Pain - anyone have an idea?

[Laurie Henderson]

Originally Posted by bbro

Well, there is a supplement called lecithin that I try and take before eating fatty foods or for pain. Also, she suggested a pain releiver for pain in addition. I also use 1 TBSP of castor oil heated in a pan until warm. Use a rag to soak it up, place on right side where gallbladder, etc is located, place a heating pad on top of it. She also gave me digestive enzymes to take before eating fatty foods, but I lost the prescription and the supplements were working so I didn't worry about it.

Seriously, though, if you are having the same pain, you have to go see a doctor. Your gallbladder can burst just like an appendix or have a stone block bile ducts which can lead to pancreatitis and other problems. Not trying to scare you, but it should be looked at.

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!!! On Memorial Day (5/26), I had the worst heartburn. Of course, being at picnics, and being weak-willed, I ate just about everything despite the heartburn. Woke up the next day with pain across abdomen, shooting up my back, and, everytime I swallowed, I though it would be my last action on earth...

Saw my GP on that day, and she ran a few tests, scheduled me for an ultrasound on 6/9. I told her that I truly believed I would be dead by then. She recommended a liquid diet for one week, then a NO FAT diet for the next. Handled the liquid diet for about 2 days, then began to lose my mind... obsessing about food, watching Food Network, dreaming about food. On day # 5 of the liquid diet, I cracked. Ate a waffle around 10:30 a.m. By 4:00 p.m., I assumed I was free & clear - no problems. Didn't eat the rest of the day (I normally eat only once a day...). Long about 8:00 p.m. - same time son's baseball game started - I began to get deathly ill. Wouldn't you know that the game went into extra innings (we won, so that was okay). Ended up in ER, doped out of my mind (it's a nice place to be!!). Talked with a surgeon the next day & he wanted my "system to settle" - no food. The following day, his PA recommended sending me home, liquid diet for one week, NO FAT diet for the next (SOUND FAMILIAR?!?!?!), and I would probably get my gall bladder out in mid-July. I asked if there was any way I could get it out sooner. She said yes, if I wanted. I told her that if she had a knife on her, I would be willing to get the surgery started IMMEDIATELY! We actually took the more proper route - anesthesia, operating room, etc., and, as soon as I woke up, I felt somewhat better. It's been 2 weeks since my surgery, and I feel physically okay. Still really struggling with the diet, since I have to re-introduce fats into my system. I was always the first to suggest a cheesesteak & fries for lunch. Now it's grilled fish, and I believe if I eat one more no-fat hard pretzel, I may turn into one.

I've lost about 25 pounds, despite already being too thin.

LONG STORY SHORT: I FEEL MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!! Anyone that is having these symptoms really should get this procedure done. I was told that by waiting as long as I did (about eleven years, but I've been busy!!), I could have put my life in jeopardy, and, my recovery won't be as quick as others.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Laurie Henderson

....(about eleven years, but I've been busy!!), ....

That's an all too often problem with a lot of people. Too busy taking care of others, taking care of business, to take care of themselves.

Thanks for passing on that tale of caution, Laurie.

[Tulip]

Laurie: i'm glad everything ended well for you. i think as americans, we dont ever rest. there's always something that has to be done. "i've been busy." i hear and say that way too often also. my friend's cold became bronchitis because she was too busy to go to the doctor.

[bbro]

Final update:

I am back at work. I had the surgery on Tuesday and except for trouble with the IV and a bit of upchucking when the breathing tube was removed, all went very well. I didn't have any of the possible aftereffects with nausea or anything. I was mainly tired and a bit sore. The pain was nothing like I was getting, so not bad. Still made slight use of the pain pills I was prescribed. I only took halves during the day and whole ones at night even though the dosage was higher. He said cause of my stomach, if the half pill worked, then go with it. I could have gone back to work on Thurs-Fri, but my doctor preferred that I stay at home and that's what I did. Now that I am actually back, I couldn't imagine coming into work then. I am so freakin tired, I could fall asleep under my desk. I can't wait to crawl into bed and sleep the night away only to wake up and go to work.

I go for a follow-up appointment on Wednesday with the surgeon. Don't know what he is going to say. Not much happening except some reactions tot he glue from the band-aids I've been using. I'm sure it will be fine, though, that is why this is the last update.

Thanks to everyone for their information, support, and concern. Hopefully I won't have any other health problems that I will need you for any time soon.

[glatt]

I'm glad you are on the mend!

I had minor surgery a couple years ago, and went back to work too soon. Spent a couple hours on the floor under my desk. For me, it was the pills making the room spin that did me in.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Good for you bbro, life will be milk & honey, from now on.