One year on

Well it's been one year since my gallbladder was removed. It was the best thing that could have happened to me.  I lost over 12 kilos (26 pounds) and I felt fantastic...for awhile.

After a few months of following a strict diet of very little fat, I slowly started to introduce the old foods I used to eat with higher fat content. They didn't have any affect...which was good...and bad! It was good because I could resume my old eating habits even though I didn't have a gallbladder to break the fat down. But it was also bad because not only did I put the weight back on - my bowel has taken the brunt of it.

I have a twisted bowel and also suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). So it appears that if I eat unhealthy food it builds up in my system, particularly my bowel and gets stuck! When this happens the only solution is to detox on juices, green tea, water, raw vegetables and administer an enema! Not good!

Anyway last week I tried a little experiment. After a particularly painful bowel attack which landed me in bed for 2 days - I decided I would (after the detox) eliminate gluten from my diet to see what it did. Well after just 48hrs I noticed a difference already. I felt lighter, less bloated, less fat, less windy and more energetic. My bowel hasn't quite recovered, however despite this - I DO feel a whole lot better.

I've started to blog my gluten-free meals on my cooking blog. If you're interested, head on over to the blog and see if there is anything there you may want to try. All the meals I make are easy, fast, healthy and tasty. They are very family friendly and are not gourmet, fancy meals :P

Best of luck to those of you scheduled for gallbladder surgery, and a big thank you to those who visit this gallbladder diary for advice and tips.

Stay healthy,
Michelle XD

Gallbladder diet

Here is a list of foods I have eaten which have not caused me any problems:

• Apples
• Baked beans (yes! surprisingly with no flatulence!)
• Birdseed Slice
• Banana smoothie with skim milk and 1/4tsp golden syrup or honey flavouring
• Caponata (vegetarian Maltese dish)
• Carrot Muffins - low-fat
• Coconut Slice- fat-free
• Chicken, Shallots & Snow Pea Stir Fry
• Chips and sauce (home-made)
• Cous Cous, bean and corn salad
• Cottage cheese: low-fat
• Cruskets with ham, tomato, beetroot and cottage cheese
• Cucumber
• Espresso with light milk and 1/2tsp sugar
• Fetta cheese: low-fat
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Ginger & honey tea
• Jam sandwich (blackberry jam: 100% fruit with no added sugar)
• Lean Beef Burgers
• Lemon & honey tea
• Mexican Beef Pan Fry
• Minestrone Soup
• Nachos - home-made
• Pasta
• Pineapple (tinned)
• Pretzels - plain or salted
• Red lentil & carrot soup
• Salmon steaks
• Scrambled Eggs
• Sesame Ginger Pasta Salad
• Smoked light ham & tomato sandwich (no butter)
• Smoked light ham & beetroot sandwich (no butter)
• Sour dough bread
• Spiced Lamb Cutlets
• Steamed broccoli
• Steamed cauliflower
• Steamed Chicken & Warm Pasta Salad
• Tea with light milk
• Toast with strawberry jam
• Toast with tomatoes
• Tony's Chilli
• Vegetarian Bolognaise
• Vietnamese Fried Rice
• Vietnamese Stir Fry
• Watermelon
• Weetbix with light milk & sugar
• White rice
• Yoghurt (I prefer Vaalia brand fruit flavoured which is high in acidophilus)

Here is a list of foods I have eaten and their symptoms:

• Beef, Barley & Turnip Soup - medium flatulence (so yummy and filling that I will put up with the flatulence)
• Beef, Vegetable & Noodle Stir Fry - mild flatulence (will still eat, as it's so yummy)
• Buttered bread - bloating (will avoid butter from now on. Will try margarine and canola spread soon)
• Healthilicious Pizza medium flatulence (so delicious I will still eat once in a while)
• Roast Vegetables - bloating (will still eat, but only a small amount)
• T-Bone steak with steamed vegetables - medium flatulence. (I love T-Bones so will still eat once in awhile). 
• Yoghurt with dried fruit, nuts & seeds - bloating (yoghurt by itself is OK)

Foods I must avoid:

• Butter
• Flavoured milk in a carton. I drank an Iced Coffee 'Dare' and my Irritable Bowel flared up.
• Oven-fries - even though they are cooked in the oven, these frozen chips are deep fried prior to freezing, so should be avoided at all costs...major diarrhoea!
• Salted peanuts

Note:

Each day after surgery I improved and by day 4 post-op no pain relief was required. Each day I got less and less tired and was able to remove the dressings on day 5. Couldn't drive until day 7 and wasn't allowed to lift anything heavy for about 2 weeks.

Day of surgery: Wednesday 23rd November 2011

I was to attend the hospital at 11.30am for surgery scheduled around lunch time. I was not to eat anything after midnight on Tuesday 22nd November so I had my last meal at 9pm that night. I was allowed to drink water only up until 8am on Wednesday 23rd November. However I received call from the hospital informing me the surgeon had an emergency so the hospital would call me back when I was needed. I was then allowed to drink clear fluids, including tea. So I drank 2 cups of fresh ginger & honey tea and pottered around the house trying to keep my mind off the surgery.

I sent hubby off the do the weekly shopping because I knew that our afternoon was going to be spent at the hospital. He had only been gone a short while when the hospital rang to say they are back on schedule and to arrive at 11.30 as planned. Doh! So I called hubby back, quickly put the cold food away and we sped down to the hospital. The hospital is currently under renovation with a new wing being built, so parking was problematic...and it was raining! We registered at reception, paid the health fund excess and was shown around to theatre waiting area.

At 12.30pm I was instructed to don a surgery gown, plus my own dressing gown and slippers, which I did then I could wait with hubby in the waiting area until called. About 1.30pm I was called, taken to a room with Heparin was given in my thigh which prevents blood clots, weighed and measured and personal details confirmed. It turns out the nurse taking these particulars is a neighbour so we chatted for ages about the area and the fact our daughters know one another. I had suggested hubby go and eat some lunch because at that time because if he didn't eat then, goodness knows when he would get a chance.

After the consultation with the nurse (neighbour) I was sent to another waiting area for about 30mins where I read two magazines. At about 2pm I was taken to the waiting room just outside theatre (whatever that is called), was introduced to the anaesthetist (a lovely old fellow), the theatre nurses, and met again with my surgeon. He asked if I had any questions. I asked the time (2.50pm) and if I could see the gallstones afterwards. He said that wasn't possible as they are sent immediately off to pathology  =(

I was then cannulated and the anaesthetist explained what was going to happen. I told him I was very nervous but he assured me everything would be fine. He explained the cannula was used for the anaesthetic, plus the waking up drug, plus the drip later on in recovery and for any other pain medication. I was then wheeled into the theatre room. It looked just like it does on hospital TV shows with a huge circular light above the table. I had to wriggle across from my hospital bed to the table which was quite narrow. Then I was given the anaesthetic and some oxygen. I felt the anaesthetic starting to flow through my veins, visualised a sea of red rose petals, then I must have drifted off to sleep because the next thing I knew I was waking up.

Upon waking, I immediately was thirsty, started calling for my husband and was uncomfortable. I was fidgeting around a bit, but there was a nurse beside me the whole time with reassurance. She asked about pain and I told her I was sore. I heard her tell another nurse to get some Endone. I spoke up that I didn't like Endone (that is what my GP gave me during my gallbladder attack and it freaked me out). So she asked if I wanted morphine, I agreed as long as I could see my husband. I was given morphine and then wheeled around to my room where hubby was waiting. I was shivering - not because I was cold, just shivering due to the morphine I guess. I didn't like the feeling, but within a few minutes I relaxed.

The pain went away, I was drifting in and out of sleep and chatting incoherently to hubby. He stayed with me for a few hours then when I felt comfortable to be on my own, I suggested he get home for the kids. They would be worried and would also be hungry. So he left and I slept and sipped water on and off.

Sleeping with morphine on board is an experience! You don't quite sleep - you drift in and out of consciousness and are still aware of sounds around you. It's weird. I had oxygen tubes up my nose, a drip in the cannula on my left hand and these pads on my legs which felt like blood pressure bands but apparently they prevent deep vein thrombosis by massaging your calves. It was a strange feeling and I was pretty uncomfortable with all those things attached to me.

During the night I was constantly awoken by the fluids running out - the machine would beep and I'd wake. Or the pads on my legs would beep and need re-charging, or other patients would ring their buzzers, or a nurse would come in and take obs - I didn't get much sleep at all! I was offered a sandwich and cup of tea . But I wasn't hungry so only had the cup of tea which I downed very easily as I hadn't eaten since 9pm Tuesday and it was now 11pm Wednesday. I finally got up about 11pm to go to the toilet and felt so dizzy and nauseas that the nurse had to help me - then she put some maxolon in my drip to stop the nausea. I drifted back off to sleep. At one point I woke up and put the TV on and there was an old episode of 'Skippy' the great Australian TV classic from the 1970's. I tried to pay attention, but my eyes were jumping all over the place - I couldn't focus.

I woke about 4.30am with the birds and noticed the sky was getting slightly lighter, fell back to sleep, woke again at 6.30am and met the morning nurse (who wasn't as attentive as the night nurse) who informed me breakfast would be served at 7.30. Thank goodness - I was hungry now. I watched the Today Show and relaxed, looked at my incisions (well, at the dressings anyhow) then waited for breakfast and hubby to arrive.

My surgeon checked on my about 8.30am and explained the incision in my naval was larger than expected because there was a gallstone stuck and was quite large - no wonder I was in so much pain. He had tried to break it up, but even then it was still large. I'm quite sore in the naval region and if I accidentally touch that area, it hurts. I have another 3 incisions where instruments, cameras, lights and the CO2 were inserted. My surgeon told me to expect pain for a few days, that it's OK to take Panadol or Codeine for it, not to touch the dressings for 5 days, not to drive for 5 days and not to lift anything heavy for a week. He said I should be back to normal in about 3 weeks. I should get lots of rest and do overdo it. My throat was dry and a little raspy due to the tube which was inserted to help me breath under anaesthetic.

When I arrived home I was greeted by cards and flowers from my parents and mother in law and felt very loved. I thank them very much and they brighten up my house.

 

So here I am on Friday 25th November and still in bed. It hurts to move, to bend, to stretch, to turn over in bed even! I didn't realise how much I use my stomach muscles for movement. My throat is still sore and dry. It is making me cough and coughing actually hurts! Hubby and the kids have been a great help - tidying up, looking after the pets, washing, clothes washing and meals. I am being spoilt right now. I wonder how much I should milk it for?!

Foods I've eaten since surgery with no side effects:

• Cups of tea with light milk
• Cups of herbal tea
• Orange juice
• Water
• Apple
• Salmon, white rice and steamed vegetables
• Ham and beetroot sandwich on seedy bread
• Wholemeal toast with tomato, salt & pepper
• Toast with jam
• Red Lentil & Carrot Soup

Will continue to keep this journal now I am gall-bladder-less, so stay tuned  XD

Countdown to surgery : Day 12

Breakfast:

• 1 and half weetbix
• 1/4 cup light milk
• Small sprinkle sugar
• 2 cups tea with light milk
• Vitamins

Symptoms:

Nil

---

Morning tea:

• Espresso with light milk

Symptoms:

Nil

---

Lunch:

• Small bowl Minestrone Soup
• 1/2 small seedy bread roll

Symptoms:

Nil

---

Dinner:

• Minestrone Soup
• 1/2 small seedy bread roll

Symptoms:
Mild flatulence

---

Note: I awoke feeling great again, no pain anywhere. I busied myself getting ready for surgery and recovery so I did lots of house work and to-do lists for the family. Ended up exhausted and needed a lay down. Surgery is tomorrow and the hospital called to say I can't eat after midnight tonight and only drink water up until 8am. I am to be at the hospital at 11.30am. I won't blog until I am able to - hopefully next weekend. Wish me luck. 

Countdown to surgery : Day 11

Breakfast:

• 1 and half weetbix with light milk, small sprinkle sugar
• 2 cups tea with light milk
• Vitamins

Symptoms:

Nil

---

Morning tea:

• Skim milk cappuccino 
• 1 apple

Symptoms:

Nil

---

Lunch:

• 3/4 cup dried fruit, nuts & seeds
• Cup ginger and honey tea

Symptoms:

Mild pain in tummy, like I've eaten something passed it's use-by date. I was going to have a crusket or sandwich, but honestly didn't feel like eating anything else.

---

Dinner:

• Minestrone Soup

Symptoms:
Mild chest pain, back ache and mild flatulence.

---

Note: Awoke feeling great and energetic with no pain until afternoon. I'm sure the back-ache was due to sitting in an uncomfortable chair at the cinema for 2hrs. There was no reason for the chest pain in my opinion. Minestrone soup is full of veggies and I only had a small bowl so that is a mystery. 2 days until surgery.

Countdown to surgery : Day 10

Breakfast:

• 1 scrambled egg with 1 sliced mushroom, salt & pepper
• 1pc wholemeal toast (no butter)
• 2 cups tea with light milk
• Vitamins

Symptoms:

Nil

---

Morning Tea:
Espresso with light milk

Symptoms:
Nil

---

Lunch:

• 1 measured cup cooked corn kernels
• Berry Smoothie

Symptoms:
Nil

---

Dinner:

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognaise
• For this recipe I eliminated the cheese & sun dried tomatoes. I also did not use any oil. I simply put the Quinoa, pasta sauce, tomato paste and vegetables in a pot and simmered for 10mins.
• Cup of tea with light milk going to bed

Symptoms:
Well...a slight pain in my abdomen but nowhere near the gall bladder. It's down low on the left near the appendix...weird!

---

Note:

Bowel movement (first in 3 days). Very light and fluffy. Only 3 days until surgery and I'm getting nervous.  @.@

Countdown to surgery : Day 9

Breakfast:

• 1 and half weet bix
• 1/4 cup light milk
• Light sprinkle brown sugar
• 2 cups tea with light milk
• Vitamins

Symptoms:

Nil

---

Morning Tea:

• Small tub yoghurt with dried fruit, nuts & seeds
• 1 cup fruit/vegetable juice
• Espresso with light milk

Symptoms:

Nil

---

Lunch:

• Smoked light ham, carrot, cucumber, tomato, ricotta cheese wrap (Mountain Bread Rice Bread)
• 1 cup fruit & veg juice

Symptoms:

Bloating and mild shortness of breath

---

Afternoon Tea:

• Apple
• 5 salted cashews
• 3/4 cup light milk

Symptoms:

Mild flatulence

---

Dinner:

• Chicken, Shallot & Snow Pea Stir Fry
• Cup ginger & honey tea
• Cup of tea with light milk before bed

Symptoms:
Felt very full. Must have eaten too much.

---

Note: Woke up feeling great again with no pain in abdomen or back. I used to have a glass of wine while making dinner, now I have a cup of tea. I'm very happy that espressos don't have negative affects. If I can't drink alcohol anymore, at least I don't have to drink coffee too  :) No bowel movement for 3 days though so took 3 Coloxyl tonight.