Husband's Recent Open Gallbladder Surgery, Still Reallly Sick

My best advice to you is to continue seeing other doctors/gastroenterologists until you find out what's wrong! It's hard to keep getting the same answer over and over but you need an answer! I've been in a similar situation personally and was told for 5 years that nothing was wrong with me...it was all "in my head" until one day I found a doctor who knew what he was doing and was willing to truly find out what was going on! The problem has now been corrected and my life and work and family life are all reaping the benefits of a healthy, happy me! It would be helpful to obtain a copy of his records from each doctor he sees to take to the next one too. This will save time and testing and money. It's unfortunate these days with the technology we have that it's hard to find a doctor that has a desire to find out what's wrong and is capable of doing so! Good luck!!!

Hi V.,
I am an ultrasound technologist so I know a little about these problems. Many times when patients readmit with pain post op, the problem can be a stone in the bile duct. The only way to truly "rule out a stone" is through a procedure called an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram or ERCP. Did your husband have this procedure when he was readmitted or did they do an ultrasound or CT? Sometimes, though, it takes the body quite a while to get used to the whole idea of not having a gallbladder which is usually more nausea than pain. If his doctor seems satisfied with his diagnosis, I would definitely see someone else. Try another gastroenterologist and get a second opinion. PS...I just saw your other comments about taking him back so I think you're going in the right direction.

Has he had a follow up visit with his surgeon since this last discharge from the hospital? What about his internist, etc? The best advice I can give to you is to not stop until you have an answer. It is not normal for any persons to lose such the amount of weight as your husband in such a short time. what did the doc's say about the fluid around his liver? Has it been tested? Has he taken any antibiotics post surgery for possible infection? V., in all seriousness demand an answer from the doctors, you would rather be nuisance now than have a bad outcome. Good luck and keep us posted. C.

V.,

Is he still vomiting or just nauseated? what did they give him for pain medication? Depending on what the pain med is this could be the source of his nausea. Anything narcotic will do this. If this is the case, he needs to call his MD and have them call him in a RX for an antiemetic (nausea medicine). He has to get something in his system, even if it is liquids.

Dear V.,
Try the web site WEBMD.com. It will tell you if this is something to be worried about. It breaks down all of the medical terms and tells you about common side effects. I use Webmd.com a lot. Hope it helps.

Why did your husband have to have an open gallbladder surgery? Most all gallbladders are removed by the laparoscope now days. Did they do studies to see if he had a stone that got loose and went into to his common bile duct? They can do a procedure call an ERCP(endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram),they can look at your pancreas and biliary system to see if there are anymore stones. if his gallbladder was very infected he could have pancreatitis or it could have infected his liver since the gallbladder sits in the liver bed. I also had very similar problems and my liver was infected and I had pancreatitis, it took three weeks in the hospital and many months after to feel normal again.My liver functions were high for several weeks until all the infection was gone.I also lost over 30 pounds and was very sick and couldnt eat.This takes a long time to get over if you really have a sick gallblader. Keep insisting on answers from your doctor. Good luck and I hope he is feeling well soon.

I had gall bladder surgery as well. I had it when I was pregnant with my second child. I had a lot of stones so it had to be removed. After the surgery was over and I went home, I was still having some difficulties. I found out that I had a absess(sorry not sure of the spelling). It was just some bacteria that got in there while the were doing the initial surgery. They put a tube in my side and drained it out, over a few weeks. But after a few weeks it cleared up and I was able to have the tube removed. I'm not sure that's what he's having, but it's worth a check. Good luck to you all. N.

I just wanted to mention an intestional infection that has been going around the school where I work. It seems to have the same symptoms as your husband does. One of my dear friends has had the same issues with her susband. He lost 25 ounds in less than a month. He did not have gall bladder surgery, but cannot eat and they still are not sure what is wrong. I would also look into staph infection.
I think the intestinal infection starts as the stomach bug but many cannot get rid of it.

Take him to another hospital or get a second opinion. Don't risk his health or life over it!

My father had anerism (sp) surgery in Jan of last year. After the surgery he couldn't eat or sleep. He had either constipation or the opposite. This went on for about 8 months until the doctors finally found a tumor in his pancreas. It was benign and we have went thru hell with it. He is 6'2 and weighs about 133 lbs now. He is on the road slowly to recovery but the docotrs kept putting him off and saying it was in his head. I would have an MRi or CT scan just to rule out any possible tumors. His was well hidden and the Dr didn't find it unti about his 3rd MRI or CT scan. Good Luck

Hi V.,

I am a junior year nursing student, and although I don't have all the details, one question I want to ask is did the doctors prescribe an antiemetic, such as phenergan for your hubby? It sounds like he really needs something to help stop the nausea. Also, if he cannot tolerate solid food, try giving him clear liquids such as broth, 7up or Sprite, or ginger ale, jello, and other things that would be easy on his digestive system. It is also possible that the pain medicaiton he is taking is making him nauseous, and the anti-emetic will help that. If he is also on an antibiotic and is taking it on an empty stomach, it could make him nauseous as well. It's possible the surgery could cause the liver and pancreatic enzymes to be high, especially since it was open surgery and the doctors were handling his organs. If he is not on an anti-emetic, call the doctor and request a prescription for one. And if he can't tolerate anything else, he needs to drink clear liquids to avoid becoming dehydrated. I also know of a good home remedy that really works, although it tastes awful. Mix equal parts of unsweetened tea, sprite or 7up, and pear juice (which you just drain off a can of pears). He needs to drink a full cup at a time, and although it is hard to get down because of the taste, it really helps nausea. I pray that your husband will soon be well. And I hope my advice is helpful.

V.,
My name is L., I am an RN. Have they ruled out a very common problem after having abdominal surgery called an Ileus? It's an intestinal blockage you can get after the bowels have been "put to sleep" with surgery. The blockage could be a "kink" or twist in the intestins, or just paralyzation of them, they just didn't wake up after surgery. If he is still not eating and as nauseated as you say don't accept it, tell his MD something is wrong and don't let them explain away symptoms without some type of investigation i.e xray, abd ultrasound, or even better and abdominal CT. Hope he's feeling better soon.
Sincerely,
L. Marchman

I just read your update, glad they found out what was going on!!