It’s that time of the year again when you gather with friends and family to celebrate thanksgiving. Maybe you can’t wait to get stuck into your thanksgiving feast or perhaps the idea of it fills you with dread. Read our 7 tips for surviving Thanksgiving with a digestive disorder.
Don’t over-eat! – Stick to small portions. Eating large portions puts you at risk of stomach ache, nausea, bloating, indigestion and cramps.
Don’t eat too quickly – It may be the most delicious meal you’ll eat all year, but that’s all the more reason to savor each bite. Enjoy it! Take small bites and chew them well before swallowing. This will also help you to not over eat.
Stay hydrated – you may be wanting to enjoy an extra large glass of wine with dinner or even rustle up an early egg nog, but remember, your body needs water to work at it’s best and keep you hydrated. Alcohol has a diuretic effect which means it causes your body to lose water. That’s why if you’re having an alcoholic drink this Thanksgiving, be sure to drink some extra water. Not to mention that a well hydrated bowel works better meaning a lower chance of constipation or of developing infections such as diverticulitis.
If you get pain – switch to clear liquids only right away. It’s not worth taking chances. Pains are your body’s way of warning you that something isn’t right. Let your bowel and stomach rest by not giving them any more food.
Be prepared – Make sure you are stocked up on any medicines or products you use to ease your digestive disorder or the symptoms it causes. You don’t want to have to rush out on Thanksgiving to find somewhere to find your favourite antacid. If you’re dining at someone else’s place, take everything you need to feel comfortable. You can even make yourself a little emergency pack with some essentials: For example; any medications you usually take for your stomach e.g. for reflux, cramps etc., painkillers, wet wipes, spare underwear if needed, etc.
Avoid very fatty or rich foods – don’t go overboard with your helping of mac n cheese or your dollop of cream on your slice of pie. Also, go easy on the candied yams and glazed carrots. These foods can cause indigestion, acid reflux, nausea, IBS symptoms, diarrhea and problems if you have gallstones or have had your gallbladder removed. You can reduce fat in your meal by taking the skin off your turkey and only eating the light meat. Another idea is to only use a small amount of gravy on your food.
Keep it simple: – Only eat foods you know you are usually okay with. It may be tempting to fill up on candied yams, but will it be worth it tomorrow when you’re doubled over in pain or stuck in the bathroom all day? One suggestion is: A small plate with some roast turkey (light meat), some potatoes a little gravy and a small piece of cornbread. But remember, we are all different. What you can eat without a problem, may cause someone else a lot of pain and discomfort. You can choose foods that are safe for you and just eat a little amount. Remember: while green beans and sprouts may seem like a healthy addition to your meal, it’s best not to risk it if you haven’t eaten these foods recently or you’re recovering from diverticulitis, a flare up of IBS, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
By following this simple tips, you can avoid digestive problems and concentrate on celebrating with your loved ones. What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year and what do you plan to eat? Let me know in the comments.
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Did you know that in the UK over 50% of people aged 50 and over have diverticular disease? In fact, it’s even more prevalent in the elderly with over 70% of those over the age of 80 suffering with the condition. So why is it that this condition is so common and yet there are a huge number of people who have never even heard of it?
Well, to begin with, in the overwhelming majority of cases, diverticular disease is asymptomatic meaning that it shows no symptoms at all. However, this means that an unlucky minority who suffer from complications of the condition such as frequent pain, episodes of diverticulitis and even the occurrence of perforations and abscesses may struggle to get adequate sympathy from their family and friends and even from their own doctor.
The standard advice in the UK upon diagnosing diverticular disease from a colonoscopy is to eat a diet high in fibre and stay hydrated. While not bad advice for many people, it certainly doesn’t suit everyone. There isn’t a ‘one size fits all solution’ unfortunately since the understanding of the condition even by the medical community is still somewhat limited. Sadly, this can make some sufferers feel alone which is partly why I felt the need to create this blog. But even more valuable than articles and blog posts is the advice and support of others who know exactly what you’re going through.
Remember that you are absolutely not alone while suffering with diverticular disease or diverticulitis and joining an online support group could provide you with the reassurance that you need when you’re feeling unwell or frightened.
If you’re a UK resident or you are a British expat living abroad, consider joining this group of over 4,500 members and a knowledgeable and supportive admin team. You can join by simply clicking the button below which will take you to the Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis UK Support Group on Facebook. From there, you need to request to join the group and answer the entry questions which are in place to protect the group from spammers and bots.
The festive season is one full of rich foods, alcohol, late nights, parties and sometimes stress and anxiety. It can be a tough time of year for those of us with digestive disorders because it can really put a dampener on your Christmas spirit. Below, I’m sharing my top tips for not only surviving Christmas and New Year, but also how to enjoy it and feel as well as you possibly can!
Plan ahead
Christmas Organiser – Cath Kidston – £20
Making plans and notes can really help you prepare for the festive season. Decide where you’ll be on Christmas day, who is cooking and if you’ll have guests. Getting all of these details sorted early can help reduce stress and anxiety which will help you feel as well as you can. You can keep a notebook for Christmas, make a checklist or even buy yourself a Christmas planner. This way, you’re sure not to forget anything at the supermarket or when gift shopping for friends and family.
Get plenty of rest
Getting rest at such a busy time of year is very important. The more well-rested you are, the more you’re likely to enjoy the festive season. Staying up late every night and accepting every single invitation you get to go out may not do you any good in the end. Listen to your body, if it tells you it needs a night off, take one. It will definitely thank you for it the next day. Don’t be afraid to politely decline an invitation, or make the decision to leave earlier than others if you’re not feeling up to it. The host will be glad that you showed up, even if you take off after an hour!
Eat well
Now, we all like to indulge at Christmas, but just make sure that you know your limits and that you still get your recommended daily amounts of vitamins, minerals, water and fibre.
Have foods that you don’t eat regularly in small portions and still avoid those that make you feel unwell at other times of the year. You can always let someone know in advance to serve you up a smaller portion or leave out the sprouts if they are going to make you feel poorly. Remember, no one wants you to feel unwell and so will be more than happy to leave items off your plate as requested. If you feel uncomfortable mentioning it at the party or table, just send your host a message beforehand so that they are aware. Indulging in large amounts or rich foods and alcohol is a risk and should be avoided as much as possible. It’s far better to just have a tiny bit and savour (US: savor) it!
Follow the tips for good digestion
As with any other time of the year, use the tips for good digestion to help yourself stay well. They may sound a little over the top, but I can assure you that following them will help your body digest the food you eat as best you can. 1. Eat small portions – large portions are not wise and can often leave sufferers feeling bloated and uncomfortable. It’s much better to eat a small portion and grab a little more in a few hours if you’re feeling hungry again. 2. Eat slowly – Take your time to eat your food. Don’t rush it all down and risk gulping down air when you eat. You’ll enjoy it much better if you take your time and you’ll have less chance of stomach ache and bloating later.
A good-sized bite is the size of a 50p coin…but not this one on the screen. Having a 50p coin next to you when you eat so may help you not bite off more than you can chew!
3. Take small bites – Having a lot of food in your mouth is not only hugely unattractive, but it also isn’t good for digestion. One bite should be around the same size as a 50 pence piece (UK). Any bigger than that, and you’ll make it difficult for the enzymes in your saliva to help you break it down, meaning it’s much tougher on the stomach.
4. Chew, chew, chew – Chew your food…REALLY well. We are supposed to chew around 22 times with eat bite, but you may not need to chew that many times, but your food should be almost like a paste before you swallow it. The teeth help to break down the food into small pieces so that the enzymes in your saliva can start to digest it before you even swallow. This makes digestion SO much easier in the stomach and reduces your chances of digestive discomfort, nausea and cramping.
Carry an emergency kit
Since we are out and about so much during the festive period, it’t a good idea to put together a little kit to carry with you. You could fit it into your bag or the car. This kit will contain everything you need to help you if you have any problems while you’re out of the house. Now, the contents of this kit can vary and be adjusted depending on where you’re going and what symptoms you experience, but I’ve just included a few suggestions below.
1 Wet wipes/moist toilet tissue – you never know when you’re going to need to do some extra cleaning after using the bathroom and disposable wipes are perfect for when you’re not at home and can’t use a bidet or jump in the shower. REMEMBER: Do NOT flush disposable wipes down the toilet…even if they say that they’re flushable. It’s much better to dispose of them in a bin instead. Also, yes, disposable wipes are not very good for the environment and I wouldn’t recommend using them all the time, but as part of an emergency kit, I think they are perfect. You can pick up very small packs which are very hand for popping in your bag.
2. Scented toilet spray or drops – Whether it’s V.I.Poo or ‘Just one Drop’, scented toilet spray or drops can really mask a bad odour (US: odor) in the bathroom. Remember to read the instructions first as many products require you to use them BEFORE going to the bathroom. These are especially good when using a shared toilet or when you’re a guest in someone else’s home.
3. Spare underwear – Whether we like to admit it or not, lots of people with digestive disorders have accidents at some point. It may be that they stain their underwear after passing gas or that they struggle to make it to the bathroom in time. You may also want to carry a plastic zip-lock bag for any underwear that has been soiled and needs to be washed.
4. Medications – Make sure any of your medications are at hand. Perhaps you rely on Buscopan for cramping and pain, or maybe you use paracetamol. Remember NSAID painkillers such as Ibuprofen and aspirin are NOT usually recommended for people with digestive disorders. However, take your doctor’s advice for your specific case. Other medications may include antacids or Zantac (ranitidine) or similar medicines if you suffer from acid reflux or indigestion or Immodium (loperamide) if you suffer from diarrhoea (US: diarrhea). Although again, you should check with your doctor whether these medicines are recommended for you.
5. Soothing cream/ointment – If you suffer with a sore bottom because of diarrhoea or excess bile from gallbladder-related problems, you may wish to carry a tub of cream/ointment. Popular brand include Sudocrem or Vaseline. Remember, though, that these creams and ointments can stain your underwear or clothing because they tend to be quite oily/greasy and one solution is to wear a pantyliner or pad on the lining of your underwear to protect your clothing. Men can use these too, but they only really work well with mens’ Y-front style briefs rather than boxer shorts.
6. Nappy/sanitary bags – a few nappy/sanitary bags can help you dispose of soiled wipes or pads if you are using an open-top bin in the bathroom. They are often scented, too so can prevent soiled wipes from stinking up the bathroom if they end up sitting in the bin for some time.
7. A box of matches – if even despite using your odour blocking spray or drops, you’ve still caused a bit of a stink, you can use a couple of matches to burn away any unpleasant smells. Simply light a match and hold it while it burns down a little, then blow it out. You can repeat this with two or three matches if necessary. REMEMBER: Always extinguish your matches in water after use. You should use water to wet the matchsticks before disposing of them in the bin. Also, be careful when lighting matches in the bathroom to keep them away from fabrics and any flammable products such as aerosols and cleaning products.
Do you ever get a burning sensation in your throat or chest? If you do, it’s likely that you are suffering from acid reflux. People may also refer to acid reflux as ‘heartburn’ or ‘indigestion’.
So what is acid reflux? Well, in our stomach, there is a very strong acid. This acid is important for killing bad bacteria and for helping us to break down our food as a part of digestion. The stomach has a special lining to prevent this acid from damaging the walls of the stomach. However, if the acid happens to leave the stomach and move up the oesophagus (US: esophagus) then we may feel the acid burning in our throat or chest.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
There are a number of symptoms that people experience. For example, some people get a burning in their throat or chest, other get quite bad chest pains. Acid reflux can even wake us up in the night. In fact, a lot of sufferers find the symptoms of acid reflux worse when they lay down. Some people also experience nausea or a bitter taste in their mouth due to acid reflux
What are the causes of acid reflux?
There are many causes of acid reflux and so this list is not exhaustive, but here are a few of the most common causes.
Overindulgence – eating too much or food that is too rich in fat or sugar can cause acid reflux.
Poor eating habits – eating too large an amount, eating large bites without sufficient chewing, Eating too quickly, swallowing air while eating, eating too late at night. Find out more, here.
Too many antacids – taking too many antacids can make acid reflux even worse by over neutralizing stomach acid
Upset stomach – stomach bugs or eating something that doesn’t agree with us can cause reflux
Overproduction of acid – The overproduction of acid can mean that it travels up the oesophagus
Gastritis – inflammation of the stomach can mean that it produces excess acid or travels up the
Hiatus hernia – this may prevent food passing properly and can make it more difficult for acid to stay down in the stomach
Diseases of the digestive system – For reasons not always understood, bowel conditions such as Diverticular Disease and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis can be linked to acid reflux.
Gallbladder problems or removal – Dysfunction or removal of the gallbladder can cause excess bile which can lead to acid reflux. If you have severe reflux immediately after gallbladder removal, speak with the surgeon.
IBS – Irritable bowel syndrome can affect the transit of food and cause cramping which may lead to acid reflux.
Stomach/Gastric ulcer – stomach ulcers can cause excess acid production
H. Pylori infection – A overgrowth of a bacteria called H. Pylori in the stomach can lead to poor digestion and acid reflux as a result.
Antibiotics/Certain medications – Antibiotics often kill both bad and good bacteria and so a lack of good bacteria that aid digestion can cause some acid reflux, also, some other medications may affect digestion or stomach acid production
Obesity – the excess pressure on the body caused by excess weight can make acid travel up into the oesophagus, causing reflux.
Gastroparesis/Delayed gastric emptying – acid reflux can occur when food stays in the stomach for too long.
Stress/Anxiety – digestion slows down when we experience stress and anxiety, because of this, food tends to stick around in the stomach a little longer and so we can experience acid reflux.
Bariatric surgery – weight loss surgeries can increase the chance of reflux due to the tiny size of the stomach pouch. If this happens, you need to speak with your surgeon to find a solution; this may include medication or further surgery.
How can I prevent acid reflux?
Good eating habits – adopting good eating habits will help prevent reflux. This means eating small meals, taking small bites, chewing well and eating slowly. It also involves not eating late at night. You can read my post on good digestion habitsto find out more.
Avoiding acidic foods – fruit juices, tomatoes, citrus fruits, alcohol, vinegar, coffee are all acidic foods that we eat. Some people can stop their reflux by simple cutting down on acidic foods or removing them from their diet.
Avoiding trigger foods – Some people are triggered by different foods, common triggers may involve nuts, cheese, carbonated drinks, etc. By using a food and symptom diary to identify trigger foods, you can cut these out of your diet.
Avoid smoking and alcohol – smoking and drinking alcohol are both thought to increase the chance of acid reflux since they are both harsh on the stomach. Smoking can also increase the chances of stomach ulcers, so if you suffer with reflux, it’s a good idea to try to quit.
Avoid taking a lot of painkillers unless told to by your doctor – taking too many painkillers can lead to stomach ulcers and excess acid production
Make sure when taking medications to follow the instructions (such as taking with food) – taking medicine on an empty stomach can be bad for the stomach, so be sure to
Avoid stressful situations – Trying our best to not get too stressed out or anxious can help prevent acid reflux.
How can I treat acid reflux?
If this is just a one-off episode of acid reflux, you can take a simple over the counter medication such as an antacid. Branded examples include Gaviscon, Pepto-Bismol, Rennie and Zantac (ranitidine). Take the lowest recommended dose and give it some time to work. This is important because if you take too much of these medicines, they can actually make the reflux worse by causing your stomach to produce even more acid.
If you are experiencing reflux regularly, have a look at if there is something specific that you are eating or doing to cause it. For example, does it only happen after a glass of wine? Or perhaps it happens after you eat tomatoes or drink coffee… The best way to investigate this is to keep a food and symptom diary, you can download a tracker from here. If you do find a trigger, consider cutting this out of your diet.
Sometimes alcohol triggers acid reflux – in some cases it’s best to just avoid it completely…
If you can’t find a specific trigger but you’re a smoker, consider quitting smoking to see if it makes a difference.
Now, if the acid reflux is happens regularly and you are unable to find relief by changing your diets or habits, then it is time to visit your doctor. Be sure to tell the doctor about any other symptoms you are experiencing, for example, abdominal pains or cramps, a change in bowel habits, nausea or vomiting, excessive belching/burping or passing gas and any disruptions to your sleep. If you have been keeping a food and symptom diary, take this along to your appointment. It will really help the doctor to understand your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor may prescribe you a medication to take regularly in order to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces such as ppis (proton pump inhibitors) such as Omeprazole. However, it is important to find the cause of the reflux rather than only treating the symptoms. To diagnose problems, a doctor may suggest you take a breath test for H. Pylori (a bacteria that can survive in the stomach’s acidic conditions) or undergo an endoscopy/gastroscopy where a camera inserted into the stomach. This allows a doctor to identify problems such as ulcers or inflammation. They can also take tissue biopsies during the endoscopy to test for further problems.
Why you shouldn’t ignore acid reflux…
If you get acid reflux regularly, it’s very important to not ignore it and make sure to get it treated because long-term acid reflux can cause bigger problems. For example, regular acid reflux can cause tooth decay/and tooth acid erosion. It can also cause stomach ulcers, and can even increase your risk of stomach and oesophageal (US: esophageal) cancer in the future.
Do you suffer with acid reflux? Do you have a trigger food or drink? How do you deal with it?
When diagnosing diverticulitis, the first thing that doctors usually do is carry out a blood test followed by other tests such as CT scans, X-rays and even ultrasounds.
Full Blood Count
The full blood count can tell doctors a lot about your current health. The number of red blood cells can tell doctors if you’re anaemic and perhaps losing blood. But one of the most important markers in a blood test when trying to check for diverticulitis is the white blood cell count.
White blood cells are a part of the immune system and are responsible for fighting diseases and illnesses. When a pathogen (harmful bacteria or virus) enters the body, it is identified by the immune system which then increases the number of white blood cells. An amount of white blood cells higher than the normal range could be considered to be a sign of infection. However, it is possible to have diverticulitis but not have a measurable increase in white blood cells. So a normal blood result doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have an infection or inflammation in the bowel.
CRP (C-Reative Protein)
CRP is known as an inflammation marker – it is a protein released by human tissues when they are inflamed. The higher the amount of CRP in the blood, the more inflammation there is. Having elevated CRP in addition to abdominal pain and other symptoms is a good indicator of diverticulitis. However, your doctor should also check carry out an abdominal examination too just in case the inflammation is coming from somewhere else.
An abdominal exam can help doctors find out if there is anything strange going on…
Abdominal Examination
It’s likely your doctor may carry our an abdominal examination. This is where the doctor will press on your abdomen to discover where the pain originates and if it is the bowel that is inflamed. It’s important to be very honest about the pain you are feeling at this point so that the doctor can rules out any other issues or sources of inflammation.
CT scanner…in you go!
CT scan
This is usually the most effective way to diagnose diverticulitis. A CT scan can be done with or without contrast, but contrast certainly helps when interpreting the results. The two main types of contrast are oral and intravenous (IV). The oral contrast is often a liquid mixed with water that you drink before the scan. It helps to highlight the digestive tract on your scan. The IV contrast is injected into a vein and reaches the tissues and helps them show up better on the scan. Some hospitals may choose to have their patients take both types of contrast. However, it is important than you let the doctor know of any allergies you have before you receive any contrast agents.
A CT scan is painless and just requires the patient to hold their breath for short periods. Let the technician or doctor performing the scan know if you suffer from asthma or COPD or any problem that makes you find it difficult to hold your breath.
After the scan, your results will not be ready immediately since they will need to be looked at by a doctor and a thorough report written. See my post on CT scans for more information.
X-rays
Some doctors may choose to send their patients for X-rays. This is to check for perforations in the bowel since X-rays can easily pick up excess gas in the abdomen that may be leaking out from the bowel. The results of an X-ray are much more immediate which is why this test might be chosen particularly if the patient is in a lot of pain or has a history of perforations and sepsis.
Ultrasound
Again, some doctors may want to send their patients for an ultrasound. This is very common during first time diagnoses when patients are doctors don’t know that the patient even has diverticular disease yet. An ultrasound may also show an abscess or cyst as a result of diverticulitis. It may also be able to detect excess air of material in the abdomen. However, it is not as clear as a CT scan, but the results are more immediate.
Why don’t doctors use colonoscopies to diagnose diverticulitis?
It’s very rare that a doctor would use a colonoscopy to diagnose diverticulitis because while a patient has an infection, it would be very painful and a little dangerous to insert an endoscope. There is a chance that the colonoscopy during an infection could make it even worse or could even cause damage to the colon.
Have you been diagnosed with diverticulitis? Which methods did the doctors use to diagnose you?
So, you’re waiting to get your gallbladder removed – Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds. In fact you can read about what gallbladder removal surgery entails here or you can read my own story on getting my gallbladder removed.
To avoid extremely painful gallbladder attacks or the worsening of your condition while waiting for your surgery, you can aim to have a low-fat diet. A diet low in fat will hopefully ward off any painful attacks and prevent gallstones from getting larger.
You can eat:
fruit and vegetables
white fish and white meats (no skin and cooked without the addition of fat)
Potatoes (not fried)
2% or less milk and yoghurts
Low-fat cheese such as cottage cheese, feta, etc (check for fat contents of 4% of less)
Try not to do a no-fat diet because this can cause the gallbladder to become even worse. Stick to low-fat and try not to eat large portions. Instead aim to have smaller snacks and portions throughout the day. This will help your gallbladder keep working and prevent discomfort after eating.
Want to know more about what comes next? Read Gallbladder Removal Surgery – Cholescystectomy and let me know what you think.
Gallbladder removal or a cholescystectomy is a common surgery carried out by surgeons all over the world. The gallbladder is an organ located in our upper-right abdomen, just beneath the liver. It is the place where bile is stored. Bile is a yellow/green liquid produced by the liver when it breaks down substances in the body (including our old red blood cells).
The job of bile in the body is to emulsify fats – it does this by breaking up the fats and oils we consume into smaller droplets so that our body can digest it more easily. It also helps to neutralise the acidic chyme (food + stomach acid mixture) that leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine.
The reasons for a cholescystectomy include;
gallstones
gallbladder disease/infection / cholecystitis
non-functional gallbladder/gallbladder sludge
polyps
So what is the surgery like?
Well, these days, most cases are done laparoscopically. This means that it is done using several small incisions in the abdomen (for example in the navel, right side of the abdomen and possibly an incision in the centre of the upper-abdomen. Most patients have three or four incisions, but there are cases of people having less or more. The surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic. This means that you’ll be asleep and unaware of anything going on. Most patients are intubated (with a breathing tube) for this procedure, but are not usually catheterised. The surgery usually lasts between one and two hours. Depending on your hospital, some people may go home the same day and in others, they may be asked to stay in hospital overnight.
If you have an open surgery, the surgeon will make a large incision in the upper-right abdomen and take the gallbladder out from here. This is avoided where possible since it increases the length of time needed for recovery and hospitalisation.
During a laparascopic surgery, the surgeon will inflate the abdomen with gas. This helps provide more space in side to move around and perform the procedure. Then a camera will be inserted into one of the incisions so that the surgeon can see what he is doing. After this, various tools will be inserted into incisions to cut the gallbladder free. Medical titanium surgical clips will be placed to cut off tubes that connected the liver to the gallbladder. These metal clips will remain inside your body for the rest of your life.
Of course like any surgery, it does carry risks and there are complications that can arise. However, for this surgery, complications are rare and most patients deal with it very well.
What is the recovery period like?
Well, for me, it wasn’t too difficult. But everyone heals at different speeds and has a different experience without their gallbladder. Some people are back at work within a few days, and others may take a couple of months to get back to normal.
My advice is not to rush yourself. Recovery is an important process for our body and to recover well you need to rest and relax while trying to stay healthy. Your surgeon will give you some guidelines for aftercare and recovery, so it’s important to stick to those as much as your possibly can.
General guidelines include:
No lifting/carrying for 6 weeks – During the surgery the abdominal muscles are often cut. Heavy lifting, carrying or even straining on the toilet can cause these muscles to separate and increase your risk of a hernia.
No baths – whether your surgeon has used stitches or medical glue, it isn’t advisable to take a bath too early on. The water can soften the healing tissue or the glue and can increase the risk of infection. Taking a shower might be okay, but you should ask your surgeon if they recommend covering the incisions with waterproof dressings beforehand.
Check the incision sites regularly for redness, feeling warm to the touch and weeping. Clear fluid weeping from incisions may be normal, but if the fluid is yellow and opaque and/or you have any of the above symptoms, it may be worth mentioning to your surgeon.
Stick to a post-op gallbladder diet if given one.
Take regular, gentle exercise but DON’T overdo it!
To read about my gallbladder story click here! Want to share your story? Get in touch with me so that we can tell your story, too!
My gallbladder story is quite short really and
uncomplicated in comparison to others. I’d never really experienced any
problems with my gallbladder. Although, looking back, there was a time I had a
sharp and horrendous pain in my upper-right abdomen in 2012 one day while at
work. The pain was severe and my boss called an ambulance which came right away
and injected me with a load of pain killers and muscle relaxants. I went home
and slept it off and the pain was gone within a few hours so I never even went
to a doctor about it. Maybe, that was an attack, maybe not.
Fast-forward to the beginning of February 2019. I was still being investigated after a complicated case of diverticulitis that resulted in the perforation of my bowel and a battle with sepsis. My constant lower-abdominal discomfort caused my gastroenterologist to send me for a full abdominal ultrasound. He wanted to rule out abscesses, cysts and adhesions so requested a scan of the whole abdomen.
Ultrasounds are no big deal. Totally painless and easy to do.
At the ultrasound, the doctor started snapping
pictures of my organs and measuring dimensions, then, the moment he got a clear
image of my gallbladder, he asked ‘Are you on the waiting list to get this
removed?’, ‘No’ I replied, ‘Why do you ask?’ and he told me that there were a
few small stones in there, but more importantly a polyp. I told him I had no
idea and hadn’t had any symptoms of things not working well. Anyway, at the end
of the ultrasound, he gave me all the printed photographs and a written report
detailing what he had found and told me to go back to my gastroenterologist as
soon as possible.
The gastroenterologist told me that it would need to be removed and set up a meeting with a surgeon for a few days later. He looked at my results, agreed that it needed to be removed because of the potential for the polyp because of its size to be a risk. He penciled me in for two weeks later to get it removed. In the mean time, he told me to eat a low fat diet and gave me a list of foods to avoid. (I’ll post about this soon, I promise)
Before I knew it, it was removal day. At 7:30am
I hopped onto the trolley and was taken down to surgery. I watched the staff
running around doing last-minute checks and preparation. It was fun chatting to
the hospital porter who spoke pretty good English and was so smiley. I wasn’t
particularly nervous or scared, I deal with hospital and needles etc pretty
well and I’m not someone to get themselves into a state about a surgery. I’m
sure I was mid-sentence joking with the surgeon and porter as I drifted off
into a deep sleep and the surgery
began.
In what seems like no time at all, I wake up in
a different room with an IV in the opposite arm and a drain coming out of a
hole in my upper-right abdomen. I look to my right and the porter is stood
there smiling. I smile back and say ‘I need to sit up’, He immediately props
the trolley up and hands me a little sick bowl….no, I say, I feel like I can’t
breathe. So, he calls over a nurse who measures my oxygen levels and rushes off
and comes back with a mask. I’m hooked up to oxygen and starting to catch my
breath. Five or ten minutes later, the porter takes me back to the ward where
my boyfriend was waiting to see me. He seemed worried, I asked him what the
problem was and it was only then, that he told me that the surgery was expected
to last maybe an hour and a half, but that I had been there for over four hours
due to it being a tricky surgery. I hadn’t even noticed what the time was.
I expected to be in major pain the rest of the day, but other than a horrible discomfort in my back and shoulders, I had no pain at all. I refused dinner when the nurse brought it. I wasn’t hungry at all and the noodle soup did NOT look appetizing at all. I was alone now because my boyfriend had left for work. I forgot I had the drain and as I got up out of bed and went to the bathroom, I must have moved the drain a little and it was a bit sore. After the effort of that, I went back to bed and was in a little pain. The nurse came to check on me and when I told her it was sore, she injected something into my IV and the pain subsided and I drifted off again.
I woke up the next morning feeling quite chipper. I still had some discomfort in my back and chest from the gas, but was keen to get up and about. I got up had a wash, brushed my teeth and did my hair. Then I got changed. When the nurse offered pain relief via the IV, I declined since I didn’t have any pain except for the gas pains. I got up and walked around the ward and the catering team brought me a chamomile tea which I sipped at.
My surgeon came in to speak to me and told me not to lift heavy things or to strain when going to the bathroom due to the risk of getting a hernia. I was a little worried since I had pushed a bit going to the toilet in the morning, but it was okay, the stitches had held. He removed the drain and replaced my dressings. Before telling me to take almost 3 weeks off work and discharging me from the hospital. He told me to clean my wounds and replace the dressings each day. He also advised me to take a paracetamol if I was uncomfortable, but to contact him if I had severe pain, or jaundice.
I didn’t even need the paracetamol. Recovery wasn’t too difficult, but I stuck to the post-op gallbladder diet that he gave me. (I promise I’ll write about this, too) The one thing I had a problem with, was laying down. The stitches were tight and I couldn’t lay down or get up, so for the first week, I slept sitting up on the couch. It wasn’t a problem.
Sleeping on the couch wasn’t so bad!
I used glycerine suppositories everyday to keep me going to the bathroom without effort. As the days passed, I found doing things even easier and as time passed I found myself able to tolerate more foods. The surgeon checked up on me regularly via telephone and asked me to send him pictures of the healing incisions on Viber. They were all doing great accept for my belly button which was weeping and a little sore and hot to the touch. Although, the surgical incision in my belly button did become a little infected and I had to pack it and take antibiotics, but within a week, it was much better and I could go to have the stitches removed. I had to be careful to stay near a toilet after trying a new food though because a few times in those first couple of months, I experienced dumping syndrome and had to make a bee line for the bathroom.
Post-op, life isn’t much different for me. I sometimes still get dumping syndrome, particularly if I eat something too fatty. Otherwise, I don’t have any real symptoms…just like before my op. However, it’s nice to know that the polyp was removed and won’t be causing any trouble in the future.
So, if you’re having your gallbladder removed. Don’t worry. It isn’t as bad as you might think. If you are suffering with a lot of anxiety, tell your doctor. There are things they can do to help you relax and to reassure you about the surgery. Of course, everyone’s gallbladder story is a little different. But, this is mine and from my experience, I feel it wasn’t a bad or scary experience. But, it is so important to take time out to recover.
My advice is to not push yourself or overdo it during your recovery – you may regret it. Also, don’t expect to feel back to normal immediately. The human body is amazing, but it certainly needs to be given the time to heal after surgery.
People who have digestive conditions often find that their symptoms differ from day-to-day. Some days, they might feel okay and at other times, they may experience a ‘flare up’ of their condition. This happens with lots of digestive ailments such as IBS, diverticular disease, Crohn’s and other IBDs.
During these flare ups, lots of patients are advised to eat a low-residue diet. But what exactly is that? Well, it’s a diet that produces little waste in the bowel and can be mostly absorbed by the body. The foods that are low-residue tend to be low in fibre (US: fiber) since fibre cannot be absorbed by the body and so makes up the bulk of our stools.
Eating a low-residue diet allows our bowel to rest a little until we are feeling better. But, don’t worry, it’s not as restrictive as you might think. In fact, it’s definitely possible to enjoy your food while on a low-residue diet.
So, what foods are included in a low-residue diet?
Go ahead :
white refined grains such as white breads and white crackers
Cooked cereal such as cream of wheat or grits
Cold cereal such as puffed rice (Rice Krispies/Coco Pops/Ricicles), or corn flakes.
White pasta, white noodles, white rice, White rice noodles, etc.
Boiled/mashed/baked potatoes with no skins
Well cooked carrots, beetroot, mushrooms, spinach and pumpkin (no seeds)
canned/cooked fruits without seeds and skins such as applesauce, tinned pears/peaches, etc.
Soft cantaloupe or honeydew melon
White fish, chicken or turkey (no skin) and cooked without too much fat
Jelly (US: Jello)
Decaffeinated drinks
Fruit and vegetable juices without pulp
In moderation:
dairy such as milk, cream, ice cream, custard and butter (avoid these if you are lactose intolerant)
Meats such as lean beef and lean pork (opt for lean cuts or remove as much fat as possible before consumption)
Plain cakes and biscuits/cookies
Eggs
Avocado
Avoid:
Brown bread, grains, rice, pasta, noodles
Prune juice and juices with pulp
raw fruit and vegetables
beans, lentils and tofu
nuts and seeds
popcorn
sweetcorn/corn on the cob/cornbread
fatty or cured meats (prosciutto, lamb, duck, Serrano ham and other deli meats, bacon)
coconut
pickles, olives, dressings and burger relishes or chutneys
Jams (US: jelly)
Certain cooked vegetables, including peas, broccoli, winter squash, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, baked beans
NOTE: A low residue diet is NOT a low FODMAP diet. These are different things. Some people get confused between the two. For now, I haven’t written a post on a FODMAPs, but when I do, I’ll link it right here.
Of course, as with any food guidelines, you may find that some of the foods on the ‘go ahead’ or ‘in moderation’ lists bother you and cause undesirable symptoms, if this happens, just simply cut it out of your diet.
It can be difficult to figure out which foods cause your problems.
Having trouble figuring out which foods are causing you issues? Use my Diverticular Disease Tracker to monitor your food intake and any symptoms you get (You don’t need to have diverticular disease to find this document useful). You may also need to introduce new foods gradually and one at a time. Also, when you are over your flare up, it’s important to slowly increase your fibre intake otherwise you may cause yourself discomfort.
Tummy Trouble 