An embarrassing question, but I'm frustrated

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

Let me start off by saying :blushing: This isn't exactly where I wanted to talk about this, but I need to gather others' experience here.

 

I had my gall bladder out a few months ago, and that has made my digestive system go haywire. I can go 4-5 days with no issues at all, and then I'll have a day or two where I'm...ahem..."using the facilities" every 30 minutes. It's getting to be where I'm afraid to take the kids places because I don't know if there will be bathroom for me to use (or if the only bathroom will be located pretty much IN the room with a class full of kids and tweens--not ideal! :001_unsure: ). I don't want this to affect my life so much, but it's not like, "Oh, I might need to find a bathroom soon." It's more like "Go! Go now! RUN!" It's kind of panic-inducing *sigh*

 

So I'm wondering if there's a way to moderate this result of losing my GB. I've tried to eat small meals, I've tried to eat normally. I've eaten high-fat meals and had no more problems than when I've eaten low-fat meals. I've tried eating in the middle of the night and then eating breakfast to so that I don't go long stretches between meals--in fact, that's what I did last night--and I'm still having trouble today.

 

Is there anything one can take to help with this? Any other tricks to dealing with it? Should I just stay home from all extracurriculars and classes for the foreseeable future until my system regulates? Or is this going to be my life from now on? It's really hampering our lives, and living in the constant fear that I'm suddenly going to feel stomach cramps coming on is making me miserable.

 

I would love any advice anyone has to offer. Thanks (and again, :blushing: ).

[Twigs]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[Trish]

For most people (not everyone) this is something that will resolve itself over time.

 

edit to add: for the time being you can try a bland diet, or get in touch with your GI doc, there are medications that can help.

[Um_2_4]

I'm 3 years out almost from surgery (3yr in March). It has gotten better, MUCH, but if I go too long without eating...um..yeah... not pretty.

The only thing that really gets me is sugar (added or natural), if I eat too much that will send me for problems. And fiber is important (for me, as in I need some extra). I have friends who say they just have to avoid high fat foods (like hot dogs, etc) and they are ok. But all of us agree that eating something small every 2-3 hours helps.

[Unicorn.]

I don't know if this will help, as I had no problems after having mine out, but can you keep a food journal? Be very specific including what time you eat, as well as what. Keep a note of any processed foods and their ingredients, as it could be a small ingredient that upsets your system. In the meantime, I would see your doc, and see if there is something he can give you.

[4everHis]

My dh had his out almost 7 years ago and has continually had issues. He has found that supplementing with enzymes is helping. He uses NOW Super Enzymes or a product called Acid Ease. Your gallbladder served a purpose so it's a matter of helping your body compensate for the loss of that job. Hope you find answers.

 

btw. my mom had her's out about 6 years ago and randomly still has the issues you described. Did the doctor not mention these side effects to the surgery and ways to help?

[magic]

It has been 16 years since I had mine out. It is really an experimental process to see how your body best handles foods. Every couple of years there seems to be a new food that my body can no longer handle. I try to keep a food diary when I start having issues. It usually takes a week or two to figure out what is causing the problem. Some things I can handle if I have something else in my stomach first. Ice cream, french fries, and caffeine all cause my body to go haywire if I have not first put something mild in my system first. I know it is frustrating but you will figure it out.

[AmyontheFarm]

I had mine out a few months ago. If I eat gluten I make multiple visits to the bathroom. When I don't eat gluten, I'm fine. So for me, I've learned to just avoid gluten.