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Surgery during pregnancy? **Update**

elasticheart13 elasticheart13 member
edited January 2016 in April 2016 Moms
Alright ladies, finally back home after an eternity at the hospital. I figured I'd make this a seperate thread so I don't flood the other thread with this. They told me I do have gallstones and basically my two options are either surgery or waiting until after I give birth. They want me to come back on Monday to reevaluate the situation and asked me to not eat anything the night before in case they decide to operate. They told me if they do chose to operate it would have to be now as the longer I wait the more risky it would be for baby. I am so torn and I don't know what to do. I am so miserable because of the pain and I don't know whether I should say yes to the surgery or wait it out until after I give birth :( would really appreciate your thoughts on this while I think this over during the weekend. :s


    

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Re: Surgery during pregnancy? **Update**

  • spatter1spatter1 member
    Oh no :( I'm so sorry you're going through this! I'm also sorry I have no experience or real advice except to say maybe make a pros and cons list? If you are constantly in pain and that is affecting your health it might not be good for baby either. But of course surgery is always risky. I would hope your doctors would be able to give you a strong, medically-sound recommendation one way or the other. This doesn't seem like the kind of decision that should be put on your shoulders!

    Whatever you decide I'm thinking of you and hoping you get some relief very soon!!

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  • AEG84AEG84 member
    Do you know if it would be laparoscopic surgery? Would you have local anesthetic vs general? I'm trying to read up as I don't know much about the risks. Did they give you any indication of the level of risk for you and baby under both scenarios?
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  • AEG84AEG84 member
    I did find this article which indicates that surgery is generally considered safe during pregnancy. I read another, smaller study that also concluded it was generally safe during first and second trimesters, which may be why they are pushing to do something sooner rather than later. It sounds like non-surgical treatment options don't tend to be very effective and can actually result in worse outcomes for mom & baby than surgery (if not effective).
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  • rebelonerebelone member
    I'm so very sorry you're going through this. I had a bad toothache and the pain was terrible, but I'm certain my discomfort doesn't come close in comparison to the pain you're in. I agree with the pros and cons list along with having a serious conversation with your OB about your list. I would also ask about their experience on gallstone operations on pregnant women. I'm sure you wouldn't be the first pregnant woman they've operated on but it would give you some reassurance. I hope you find some relief soon and that you and baby are safe. Thoughts and prayers to you.
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  • brit&nate2010brit&nate2010 member
    I'm in the same boat right now. I have several stones in the gall bladder as well as one lodged in the bile duct. I have pretty constant but usually bearable pain. So I am to stick to a mild bland diet. My doctors would prefer to wait till after baby is here, I have some other complications though.
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  • amandac12581amandac12581 member
    I have no advice to offer that previous posters haven't already given.  Sending you healing thoughts and wishing you the best!
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  • cmjenkiescmjenkies member
    Assuming the benefits heavily outweigh the risks, which from what I've read, they seem to.. Personally, I would probably go through with the procedure. Stress and pain over a prolonged period of time isn't good for you or the baby either. If you want until after to operate, that may affect your experience with bonding, etc, as well depending on when they decide to do it. There are obviously a lot of things to consider and discuss with your MDs, but I'd be inclined to go that route. I've been thinking of ya, girl!
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  • thaisac1thaisac1 member
    I'm sorry you are going through this! Hugs! Did the doctors explain how he procedure would be done, and what are the potential risks?
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  • allaire314allaire314 member
    Holy heck, what a predicament! I'd find out more about the specific procedure as PPs have said - that much pain for so long is not a good thing. Keep your chin up mama! 
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  • Jules08Jules08 member
    edited January 2016
    Oh I am so sorry.  I remember my mom having this surgery a few years ago and I remember the incredible pain she was in.  I don't have much more advice after what has already been offered, so ... I'll say this part again: I am sorry :( and I hope whatever route you choose, I hope you find relief soon.
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  • ivyvines6ivyvines6 member
    I'm personally a very anti medical type of person, but in this situation I would go with having the surgery. Your emotional health will be under far more stress than is necessary if you're in pain for next three months. Whatever you decide we all love you and hope you reach a logical decision for yourself. /hugs from across the world!
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  • spicedicespicedice member
    I had to have surgery on my hand this September, so I have done surgery while pregnant! I was definitely not as far along as you are now, so it is a little different in how they would go about it. I did a local to minimize the amount of anesthesia needed. They will recommend doing a general versus a local, just because of how far along you are. This means a breathing tube, to make sure you do not breath in any nasty if you do vomit/have reflux. The anesthesiologist will know to do a lower dosage to make things safe for baby. They should also monitor baby the entire time because of how far along you are.

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  • TKaiser91TKaiser91 member
    I cant offer anymore advice than what's already been said but I just wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your LO. Whichever choice you make I truly hope it all works out well for you!
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  • AmadorRoseAmadorRose member
    Well, you've hit 24 weeks so baby is viable if worst comes to worst.

    However, keep in mind that when the doctor talks about all the bad things that can happen, it's because he has to - it's absolute worst-case scenario. And I agree with PP to request a translator; I'm not sure what your health care system is like, but nearly all bigger hospitals here have options for translators to my knowledge. The amount of pain you've been in is not good for you or baby. Whatever you choose, it will be what's best for you because no one knows your situation or feelings as well as you do.

    Thank goodness your hubby is finally with you and can be right there to support you through all of this!


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  • olivemommaolivemomma member
    So sorry you are going through this! If your ob seems to think the surgery is safe I think I would go ahead with it. You don't want it to become truly unbearable down the road when there is more risk to the baby. and the end of pregnancy is uncomfortable enough, I don't know if I could handle 3 months of intense pain on top of that from something not baby related. Hugs either way!
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  • briterfly84briterfly84 member
    Oh my goodness! I cannot imagine the decision to be made.  If I remember correctly, you were at the hospital and not just your doctor, but I am sure you have talked with your OB and weighed all options too?! I have no medical advice to offer other than making sure you are the most correctly informed before you decide (another opinion, maybe? and DEF a translator).  And sending you TONS of warm fuzzies, happy thoughts, and prayers that whatever is decided, you and LO are happy and healthy through and after all this!
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  • MissingchampagneMissingchampagne member
    I think I would proceed with the surgery, especially if you are intending to have a vaginal delivery. The additional pressure and pain while you're pushing later down the line just sounds so scary, so I would want that taken care in order to continue carrying the baby to term.
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  • Regan1234Regan1234 member
    This is my first post, but I thought I would provide some perspective from someone who actually had to make a similar decision.

    At 10 weeks and 4 days, I ended up in the emergency room with horrible shooting pain in my lower right abdomen. I thought I was having an appendicitis and was freaking out. Long story short, it turned out that I had a 7cm cyst on my right ovary that cause it to flip over on itself and cut off the blood supply. I did not get to choose if I was going to have surgery or not, because of the flip, but what was best for my health was what was best for the babies (I also found out in the hospital that I am having twins after being confirming my single pregnancy at the doctor 2 weeks before - but that is another story :smiley: )

    It was super scary, but all of my doctors were great. I had general anesthesia, but it was the minimal amount possible and they very closely monitored me and the babies. I came out of recovery very quickly and the surgery went great. Since everyone was aware of the pregnancy, they took every precaution to make the surgery as safe as possible.

    This is totally a personal choice, but I'm so happy that I had the surgery. I wouldn't have been able to function if I didn't and it would have been worse for the babies. Both are doing great and I have not had any complications from the surgery.

    I highly suggest having a translator and hopefully your SO with you when talking to the doctors. It is a lot of information to take in when they are talking about all the actual surgery and the risks & complications (scariest part, but they do have to say it all like a PP stated), it was always nice to have an extra set of ears. I was super emotional and scared and missed half of what the doctor said to me. 

    I hope this helps to hear someone else's experience. Good luck and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing both you and your LO good health! 


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  • K&ElizabethK&Elizabeth member
    Yikes, sorry you have to deal with this. When I was pregnant with my daughter I had a tumor removed from my breast. It was a very large tumor and I needed to be under general anesthesia. The pregnancy hormones were feeding it and it was growing out of control so it needed to come out ASAP. We were able to wait until 32 weeks for the surgery so if, God forbid, the stress on my body sent me into labor, she was developed enough to have few if any complications. They kept a fetal monitor on her the whole time and I felt confident that they would know right away if she was being affected. Honestly, the worst part was recovering from surgery without strong pain meds and it brought my nausea back (probably from pain). It wasn't optimal timing for the surgery, but babies need healthy mamas!
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  • SisterMaryNapalmSisterMaryNapalm member
    Gallstones are horrible! I really empathise with you because the pain is truly a misery. I mentioned this on the other thread I think but maybe see if you can discuss different anesthesia options with the anesthetist to reduce your risk. Maybe something like a spinal block would be an option? (I say this as a lay person, not as a medical doctor)

    If they are suggesting surgery it will most likely be to prevent a rupture and subsequent infection (as it was with me). If that's the case, then the risks of not doing anything will outweigh the risk of surgery which can, to a certain degree, be controlled. It's difficult with the language barrier, especially with medical jargon, so a translator may be helpful like PP said.

    I hope it all works out. Remember that you're doing everything you can for your baby in a difficult position and none of this is your fault.
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  • CowboycorgiCowboycorgi member
    No advise, just lots of support!
    I hope that no matter what the decision is that it is best for you and baby!
    if surgery or c section are in your future you are already being an awesome mom by taking care of yourself and baby!
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  • MamaRoniMamaRoni member
    Just on the flip side... have u tried medications as well as a very very bland diet? Gallstones and gallbladder complications are very common in pregnancy and I'd say if you are just getting confirmation of what's causing pain.... you may can get some very good relief just from following the diet.
    I am sorry that I can't remember where u are living currently but I would certainly make sure language isn't a barrier or obstacle in your care.
    Good luck!
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  • Goldsgirl9Goldsgirl9 member
    I have no experience but I wanted to say I'm sorry you're dealing with this and I hope you get the answers and treatment best for you and baby. Hugs!
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  • seasidesweeteseasidesweete member
    Ah I just saw something about this in the news yesterday!
    https://m.kcci.com/news/mom-fights-for-life-minutes-after-giving-birth/37305228

    Sorry if that was too scary
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  • cmjenkiescmjenkies member
    ^^ ..yikes. :|
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  • owlsgreyowlsgrey member
    I just saw this! This was me last week. I had never had gallbladder issues or surgery and ended up in the ER with the worst pain of my life - they did an ultrasound and found sludge and stones and advised me to stick to a low-fat diet and wait until after the birth to have it removed. I had four doses of dilaudid and a seven hour attack but after it stopped I felt comfortable trying to manage it on my own. I ate well for a few days but had another attack later that week (after a bowl of Raisin Bran with soy milk?!) and ended up back at the ER where the surgeons and my OB decided to go ahead with the laparoscopic surgery. It was terrifying for a million reasons, since I'd never had surgery and was so worried about the baby and a dozen different teenage-looking doctors were hovering over my bed telling me what the risks were, but in the end it was quick and everything was fine. The baby did well (I was put under for the surgery) and after another night in the hospital I was sent home. I had some pain for the first two or three days but it's been a week since the surgery and I'm not even taking Tylenol anymore. It's such a relief not only knowing I'll never have to deal with one of those attacks again but that I won't have to go back for more surgery a few months after giving birth and then try to parent while recovering again! Send me a PM if you have more questions, but definitely know that it's possible to do this and have it be fine.

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  • thaisac1thaisac1 member
    @elasticheart13 where are you? You've been quiet and I'm worried about you! Is everything ok? Updates please! <3
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  • elasticheart13 elasticheart13 member
    Thanks for the support ladies, I really appreciate it :)

    @MamaRoni I did try the bland diet after the gallbladder attack I had last month but it hasn't helped, only gotten worse sadly. :/

    @thaisac1 I know csections are fine and safe, it's just a personal preference I have :( it just means a lot to me to be able to deliver naturally. I am terrified of surgeries and I fear tomorrow for the same reason. I know I would feel "cheated" if I didn't get to experience delivery if I had a c-section and I know it shouldn't be a factor in choosing whether or not to go through with the surgery tomorrow but I can't help it :(
    I am not in any way saying that babies delivered via c-sections weren't "real" births or any of the like, it's just own preference. :)

    In any case, I'll request an English/Danish speaking doctor tomorrow when I go in for the appointment as you ladies suggested (I know some of them are half Danish so it wouldn't be too difficult I imagine) and I will keep you guys posted about what's happening. <3


        

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  • elasticheart13 elasticheart13 member
    seasidesweete said:

    Ah I just saw something about this in the news yesterday!
    https://m.kcci.com/news/mom-fights-for-life-minutes-after-giving-birth/37305228

    Sorry if that was too scary

    Okay now I'm terrified lol. They're quite worried about an infection already :s


        

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  • thaisac1thaisac1 member
    @elasticheart13 of course, totally understandable as we all have our preferences! Just wanted to help take some of the weight off your shoulder. As long as LO comes safely (for him and for you), that's what matters! <3
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  • MissingchampagneMissingchampagne member
    @seasidesweete Omg. Why with the article?!
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  • AmadorRoseAmadorRose member
    Missingchampagne said:

    @seasidesweete Omg. Why with the article?!

    This. The article was really unnecessary.
    @elasticheart13 if nothing else, at least they know exactly what is going on and will have a clear treatment plan for you. You continue to be in my thoughts, as weird as it is for me to be sending vibes across the ocean to a woman I've never actually met.
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  • elasticheart13 elasticheart13 member
    owlsgrey said:

    I just saw this! This was me last week. I had never had gallbladder issues or surgery and ended up in the ER with the worst pain of my life - they did an ultrasound and found sludge and stones and advised me to stick to a low-fat diet and wait until after the birth to have it removed. I had four doses of dilaudid and a seven hour attack but after it stopped I felt comfortable trying to manage it on my own. I ate well for a few days but had another attack later that week (after a bowl of Raisin Bran with soy milk?!) and ended up back at the ER where the surgeons and my OB decided to go ahead with the laparoscopic surgery. It was terrifying for a million reasons, since I'd never had surgery and was so worried about the baby and a dozen different teenage-looking doctors were hovering over my bed telling me what the risks were, but in the end it was quick and everything was fine. The baby did well (I was put under for the surgery) and after another night in the hospital I was sent home. I had some pain for the first two or three days but it's been a week since the surgery and I'm not even taking Tylenol anymore. It's such a relief not only knowing I'll never have to deal with one of those attacks again but that I won't have to go back for more surgery a few months after giving birth and then try to parent while recovering again! Send me a PM if you have more questions, but definitely know that it's possible to do this and have it be fine.

    How did I not see this? Thank you so much, this is very comforting to read <3

    I had a 4 hour long attack a month ago and the pain disappeared completely after that, and now it's just a constant pain lurking in the background; waiting for me to sneeze or cough. You have an excellent point about recovering while trying to take care of a newborn. There's no way I'd be able to go ahead with the surgery until I finish my bachelor which would mean at least half a year of pain. I'm really happy to hear that it's an easy and fast procedure as I'm terrified of surgeries and never had one before. I feel much more calm about tomorrow now, thank you so much! <3


        

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  • elasticheart13 elasticheart13 member
    @AmadorRose Sending lots of love back at you and the amazing ladies on A16 <3:*


        

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  • SisterMaryNapalmSisterMaryNapalm member
    elasticheart13 said:

    Here's a small update on my situation. We decided to go through with the surgery as the pain got unbearable last night. They gave me morphine to take some of the worst pain which ended up making me feel very sick.

    The surgery will be tomorrow morning and I think they're going to admit me today to monitor my pain and the baby. The doctor explained it would be a laparoscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder where baby would be monitored but in case they don't succeed they'd do an open surgery instead. He was very reassuring and told me the baby would be perfectly fine so I'm not as worried as I was initially.

    Currently just waiting for them to transfer me to a different section where they're gonna give me an IV drop. I am SO hungry but I'm not allowed to eat until after the surgery :s

    So yeah, gallbladders suck.


    My husband bought me the gallbladder plushie as my getting well present for my gall bladder which was very sweet! I hope it all goes well! I hope they can do it laparoscopically.

    You will feel *amazing* after the surgery because the pain is so bad just carrying the gallstones that you won't even register the post-op pain at all.
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