Saturday, May 31, 2008

Dang

Weeks of getting up at 3am and moving to the couch so I could sleep sitting up may be coming to an end. Wouldn't that be nice? Not to be awakened by the imminent feeling of nausea? Not to be awakened at all until the alarm clock went off or until the sun began peeking through the blinds?

Weeks of easing myself into and out of chairs, avoiding bending over or going up and down stairs slowly and carefully. Could it all be over soon?

I went to the doctor last Tuesday for my regular three-month check (diabetes/cholesterol bloodwork) and mentioned that I'd been having a very odd pain in my back on the right side under my ribs. Sleeping was hard because I couldn't get comfortable or would wake up nauseous. He hmmm'd as he listened and poked and told me I needed to go get an ultrasound as soon as possible.

Friday morning found me in the lab with jelly on my upper abdomen and side as the technician ran her wand over me, looking inside at liver, pancreas, kidney and gallbladder. She took LOTS of stills and measurements. I didn't ask, becaues I knew she wasn't allowed to say, but I knew something was up. When she finished, she told me that my doctor would probably contact me later that afternoon.

They called before lunch.

"You were right. Your gallbladder is contracted and packed with gallstones. I'm going to try to set you up with a surgical consult today, but it might be Monday. Friday afternoon is a hard time to get ahold of them."

Vindication! Only a couple of times has the pain been sharp. Mostly it's been a nagging soreness that I didn't think about too much. But when soreness doesn't go away, it's more than a pulled muscle.

So sometime next week, I will probably be having surgery to remove my gallbladder. It's been like a weird gall-virus going around at work... two other people have had theirs out in the last month! But at least I know what to expect from having talked to them about their surgeries and recoveries. One says she's never felt this good in her whole life. Most encouraging...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, just what I thought. Thank goodness there is a diagnosis, and it's a body part that can be removed! Do you know if your gall bladder will be removed laproscopically?(s)
DO stay away from greasy, fatty foods. Fatty meats, pizza, cheese...

BIG hugs, Sarah. I've got you in my prayers.
Annie W

karatemom said...

hey there ...been there done that...you will feel oh so much better after you get over the operation...I had mine done almost 10 years ago.. laproscopically...4 little holes..and presto all better.

its day surgery now for many.
you will be so glad to feel better.. I suffered with mine for over a year.. glad you dont have to.
take care

Molly said...

Oh Sayre...I hope that you feel better soon.

karisma said...

Oh you poor baby, and here I am feeling sorry for myself with the flu! I will stop it right now and feel for you instead! Hugs and I will be thinking of you!

Jodi said...

Gosh, Sayre...I don't know if I'm sorry you're not feeling well or glad you're going to get it fixed. Be careful!

J.

Patience said...

Hope you're feeling better soon!!! {{hugs}}

Pamela said...

Hope you have it as easy as I did.
No cutting open -- just that scope - and three little holes.

I felt great - except, the gas that they use to blow up your belly so they can see. Some people don't even notice that. It has to dissipate - you can't hmmm "blow" it out. (:

SwampAngel65 said...

I had my gallbladder removed in 1992. I would get hit with excruciating pain - like a knifein my gut- that would last for 15-20 minutes before it would subside. I finally went to my doctor who sent me immediately to the ER. The ER doctor set me up for emergency surgery that night. It happened so fast, I had no time to worry or get scared. It ended up being a piece of cake. Small incisions that were stapled shut. They did it all laproscopically. My only regret was that I didn't ask to keep the stones. I found out later that they are actually very pretty. Knowing me, I probably would've made earrings or something out of them. Yeah, I'm weird. Anyway, good luck, you'll be fine!

Jan said...

Good luck, you have my best wishes. I've never had this problem, but I did have an appendix removed this year, it was a breeze.

Unknown said...

I had my gallbladder out a few months after my mom did and a co-worker. Isn't that weird.

Hope you're feeling better soon. :)

storyteller said...

A good friend just had hers removed a few weeks ago, and says she’s not felt this good in DECADES … though her recovery took a little longer than expected. Best wishes for yours and a speedy recovery too ;--)
Hugs and blessings,