On the whole, a chunk of coal would have been more welcome.

[gridlore]

Well, after a not too sucky evening in the ER, we know why I'm having problems this time around. I have gall stones. The treatment of choice is surgery to remove the gall bladder. I've got medications for pain and nausea and need to avoid high-fat and greasy foods. A consult has been put in to the surgical department; they're supposed to call me Monday.

Once again I'm just happy that this thing has a name. If it has a name we can fight it. The adjustments in my diet are going to take some work. I may well have had my last pizza orgy, and Fake Mexican Food has gone from a staple to an occasional treat. A lot more poultry in place of beef. We'll make it work.

I'm really pleased with Kaiser's ER. They are efficient, caring, and work with you to establish your problem and make sure that you know what's going on at any given point. They're also fun. While being rolled back from X-ray the orderly and I were singing Christmas carols at the top of our lungs. I was on morphine, I don't know what his excuse was.

More surgery. Most likely after the 1st of the year. Hopefully I can schedule it for a Friday to minimize the amount of work I miss.

Comments

[crankyoldgoat.livejournal.com]

I do believe that the gall bladder is one of the things they can do with the new robotic surgery techniques.

Hence, they only need enough incision to put in a tiny camera and little automated clippers.

Being a Traveller player, you might even want to be awake to watch.

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

With my PTSD triggers, no.

[bkwrrm-tx.livejournal.com]

If it has a name, we can fight it.

Amen.

[lisa-marli.livejournal.com]

Removing the gall bladder does go pretty easily. Harold had only three little scars for that one. And was back on his feet fairly fast. Kaiser has it down pat.
After the surgery and your body adjusts, most people can go back to eating just about anything. So Pizza will probably be ok again, but you'll have to see how you react to the Fake Mexican.

[murphymom.livejournal.com]

Well, crap! Sorry to hear this - but glad, as you say, that it has a name and a course of treatment.

[grimmwire.livejournal.com]

Ouch. Not a good Xmas present.

Hoping the new year holds nothing but good things for you and K.

[benkenobigal.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you had this occur. :(

I had my gall bladder out about 6 years ago. I'm the biggest wuss in the world when it comes to pain or anything and I can reassure you that it is an easy operation (I've had 3 lifetime). I did a half day at work the day after surgery (a Friday) and was back full time by Monday. :)

[fangedfaerie.livejournal.com]

That really sucks, but at the same time I'm relieved for you.

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Y'know...

I had my gall bladder out a month ago and have managed to get by with v. little change in diet - and I love me my cheese and fried thingummies.

In my case, I find that if I have too fatty a meal/snack, I pay for it almost immediately with some mild nausea and "upset tummy" (as mother would euphemistically call it) but NOTHING like the discomfort the gall bladder itself gave me.

So, despair not, you might still be able to enjoy the occasional slice of pizza! I'd just lay off the deep-fried Twinkies. ;)