Expert: Dawn Caceres Date: 2/25/2008 Subject: Gall Bladder Surgery
Question I contacted you in 07/07 and got and followed your advise(Thanks) I received a second opinion and I've studies up on GB surgery from every angle I can think of. So now would like your comment on the following.I am healthy, 72 & in excellent physical condition. My BP is 100/50 sometimes higher or lower. My pulse rate is 47-55 & again sometimes higher or lower. I do not smoke, drink & I eat healthy & take proper supplement to include asprin, omega 3, flax, garlic, multi vit. I have high blood pressure, atrial fillibration and Mitar Valve Prolapse(all well controlled). I do not smoke or drink and am not subjected to pain so here is the question.
With GB surgery would it be wise not to have post pain killers(I never use or need them for prior surgery or otherwise) & would I need anti-inflamation drugs. I am of the opinion the less used the better especially with a low pulse and blood pressure & it seems Pain killers can depress both as can meds to put you under for surgery. I take enapril, warfarin and toprol XL which of itself also depreses BP and Pulse. Thanks for your time and I'll await your reply
Answer Dear William,
I understand your desire to use less medication than necessary to help you after your surgery. I too, often choose the less is more approach. BUT I am going to recommend just the opposite. You need to wait until after your surgery and see how you respond. Do not make any decisions until then. Pain can increase your blood pressure, assist to slow down healing and just have you feel awful unnecessarily.
Use this approach post-operatively:
1. Eat well, get the most nutritious foods lower fat, not no-fat and eat them three to six times per day.
2. Drink plenty of fluids for example; water, juices and things like decaffeinated teas.
3. Exercise and balance this with resting. Walk and do your normal everyday routines that help you to care for yourself. Make sure you get to bed at a decent time and take a nap or lie down if tired throughout the day.
4.Follow-up with your surgeon when the appointment comes. This appointment is important as it will guide you to what you will be able to keep doing or not according to how you heal. Typically patients see a return to normal after 7-10days post-op.
5 As far as pain and keeping it under control try this approach...
Rate your pain often in the days just after surgery on a scale from 0 through 10 ( 0=no pain and 10=the worst you've ever experienced). When you experience pain that is greater than 5 take the prescribed pain medication the surgeon suggested. Doing this every 4-6 hours should work very well at keeping you comfortable. Now if your pain is a lower value let's say 2-3 in range then try taking the Anti inflammatory drug. The best choices will be up to you but you shouldn't just assume you won't need the narcotic. Have it available if needed. There is nothing worse than having excruciating pain in the middle of the night and not having something that will get rid of it. It can happen.
Your concern over being medicated too much is logical but in actuality you don't take "much" medications. As a matter of fact, with all that you've told me I feel that you will have a great outcome with the procedure and get back to being the best you!
Good Luck, William, and feel free to contact me again if anything I've said doesn't make sense!
