Post-surgery gallbladder and diverticulitis issues

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Lomitus
Lomitus Member Posts: 4
edited January 2023 in Stomach Cancer #1

Ok...it seems this forum isn't too active, but I figure I'll ask anyways...

My surgery was back at the end of May...full gasterectomy for Stage III stomach cancer...and my last chemo session was 9-11-2020.  I had been doing really well...for a while...was doing well with food, my weight stablized around 175 lbs. (down from 250 lbs), etc..  There was still a fair bit of cramping, but hey...they rearranged the plumbing, so that was to be expected.  The past few weeks however, I have been feeling worse and worse...today I actually feel worse than I did while going thru the damned chemo.  This past week I ended up in the E.R. because of moderate to severe cramping/pain in multiple areas of my abdomen and after a CT scan, they determined I not only have diverticulitis (forgive the spelling). but I apparently have a swollen gallbladder as well...all of which is making it VERY difficult to eat food and keep it down.

I do have an appointment next week with the surgeon...and the E.R. doc has me on antiobiotics, as well as Norco for the pain, but I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on stuff I might be able to eat without "angering the volcano gods" (as my wife puts it).  Right now I can only get maybe 4 or 5 bites of food down before feeling "full" and/or nautious.

...also, has anyone else experienced such compications after a full gasterectomy and if so, how did you deal with it?

Thanks!

Comments

  • Craig48
    Craig48 CSN Member Posts: 34 Member
    #2

    I had gall stones and liver stones plus kidney stones after stage 3 and total gastrectomy. I passed after two years. They feel that the sudden weight loss contributed and I was trying to eat too much. Happy with being skinny now as I am back up to 150 pounds at 6'1.

    Bile reflux as terrible but now only rare.

    I will comment further if you or others are interested.

  • Cancer2022
    Cancer2022 Member Posts: 1 Member
    #3

    I had my Full Gastrectomy 10/27/22 and am still having pains in the center of the abdomen now and then shooting pains that hit abruptly also a lot of gurgling sounds after eating and the off to see Johnny usually if you know what I mean… I have lost about 25-30 lbs so far and wonder Lord how can I Stop this weight loss …it scares me… do you have any ideas… please share with me if you do…I need an Angel to send me some answers … I can say no Stones.. I have No Gallbladder… God Bless you

  • Craig48
    Craig48 CSN Member Posts: 34 Member
    #4
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1703022#Comment_1703022

    Dear Cancer 2022,

    I was very concerned about my weight loss as I went from 209 down to 133 and I am 6'1. I made my digestive problems worse by trying to eat too much in an effort to stop the weight loss. It has taken about two years to get the weight back up to 150 and find out how and what to eat to remain the most comfortable.

    I learned to chew more, alternate bites between various foods of different consistencies, avoid milk and cream based items until I saw how they effected me, have some Go-to items, which for me are broth based Progresso soups and mild pasta dishes, try to stop eating as soon as I feel full -- not one more bite.

    Being very thin is actually good for longevity and cardiac load. Exercise and be up and as active as you can be to keep your digestive tract moving. I was diagnosed at 70 in 2019 and in 2021 I moved a vacation home into my main household and then 60 days later moved the whole damn bundle across the entire country and filled up a 2800 SF house. That built some muscle back and kept my system active for sure.

    Keep in contact with your Docs but remember you have an entirely new digestive tract to adapt to and it will have a lot of ups and downs.

    Craig48

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