A week ago I was rushed to the emergency room for severe stomach pain and vomiting. The pain was worse than a labor pain. I was vomiting even without eating anything at all. All blood tests including liver enzymes were normal except for w very high white blood count, low potassium and low phosphorus. Infection was suspected but from where? The low potassium and low phosphorus was due to severe vomiting. I was admitted with the suspicion of cholecystitis or gallbladder inflammation because of an obstruction from a gall stone. The next day, I was sent for ultrasound of the abdomen which confirmed gall stone. The gall bladder was badly inflamed that is why i was having sever pain and vomiting. After two days of continuous antibiotics, metronidazole and Ciprobay, I was sent to the operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This was done under general anesthesia but there were only four stabbed wounds on my abdomen, so it is quite fast to heal. I am currently at home healing. It has been a week and the wounds are getting itchy.
How to know if you have gallstones?
Gallstones are hard materials formed from the bile produced by the liver. It is not really a stone. They are usually formed hard materials from bile or cholesterol. These materials stay in the gall bladder. The gallbladder, according to my surgeon, is a storage organ of fats. Like the appendix it has little significance in the body. It only stores fats.
Signs and symptoms:
1. Pain in the right upper abdomen that radiates to the back and sometimes the shoulder.
2. Indigestion.
3,. Gas.
4. Vomiting
Treatment:
To prevent further problems in the future, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is removal of the gallbladder by using a scope. It i usually done under general anesthesia. Using four stabbed wounds on the abdomen, a laparoscope and cannulas. The gallbladder is cut and taen out through the cannulas.
Postoperative care:
Since the operation is laparoscopic, it does not require much care but just like in any other operation, observe for any adverse effects or any untoward incidences. Wound care is simple especially with Steri-Strips and OPSITE dressing available. Diet is retricted to low-fat diet for two weeks and after that you can live a normal life.
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