Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome

The term post cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) describes the presence of symptoms after cholecystectomy. These symptoms can represent either the continuation of symptoms thought to be caused by the gallbladder or the development of new symptoms normally attributed to the gallbladder. PCS also includes the development of symptoms caused by removal of the gallbladder.

In general, PCS is a preliminary diagnosis and should be renamed relevant to the disease identified by an adequate workup. PCS is caused by alterations in bile flow due to the loss of the reservoir function of the gallbladder. Two types of problems may arise. The first problem is continuously increased bile flow into the upper GI tract, which may contribute to esophagitis and gastritis. The second consequence is related to the lower GI tract, where diarrhea and colicky lower abdominal pain may result. This article mainly addresses the general issues of PCS.

PCS reportedly affects about 10-15% of patients. 

Day in day out

Post surgery:

Since my gallbladder was removed, my digestion has progressively declined over time. Only the last 2 years have I been able to find some real solutions and comfort in life. If you to are struggling, have a read below to see what has worked for me :)

** Every meal take a Digestive enzyme to support digestion - http://www.emed.com.au/1445**

• Eat healthy and as clean as possible, with small portions
• Start your morning with warm water and lemon juice to kick start the liver
• Chia seed for fibre and keeping you fuller longer
• Take a Probiotic daily
• Juice vegies and fruit when possible
• 45 minutes walk once a week and increase to 3 times a week when possible 
• Drink plenty of filtered water daily 
• Cut out sugars and bread unless wholegrain and minimise to eating carbs in the morning and no carbs after 2pm
• Yoga, breathing and stretching

GOODLUCK MY GALLBLADDERLESS FRIENDS!

Please note this is my own personal experience, and is advice only*

Battle Scars 15/10/2007

15/10/2007 - The day my digestion changed forever . . . 

Mum had just finished dropping me off, when I had a sudden onset of sharp pain in my stomach.. I phoned her to come back and take me to hospital. Within 5-10 minutes I was being rushed to hospital in and out of consciousness because the pain was so severe...

When we arrived I have no recollection of what was happening..

The next thing I remember was waking and having a sore throat...

As you can see below these are some of my battle scars which cover my stomach...

I am currently learning to love my scars...and use this past experience in life to discover a stronger, happier, healthier, loving person!

Any sufferers out there, please do not feel alone, I hope to inspire, support and assist you, please follow me and let's share this journey together xx

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Surgical Procedure)

Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is a common treatment of symptomatic gallstones and other gallbladder conditions. Surgical options include the standard procedure, called laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and an older more invasive procedure, called open cholecystectomy.

** Video is not for the faint hearted as I discovered :S **

What happens when you don’t have a gallbladder?

My liver will continue to make bile, but there is no longer a place to store it or concentrate it.  Therefore bile continually slowly trickles into the intestines.  If I eat a fatty meal, I will not be able to secrete a large enough amount of bile into my intestines, therefore the fat will be poorly digested.  This means many people experience diarrhea, bloating, nausea or indigestion.

Not digesting fat means I will not be able to digest essential fatty acids, including omega 3 and omega 6 fats.  It also means I have a hard time absorbing fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins D, E, A and K. These nutrients are vital for good health, and I will need to take a supplement such EAGLE Digestaid and Greenridge Liverplex to support digestion.

What is Bile?

Bile or gall is a bitter-tasting, dark green to yellowish brown fluid, produced by the liver of most vertebrates, that aids the digestion of lipids in the small intestine. 

In many species, bile is stored in the gallbladder and, when the organism eats, is discharged into the duodenum. Bile is 85% water, 10% bile salts, 3% mucus and pigments, 1% fats, and 0.7% inorganic salts.

Secretion of bile

Do you know what a Gallbladder is?

To begin my story, below I am going to briefly explain the role and importance of the Gallbladder before I begin to emphasis the importance of health, fitness, and well-being when it has been removed.

The Gallbladder stores and concentrates bile from the liver, and releases into the small intestine to further digest food there.

It collects around 50mls of bile, which is discharged when food containing fat enters the digestive tract, stimulating the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK-peptide hormone of the gastrointestinal system responsible for stimulating the digestion of fat and protein). The bile, produced in the liver, emulsifies fats and neutralizes acids in partly digested food.

After being collected in the Gallbladder, the bile becomes more concentrated than when it left the liver, increasing its potency and intensifying its effect on fats. Most digestion occurs in the upper intestine, or, the duodenum, where the bile is released.

My first blog!

Hi peeps!

Well this is my first post for my new account. Very excited about what the future holds! I am dedicating this blog to health, fitness, nutrition and most importantly life post Cholecystectomy surgery (Gallbladder removal)

Enjoy, read along and share your thoughts and feelings with me as we motor along this journey together!

Angela x