I wasn't going to even reschedule the ultrasound as by now I was convinced that it was just my colon acting weird...and can I just say I have not had any 'movement' since my laxative event last Tuesday...and yes, I've taken a stool softener once a day for the last 5 days...and so you can see why I'm thinking the colon is suspect (OK, why is it that all of you now know more about my health issues and bowel movements than anyone else LOL). After yesterday's spell I called and remade the ultrasound appointment for this morning...I knew I had to see my PCP on Friday and I knew she'd yell at me for not getting it done like she asked me to.
This morning; another 1/2 hour wait and then I was in for the ultrasound. So the tech and I were having a great chat, and I'm telling her about my LB/how common Gallbladder problems are and how I'm sure it's just constipation since the pain is in the lower abdomen but the PCP made me come anyway yadda yadda yadda...then we're talking about her WL and she's complimenting me on my face and how I must have elastic skin...and I'm telling her about my 'curtain' legs and belly...and then she's trying to figure out if she's met me before and I'm just so sweet...anywho...so we're fast friends by now and she did a VERY thorough ultrasound...I'm talking over 15 min. and some mighty hard pressing all around the right rib area (I'm going to point out here for any of you newbies that this ultrasound would have hurt a LOT if my port had been on my right side as is my doc's default place to put it...I'm just glad it was on the left). So now that we're 'friends' she tells me 'Goodness girl, your Doc is going to be happy to hear she was right, your gallbladder is full of stones! There's a whole mess of stones in there!'
Well, the good news is that I no longer feel like I'm a hypochondriac going to the doc for 'mysterious pains'. The bad news is it looks like another surgery is in my future. And as one of my friends here pointed out...I'll now be losing my hair...again. I called my surgeon and they can't get me in until 3/23, and I had the ultrasound report sent down to them. We'll see what happens then!
I should have asked my new tech 'friend' just how many 'a mess of stones' is...might be enough to make a necklace?
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21 comments:
Ack! You poor woman - what a drama to go through. Was it your gallbladder? I'm so glad mine is already gone - though the pain was well, a pain in the butt at the time. Hope it's plain sailing for you (the surgery.)
What a bummer. But hopefully once it's out you'll feel a lot better.
Oh Crap! I knew it! That pain sounded way too familiar. Good for you getting it checked out - now you know.
Well, you will see on my blog I whined about it a little bit, but overall it was easier than the band surgery -- mostly because I did not have any gas pains with the GB surgery and also because there was no port pain involved - plus the incisions are even smaller.
Still, its surgery. I did not feel "normal" until about 10 days post-op. I was on drugs for the first week.
"Full of stones"? I don't know, my doc said I had a "bunch," and that turned out to be 4. Enough to cause problems! Now I am glad I did it.
Sorry you have to go through this! I know just what you mean about being relieved you were not a hypochondriac after all! I felt the same way.
Wait, some docs put the port on the right side? That seems so stupid knowing GB problems are common! Yes, it would have hurt more to have my port on that side!
And why the hair loss? This time I mean....
Oh boy.. I guess you get to join the club. I had my GB out a while back, so when the surgeon installed my port he reused my GB scar so as to not make a new scar (and my port is located on my right side).. so that was a good thing for me.
Good luck to you.. just one bit of advice to share, if your pain does intensify.. don't hesitate to go to the ER.. an inflammed GB is nothing to mess around with.. but I am sure your doc told you this.. be well.. keep us updated.
Oh, that stinks. But it's good that you have a firm diagnosis. And Barbara is right - if the pain gets bad again, go to the ER. Take care, girl.
You may luck out on the hair thing. I lost a bunch after my first surgery (to remove my append. and a large ovarian cyst), but didn't have any problems when I had my gallbladder out or when I had exploratory surgery later. The one good thing is that the hair usually does come back thicker. That is bad for me since my hair is starting to fall out again and I already have extremely thick hair :)
Oh yuck - that stinks. I guess it's something we all have to be prepared for. Does that explain the fainting spell though Scarlett?
Cara- Yep Gallbladder.
Barbara- Well the no new scar would be a good thing with the right port, but I'm not sure how she would have done that ultrasound since mine isn't far below my ribs and she was all over that area. I guess she would have figured out.
Gen- Hair loss is caused by the general anesthesia mainly and the trauma of surgery as well. What happens now shows up in your hair three months later (just the cycle it is on and how it grows). I had the same thing happen when I've had other surgery. It will generally fall out for about three months and then start to return...I'm 10 months post op and am just noticing lots of hairs that are about 3-4" returning, which means they've been growing for months now....about right.
So sorry to hear about the stones....what a bummer. You gave me hope though about the hair...I have had loads of surgery and never lost my hair so perhaps I won't with this either. Gald you got it checked out
So sorry to hear this!! I am hoping that this is something that doesn't happen to me! But if it does, then I am sure you bandster's that has already had this happen, will let me know when/if I start complaining of this type of pain!!! LOL
About the hair loss, I am so glad to hear that it does eventually grow back! I have very thin, fine hair and it is coming out in handfuls.
This surprised me as I have had 8 Surgeries/Procedures and never lost any hair until now!! I was hoping that this would have been the case now as well!
But I guess at least one bad thing had to happen, since I had such an easy time recuperating from Lap Band Surgery.
I'm so sorry that you have to have another surgery!
Oh, BG, that sucks! I'd be curious, too, to see what a whole mess means. I am glad you rescheduled the ultrasound, though, and glad that this is being dealt with. What a pain, though! I hope you don't have too much pain or anymore fainting spells or attacks while waiting out the schedule. The 23rd is a long way away for something like this!
I agree. The GB surgery sucks but better without. I am always surprised the high incidence of GB problems after weight loss. You would think they would wise-up and throw in GB removal when they put in the band-like how they throw in a free hiatus hernia repair-sort of an upgrade.
Good luck! Hope the other end starts moving again soon.
What a drag!
Everytime I read these damn stone stories I think...hmmm..maybe I should have been taking those anti-gallstone meds my doc prescribed after surgery. I was supposed to take them for 6 months every day. I never did :(
Only you could make something cute and crafty out of those stones! Oh and I think the GB weighs about 3oz...so that might show up on the scale! Wait, if its full of gravel maybe 6oz!!!
Oh and gallbladderectomy is definitely a NSV...its a former fatty right of passage! Congrats!
BG, I had to have mine out as well. I was told it was because I gained and lost a lot of wt quickly mant times!!! Thats how they get growing....RIGHT, This was my pattern for life up and down the scale. I had only one stone it was an 8 mm Pearl!! They said I could keep it if I wanted too. No I'd rather not have anything that is going to cause me to remember the pain I felt before I got the entire Gallbladder removed. I feel for you.
I wish you well and a speedy recovery.
Love imaluckydog
BG---Gallbladder surgery?! Are you going to draw on your tummy again for your surgeon? My older sister had hers out and said it was fine--didn't notice anything different. My BFF literally JUST had hers out a month ago and is losing weight like crazy (she doesn't have any to lose, but wants to get to a size 5 before raising concern to her DR. haha) She can't eat "anything" (interpretation: chimichangas) without running to the bathroom. Again, she is not complaining, and sees it as a gift from God. :o)
About my ovarian cysts...I had them two years ago--one solid one and two fluid-filled ones. It was "double-over" kind of pain. I went on the pill and it cleared itself up. As soon as I went OFF the pill, I started getting them again. Most just hurt a little and then pop or whatever and go away "resolve" on their own. But I have one BIG one 2 1/2 inches that is solid. The tech didn't tell me hardly ANYTHING about it--like location or any of that, so I am really curious. I will see the OB/GYN next week after the follow-up Ultrasound. It is causing TONS of pain even though I went back on the pill. Especially when I walk or do anything active. We will see about surgery. I'm really holding out hope that I don't have to, but if that's what it takes, I'm ready to get on with this!! Have you scheduled your surgery? I'll be praying for you to have an easy surgery and a swift recovery. At least you won't have to drink chicken broth for 2 weeks while you're dealing with the gas pains this time, right? :o) Keep us posted!
Hi BG, I just tried Lena's recipe for Caramelized Pork Tenderloin with Faux-tay-toes tonight from the Fat Frog Diary. Just amazing!!!
Very high in protein and low in carb and calories as well. I have been making all my own food since I was banded. I do not eat anything processed or pre-packaged just my choice. I want to know what is in my food. I just do not have any cravings anymore. This has just happened to me since being banded. I only crave broccoli soup now, is that weird? I must need the iron? Going to ask for blood work when I go next week to weigh in. Your bloggs are the best. I do not eat anything that has the word diet on it, I am also not on a diet.
By the way we won the STATE SKI meet our high school team took First place. I was so happy I could be part of all the excitement I felt so alive and young again. Thanks for all the great info. Love imaluckydog
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