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Am due to have my gall bladder removed (hopefully by keyhole surgery) a month before our summer camping trip in mid-July which has been booked for months. Obviously will get medical advice but would be useful to know from anyone who has had this whether I am likely to be in a fit state to help pitch the tent and sleep on the floor? Kids will be devastated if we don't gocamping this summer so was wondering if we should postpone trip for a couple of weeks - means we won't be able to meet up with their cousins as planned but would be better then no trip at all. Main concern is if we leave it til after I've had the op to decide when to go, we won't get into the campsite as it will be high season (and living in Scotland kids go back to school mid-August which doesn't leave us much time.)

Excellent, thanks all your reassurances,much appreciated  Fingers crossed operation is on schedule....

Hi,

I had my gallbladder removed on 29th march this year, I did go to london two weeks after but to be fair I was very tired, I got an infection in one of my wounds so took longer to heal but I felt completely back to normal after 4 weeks. I went away bank holiday weekend and put my large tent up no trouble and felt fine laying down on the ground [that was 5 weeks after keyhole surgery]

good luck with your operation,and  take it easy

p.s get some peppermint cordial in, I was given it in hospital and its great for the gas they insert, also get some nighties to wear pj's sit on all the cuts.

Quote: Originally posted by thorneywilson on 11/5/2010

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Excellent, thanks all your reassurances,much appreciated  Fingers crossed operation is on schedule....

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Good luck and fingers crossed it being keyhole,

I had mine removed 7 years ago and went on holiday 4 days later,i can remember not being able to do my own shoes from all the gas in my tummy lol.I did hire a wheel chair as it was Devon and very hilly,As people have commented you do tire more easily.

My friend has hers done about 3 months ago and she was in a lot of pain for 7 days but couldn't beleive how great she felt within a fortnight not even a paracetomal needed.

Just shows were all differant         Goodluck.

Both my daughter (then 25)and I (then 48) had gallbladder ops 6 months after each other.  She had the full op as she was pregnant and they thought it was indigestion so her diagnosis was after she had her baby and she was quite poorly. In hospital 2 weeks and the recovery was a least 8 weeks.  Mine was keyhole and I was out next day.  Felt slightly sick on coming round but they had a drip ready and that sorted that.  Inside you have had as big an op as when you have the large cut so that does take 6 weeks to heal, on the outside you only have three tiny marks so that side of things heals quicker.  I ensured I did not reach up, lift or do anything strenuous for the suggested 6 weeks.  Hospital staff know what they are talking about and if you do too much too soon you will set back full recovery.  It did get exasperating not doing things quickly and remembering to bend slowly and especially at first gently lifting your upper body up when getting up in the morning.  If your OH can manage on his own with you doing very minor tasks you could be fine after 4 weeks to go camping but be careful getting up off the lilo - get OH to help you up.  When you start to drive again is when as said you can do an emergency stop without pulling anything and be careful with your seat belt.  I actually enjoyed the time off work and being waited on.  I didn't have young children where it is more difficult getting that time. 

Carol