Post Liver Recession

[NathalieR]

So I saw my GP on Friday , it's been 3 and half weeks since my liver recession. Pain is under the rib cage where wedge was removed and radiates towards back. He said its the diaphragm that's irritated or trickles of blood from liver itself irritating the abdomen. I tried to go back to work on Monday but was sent home as feeling to weak. Has anyone had this type of pain, ache throbbing and inflammation post liver recession and did it take a long time to recover? Thanks

[Mama41]

Hi Natalie. I've had a couple of liver resection and 3 and half weeks is still very early days.

I was off work 6 months after my first one.

It's major surgery and you need to take it easy for a while.

Are you still on painkillers? I was on fairly strong painkillers for at least 6 weeks.

I'm surprised the Drs have signed you back to work so soon.

Take it easy for a while longer and you will soon start to feel better x

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Thanks for your reply!!!

Yes I was thinking the same thing. O have had to ask for an extension to my sick leave as had to come striaght hone after my first attempt at work on Monday! Did your pain also radiate towards the back, like in direct correlation to where the liver was resected? My back is very sore. I've also not taken it easy by doing house work and probably done more damage (my bad) in trying my best bot to take pain killers, but eventually I have to succumb. Which are the best pain tablets for this type of pain?

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

Yes I would get a note for at least another 4 weeks.

I took co codamol and that helped. You really do need to take it easy.

I had back pain as well..I think it's due to the fact that you are walking differently and sitting differently due to the operation. It does get better in time but please don't over do it. X

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Thank you. Yes I started house work way to early. This is something the surgeon should have discussed with me! I didnt know this was something major. All I got told was that the liver had no pain receptors? Then why do I feel pain there?

Did you also have less of an appetite post op?

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

Yes I'm surprised you wernt given more info when you left hospital. I was told no lifting etc for at least 6 weeks.

I could barely walk 3 weeks after my first op.

Do you have a follow up appointment with the consultant?

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Saw him a week post op to remove my bandages. He said all was ok. But obviously still have pain. Glad to hear that this is normal and csn take a while. Was your appetite affected at all?

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

Yes I lost a lot of weight afterwards. Went down to below 7 stone. It took a while to regain my appetite but I got there eventually.

I existed on Macdonalds milkshakes for a while 😊

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Yes me to! People think I'm dying at how much weight I've lost. Below 7 stone. Well I cant help it. I can feel and hear the liver is trying to cope. When I eat soemthing the noises sounds like its battling to digest food. Sound if indigestion. Was told that is normal.

I think I just did damage by doing too much too soon. Even though its said that the liver has no pain receptors its weird that I feel pain there..I mean after all a piece of the liver was cut off surely some measure of pain is understandable?

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

I think the pain is more due to the incisions rather than pain from the liver. The liver is surrounded by a capsule called the glisson capsule..this can cause pain but more likely to be from the actual operation.

You really do need to take it easy for a while. I overdid it the first time which was maybe why my recovery took so long.

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Yes true. Long road ahead of me!

Just very symptomatic at the moment. Like bloating, weird noises from the right area, i suppose having fibromylgia doesnt help either. We all so different!

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Did one of your bile ducts get cut out as well? If so does it grow back?

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

One of mine was nicked during surgery as I had a bile leak afterwards and had to wear a drain for 8 weeks. It did eventually stop though.

How are you feeling today? X

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Oh still the same basically. Went to a homeopath to try speed up healing. Got more of back ache than anything else today. How would you know if your bike is leaking?

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

I had a temperature about a week after surgery and they found a large bile leak so I had to go back in and have antibiotics and a drain fitted.

I think they should have told you that the recovery would take a while.

I was initially told 3 months recovery time.

Did you have your surgery done in the UK?

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

I wasnt to.d anything except that I would be ok in 10 days. That sounded to soon! Surgery was done in South Africa. I have seen the surgeon and GP since and neither can pick up signs of fever / infection. If they had told me ...3 months then that would have put my mind at ease. I'm just going to be patient and continue with the remedies from the homeoapth. Should the stomach swell or I get a fever I will go to the doctor. Thanks!

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Sorry one more question did you experience nausea/ lack if appetite for a while. I was told this is nienal8. Thanks!

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

Yes it took a while for my appetite to come back.

Did you have open surgery or laproscopic?

Mine was open which was why they told me the recovery time would take a while.

Have you been back to the GP?

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Yes I've been to the surgeon and GP. Just gone 4th week post op. I am able to walk and do a few activities. It's just the appetite and some nausea. I had laparoscopic surgery. 3 incision in the abdomen.

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Hi! Ok so i eventually went for a CT scan plus blood tests and everything came back clear. What i dont understand is the extreme bloat i have after eating. Plus the comsgant right pain just under the rib still. Doctors are dying its "mechanical repair" but when will i see the light at the end of the tunnel. I suppose just have to wait and see😥

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

Hi Nathalie..sorry to hear you are still having issues. It is still fairly early days though.

Glad to hear the CT scan was clear.

Are you taking it easy? Has your appetite come back yet?

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Yes i have to keep reminding myself!

My appetite is quite erratic somedays i will have an appetite somedays i wont. I find when u have a meal that is quite heavy like potatoes and meat my digestion struggles and the pain in the right quadrant becomes unbearable. I didnt realise how hectic this op would be.

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Hello. Its been a while since i posted on my recovery. As mentioned i had a ct scan and blood test and everything looks fine. I still have alot of pain where the liver kiver was resected and radiates toward the back under the rib cage. Its not even 3 months yet and i know you say it takes very long for pain to go away. I do not feep sick and weak anymore. Its just alot of pain especially after i eat. I just have to remind myself it will probably take about 6 months all in all to feel better

[Mama41 in reply to NathalieR]

Hello..I'm surprised you're still having so much pain after laparoscopic surgery.

Have you been back to the Dr lately?

[NathalieR in reply to Mama41]

Yes. Had ALL the tests done. Was in hospital for a week. Nothing sinister came up. I noticed i have to be very careful as to what I eat. I have a vry sensitive digestive system. Ive been reading up on liver recessions and some people seem to take months to heal...its 2.5 months for me...lets see how it goes🙏

[Beture47]

I think you need a second opinion. I would also speak to your consultant

Hope you get some answers

E

[NathalieR in reply to Beture47]

Thanks