she was already eating healthy and a vegetarian. She does avoid some fatty food and ice cream etc.

Good luck in your recovery and new chapter in your life

Thanks Silversnake. My doctor put me on a very low fat diet for at least one month. I'm going to try my best to stick with it beyond that as I know losing a good 25 pounds or so would be in my best interest. In the past I have tried but mostly failed in such efforts. Hopefully this time will be different.

[Moviefan1203]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

The bills are already amusing. Checked my insurance website and the one bill they've received so far is $1,744 for anesthesia during the operation. Yes... that's $1744 to knock me out only. Of course that's just the billed amount. With things like this my insurance plan typically knocks about 75% off that, then I pay 10% of the remainder.

But I imagine the $1,744 would be what someone uninsured would be expected to pay. Can't wait to see the bills for the actual procedure and 4 nights spent at the hospital. Whohoo... best HC system in the world... Filmnut, please get me a passport to someplace sane.

It's pathetic really. People in this country who don't have insurance are basically screwed. I know when I pick up prescriptions and look at what I pay versus the actual cost, it's a real eye opener for me. Thank God, my wife and I have good insurance. I really feel bad for the people that are less fortunate.

[ChadFL]

In case anyone was wondering what it costs to remove a gallbladder the answer (so far) is $31,076. And I'm not certain that's all as more bills might be yet to go through since hospitals annoyingly do not bundle their bills and you get several different bills. Of course mine was more costly than most since they kept me 4 days and 3 nights when this is typically a one night stay procedure. Thankfully it looks like I only pay about $1,200 since that is all that's left on my yearly insurance out of pocket maximum.

[krazeyeyez]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

Well I've known my gallbladder needed removed for sure since an ultrasound detected in about two weeks ago. Unfortunately the soonest I could get a scheduled procedure done (barring emergency) was mid-August. I'd had a few gallstone attacks in recent month, but nothing TOO unbearable. But last Saturday afternoon I had a KILLER gallstone attack. Worst pain in my life (like being knifed in the abdomen) and was admitted for surgery Monday morning, which was successful. I was released this afternoon and feeling SO much better. They've come a long way with this surgery, just four very small incisions these days. I think I'm a little young for this having already at only 31.

I had mine out when i was 21, after being sent home 2 times, the first time i was told i had food poisoning probably, and the second time the doctor was "convinced" i was going through withdrawls (only drug i have ever done does not have withdrawls ). Third trip i was accepted when i stressed "something is wrong with me, as i have NEVER felt the need to go to a hospital EVER before this point". Took the idiots almost a week to figure out my gallbladder had shut down. Worst healthcare experience ever and thank god i too had insurance. They did the micro surgery with the scope and i was out the next day.

Originally Posted by ChadFL

Well they sure did cut me off the bad foods cold turkey. Between Saturday morning and Monday afternoon when I had surgery I was allowed NOTHING to eat or drink. No solids or liquids, just an IV I was hooked up and these stupid "mouth swaps" to keep my lips from getting all dried out. It sucked big time. Even being allowed a liquid diet post-surgery seemed like heaven.

I actually asked for seconds on whatever test uses the white liquid... think its called barium, and if i remember correctly that was the test they finally figured out what the problem was. Good thing they didn't do something as invasive as an ultrasound like they did with you right