Waffling about surgery--looking for your experiences!
Hi! I'm hoping to hear from you guys about what your post-op experiences were (from literally anyone, please). But I am especially interested to see if there is anyone out there with a situation similar to mine because I
- Have only had one attack
- Had very borderline HIDA results (35.6% EF)
- Have IBS already and thus worried about current GI issues being exacerbated
So, the longer version:
I had an attack on July 19. Went to the ER, CT + contrast confirmed stones, but I felt better by then and no blockages or inflammation were shown. Blood work was fine. Got referrals. Had HIDA scan last week and had a 35.6% EF. No pain during the scan. I have barely modified my diet--no fried foods, no ice cream, no red meat. But I've still eaten butter, mayo, salad dressing, and haven't had another attack.
Yesterday was my consult with the general surgeon. He said that my symptoms were textbook and that it couldn't hurt to get it out and prevent future attack uncertainty, but "no one is going to make you remove it at this point." Still, after talking to him I decided to put a surgery on the books for after this semester (I'm a professor). He told me that 80% of patients have no digestive issues post-op, and for those that do, only like 1% have those issues long-term. I was comforted by that and it was a factor in my decision to schedule.
Since then, I've read a ton of posts here and talked to friends on social media and seen soooo many testimonials from people who, even years later, can't eat almost anything they like. People who can't eat when they'll have to leave the house. I'm now terrified. As a professor, I can't be running to the bathroom. I love going out to eat--it's probably my favorite social activity. My diet is quite unhealthy, and honestly, I know I could use the excuse to eat better. But hearing that I'd poop myself if I ever have eggs, or pizza, or mayo on a sandwich again, is terrifying me. I also absolutely live on caffeine and have seen many horror stories regarding coffee. I just don't know what to think.
Hearing all this, I'm second-guessing things, because while my attack was frightening, and I've had nausea and bloating since the attack, I have still only had one, true attack. With my IBS I already have to watch what I do regarding drinking my coffee on an empty stomach, limiting spicy food (which I hate, because I LOVE it), dealing with traveler's diarrhea or entirely stopping pooping when I travel because it's like my stomach gets anxious haha. I'm worried that by having the surgery, I might be creating more problems than I'm solving if I get the surgery.
What do you guys think? Can I hear what your life is like now? Can you have an ice cream sundae as a treat with your kid? Can you order a pizza for movie night? Eat buttered popcorn at the movies? Have a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine at your favorite restaurant? Splurge on a huge iced latte? I don't want to lose all these things.