If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

I have been through numerous tests and everything is pointing to needing to get my gallbladder out. I have my final test on Monday and could really use some words of advice from moms.

If you say it wasn't bad, can you elaborate? (ie: if you had your mom come over to take care of the kids, then obviously it would be easier than someone that has no family around.) Is it possible to do with nobody home to help?

I'm just trying to figure out if I need to try to find more babysitters in our area. I want to be prepared.

Also, did you have it done laprascopically or with full incision? TIA!!!!

Message edited 11/13/2008 8:40:12 AM.

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

Hi! I had mine removed (Laparoscopically) in 1993, way before kiddies, but the recovery was EASY! However with little ones you definitely will want extra help for a few days after, I don't think they'll want you lifting/stretching your abdomen! Though they DO want you to walk as much as you can...

The surgery took about 40 minutes, I only spent one night in the hospital afterward (but I was in for 5 days prior, I had a severe infection that had to be treated before they could operate, I was in bad shape!).

And the incisions (there are 3 of them) are teeeeeny, all these years later they're barely visible.

Good luck on Monday, line up those babysitters, you'll heal faster if you're not overdoing it!!!

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

Well, you know my gall bladder story

I had 4 incisions in my abdomen, but still done laproscopically. I had family with me for the few days after (well then again, I was in the hospital for 5 days after ). You basically just have to watch the lifting. I "trained" Leah before hand how to get in and out of the car kinda on her own. And be careful with lifing in/out of the crib. I had DH put her into the crib at night and then take her out before he went to work in the morning.

I would say get a mothers helper for a couple of days after, but nothing crazy. I am sure you will be well enough to do it on your own in about 3-4 days after surgery.

Good luck

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

had mine removed laparoscopically (only 1 incision!!) just this past july. i was in and out the same day. i was sored the first few days but was fine afterward. however, they suggested me not to pick up DS (6mons at the the time) or to do any lifting until i get approval from the doctor at the post-apt (think it was 2wks after). at the post apt, he think he told me i can lift ds. however, i remembered feeling a little pulling around the belly button if i carried ds too long.

HTH and GL!

eta: ds was very young at the time, so i definitely needed help. MIL came over 3-4 weeks to help out but i didn't think i needed her that long. she was just too cautious and make sure i healed "properly". think you'll be fine as soon as your dr gives their approval.

Message edited 11/13/2008 9:38:20 AM.

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

I had mine removed laparascopically with 3 incisions almost 3 years ago (before DD). *If* I needed to take care of her during that time, I would have most certainly needed help.

I'm so sorry you need this! I pray 2009 brings amazing things for you Kelly!

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

I had mine out lat July so DS was about 9-10 months old. I needed help giving him a bath but it was really the first 2 days home from the hospital that were really hard. After that, I was just very careful. After 2 weeks, you will be like nothing ever happned. Good luck!

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

Oh Kelly, no advice but

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

I also had mine removed laproscopically with 4 incisions when my baby was a year old. I was down for the first few days kinda sore and just wanted to rest, my Dr did not want me lifting anything for I think like 4 weeks so my DH had to help me with the baby like lifting him in and out of the crib and for baths but it was not to bad I felt good in like 1 week but did not want to push it.

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

Re: If you had your gallbladder out, how hard was it to take care of kids?

I had mine out last summer when DS was 5 months old. I had it done lapriscopically..
I was told I could not lift him for a few days. I was sore.
I had my inlaws around to help out.
I would try and find someone to help you out for a few days.
Feel Better.