2006-07-22 04:26:30 · 5 answers · asked by DarkStar 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I just had my gallbladder out in March, 2006. I had a lap/chole procedure vs open cholecystectomy. The only difference is that you don't have the obvious larger scar on the outside to heal (you just have a small 1" incision and 3 other "stab" sites to heal. However, internally the recovery is the same!! It is major surgery as far as your internal organs are concerned. I was required to be off work for 6 weeks (I'm a nurse and I lift patients) to allow adequate healing. Other careers that involve no lifting don't require the same "off" time (usually only 2-3 weeks). It also depends on how fast your own body heals. Younger patients heal faster. I'm now 48-I had other surgical procedures when I was in my 20-30's and my recovery was much faster then. I found this surgery my slowest recovery mostly because of "fatigue". I had good energy for about 3-4 hours, then I needed to sleep and start again. Keep this in mind before you venture back to work. Most jobs don't allow "nap" times, so take all the time your body needs-listen to it!! Your abdomen will also be swollen for a while, and those "small" little stab sites (and the small 1" incision area) will be very sensitive, so wear loose fitting clothing. You will also be on "pain" medications, these may affect your ability to drive as well as to be "quick" thinking. Most states have short-term disability you can "tap" into to supplement any paid sick leave you may have from your employer-take advantage of it. Your surgeons office will often prepare the disability forms for you and submit them to the appropriate agency so you will get income to cover your expenses (BTW, payments (in CA anyway) don't start until the 8th day of your "time off"; they will then pay you for every day (including weekends!) until you return to work. Hope this helps!!
2006-07-22 04:46:17 · answer #1 · answered by dulcern4u 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Depends. If done via laparoscopic cholycystectomy, you will have the tiniest of scars and recovery is as to be expected with other lap surgery; about 1-2 weeks to be back to full function again. This is assuming surgery goes well and has no complications of course; everyone is different. The pain from the surgery compared to gall bladder attacks is like comparing skinning your knee to a car wreck - you will feel SO much better after surgery! Good luck.
2006-07-22 11:32:35 · answer #2 · answered by Endo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had mine done laproscopic.
It depends on your pain tolerance. I went home the day after surgery. I actually tried to go for a walk that day (lol) as I had been hospitalized for 2 weeks prior to surgery because of complications. Halfway down the street, I turned around and went home. I remained there for about 3 days or so and slowly progressed back into regular activity.
2006-07-22 11:38:31 · answer #3 · answered by real_sweetheart_76 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is done as 'keyhole' surgery' then it will take less time, but what motivated me to get up after abdominal surgery was the desire to go to the restroom so I got up as soon as I was a bit clearer from general anesthesia. If it is not done as keyhole surgery, then the wound is a bit longer and may cause some pain. but in general, you need to try and get up as soon as you can to avoid any clots developing in your legs (DVT and things like that). I.e. same day when the op is done, try and get up.
2006-07-22 11:35:08 · answer #4 · answered by SatAtmaKaur 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should be able to stand in a day -- 2 at the most. For full mobility/activity though, I'd say about 4-8 weeks.
2006-07-22 11:59:35 · answer #5 · answered by puppy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋