I have to have my urostomy post-op incisional hernia repaired as over the last two and a half years since my op it has grown a little big, although it doesn't cause me any problems. My surgeon called me in for a chat and told me that while they had me open, he would get his general surgeon to remove my gall bladder. Well, this was news to me and I told him he had got the wrong person... He seemed surprised that I knew nothing about it. I asked why they wanted to remove it, and he said gallstones had shown up on a scan I had 6 months ago and while I was open, they thought they would whip it out (cheers, doc)...
I then had to go and see the general surgeon who would do the gall bladder. I looked up the op on the internet (as you do) and all sites stated gall bladders would not be removed if the patient had no symptoms. He asked what symptoms do you get, I told him nothing. No pains under my ribs, no indigestion, no heartburn, no pains in my shoulders, and I'm not on any form of medication. I eat all types of food without a problem. He said, "Well, I'm not taking it out then" (I could have told him that and saved us both the trouble)
He told me he couldn't operate through the hernia incision as it was below the belly button. If he ever needed to do it, it would be keyhole surgery above the belly button.
He said he would write to my hernia surgeon (who did my urostomy) and tell him to forget gall bladders and get on with the hernia!!
I could have been in and out of the hospital 9 months ago and well on my way to recovery. He also wants to give me a belly tuck and tidy up the old scar line.
I know the British NHS is free, but I wish they'd stop messing about and get on with it. I don't really want to be in the hospital for Christmas!!
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,090 members. Get inside and you will see.
We're not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed in the forums.
It's a very special community, embracing all ages and backgrounds. People are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.
Advertisement
Hollister
You've checked off everything on your travel checklist. So, now it's time to pack your ostomy supplies and anything else you need. Do it the right way with these smart tips.