“Gallbladder removal”
When lying down after surgery, it is almost impossible to get comfortable. What are some suggestions for this issue?
Female | 46 years old
Complaint duration: 1 week
7 Answers
GastroenterologistGallbladdersurgery
Natasha E. Kelly
Surgeon
Don't lie down flat. Use comforters to lie on.
Most likely cause is post operative pain. It should improve soon, and if it does not then please follow up with your surgeon.
If you had laparoscopic surgery, sometimes some fluid (serum or bile) collects where the the gall bladder was. Most of the time this gets absorbed but if pain persistes you will need an ultrasound of the abdomen to find out more if you have a persistent bile leak.
It is not uncommon to have pain at the incisions when lying down. A combination of a narcotic and ibuprofen can help with the pain. You may also use a binder to help with comfort while lying and moving.
Your symptoms are typically not present after laparoscopic or robotic removal of the gallbladder. Open surgery recover is more painful but should resolve in time.
If you are still having trouble, I would call whoever did the surgery and be sure to tell the doctor what is going on and they should be able to help you. If that doesn't work, see a different doctor.
I wish you well,
Ole' Doc House
I wish you well,
Ole' Doc House
If it is safe for you, I would recommend taking anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen. One of the other issues that causes discomfort after surgery is constipation. Ensure that you are having one soft bowel movement daily. If not, start a bowel regimen using colace, miralax, or something else over the counter. I quote my patients that it takes 2 weeks to feel about 80% recovered, but it may take 4-6 weeks to feel normal.
