How to Sleep Comfortably After Gallbladder Surgery (4 Ways) It was just after surgery for diverticular disease, and Greg Saggio, 48, was feeling good. Following that, 40.8% of cases have trouble falling asleep, and 62.5% of cases experience unwanted awakenings during the night. Your incisions for gallbladder surgery will be on the right side of your belly, where your gallbladder is located. This ensures your gallbladder is free to contract and expand, which may help a gallstone pass. Gallbladder surgery can be performed laparoscopically (with small incisions) or with open surgery. Keeping the lungs healthy after anesthesia, Promoting good drainage of lymphatic fluid. Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. Unlike the regular sofa that is designed to provide back support, the recliner is doing it way better due to its built-in bed feature. It produces much smaller scars, generates less bleeding, and requires less recovery time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When Can I Sleep On My Side After Gallbladder Surgery If your surgeon has not advised against sleeping on your side, then it is possible to sleep on your left/right side. In people with lighter skin tones, the result is often pale, translucent scars that are lighter than your natural skin tone. The surgeon finds the gallbladder and takes it out through the incision. The following is a list of recommended exercises that can help with sleeping better after gallbladder surgery: When you have had your gallbladder removed, you will need to make some changes in your diet and lifestyle to prevent complications such as diarrhea or bloating. I have two articles related to sleep and surgical procedures, you might want to check out sleeping after wisdom teeth removal and how to sleep with a kidney stent. If possible, keep your bedroom completely dark so that the only light in the room comes from lamps or candles. Its common for people to return to eating a normal diet within a month after gallbladder surgery. The recovery time after gallbladder surgery can be tough. Your body will tell you when it needs sleep, and you will need to find a sleeping position that is comfortable for you. Herniorrhaphy: What to Expect with Hernia Repair Surgery, Quintuple Bypass Surgery: Everything You Need to Know, Cholecystectomy Surgery: Everything You Need to Know, Meniscectomy: What to Know About Removal of the Meniscus, What to Expect During a Laparoscopic Appendectomy, What to Eat After Colon Resection or Removal, Stool Changes, Constipation, and Diarrhea After Surgery, Diastasis Recti Surgery: Preparation and Recovery, Panniculectomy Surgery: Procedure and Recovery, Eyelid Surgery: Everything You Need to Know, Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for gallstones. Which Sleeping Position Is Best After Colon Surgery? Recovery times are also different for a minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgery (provided there are no complications) vs. an open surgery (traditional surgery, involving a large incision). After minimally invasive surgery, a person is often discharged the same day or the following day. For the most part, you should be able to recover in six weeks without experiencing any complications, but there may be some discomfort and pain for the first few days. Reach out when you need help (both physically and emotionally). In some instances, this may result in additional scarring. How To Get In Bed After Gallbladder Surgery? The gallbladder stores and releases a digestive fluid called bile. Sleeping On Your Side After Gallbladder Surgery | Sleepation Doctors perform gallbladder removal to provide permanent relief from gallstones and other problems associated with the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is located on your right side, so to avoid compressing it, you may try sleeping on your left side. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain activities, including vigorous exercise, for the first few weeks after surgery. Your doctor will most likely discharge you with prescription medication to reduce pain so you can sleep. Your surgeon may suggest that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Required fields are marked *. This can be frustrating for many people, as rest is essential after an operation. There are certain factors that must be considered during the recovery stage for gallbladder surgery. If the surgeon used nondissolvable stitches, sleeping on them may pull or dislodge them. (2022). How Long Do You Have to Sleep on Your Back After Gallbladder Surgery? Removal of gallbladders, also known as cholecystectomy, is a common surgical procedure. How to Sleep After Gallbladder Surgery - Sleep Flawless Pros And Cons And Tips For Neck Protection, Responsibly Disposing Of Old Bed Pillows Options For Donation Recycling And Upcycling, Exploring The Benefits Of Putting Rose Quartz Under Your Pillow, DIY Microwavable Eye Pillow: A Stress-Relieving Craft Guide, Finding The Right Bed Pillow For You: A Comprehensive Guide To A Good Nights Sleep, Finding The Perfect Foam Pillow For A Good Nights Sleep. Sometimes, painful gallstones, inflammation, or infection can mean that you need to have your gallbladder surgically removed. If you have any of the following symptoms or concerns, call your doctor: Getting in bed after gallbladder surgery can be tricky. If youre looking for a way to help you sleep, consider taking supplements that contain melatonin, Valerian root, and chamomile tea. You dont want anything that might wake you up while youre trying to sleep. Take this sparingly, as needed. Swelling from the pain medication may also cause you to feel sleepy in the morning. Gallbladder Surgery Scars: Healing and Sleep Tips - Healthline This procedure may be performed as a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery or open gallbladder surgery. After gallbladder surgery, getting your sleep back on track is the most important thing you can do to recover from your surgery. Sleep on your left or backside. But with a healing scar, it can be hard to find safe and comfortable ways to sleep. Instead of one large incision, your surgeon will make three or four small incisions in your abdomen. In case you arent too familiar, Read More Are Melatonin and Caffeine a Bad Combo?Continue, Does sleep apnea cause weight gain? It may be uncomfortable for a couple of days due to pain, but as long as you do not feel any sharp pains then it should be fine. The scent of lavender is known to relax the body, so using this oil in your diffuser may help you get more restful sleep. The body of the drug used in surgery must be flushed down the toilet with drinking fluids. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime. He founded SuperHumn to share his knowledge and offer guidance and support to more people around the world. The gallbladder is surgically removed as part of this procedure. The recliner can be used as a bed or a sofa,, Read More Sleeping In a Recliner Benefits & Side EffectsContinue, Your email address will not be published. by Summer | Oct 11, 2022 | Sleeping FAQ's. The bodys absorption of fat is compromised after the gallbladder is removed. If you work a more manual job, it may take between three and four weeks to return to normal. Bile reflux gastritis has been linked to stomach cancer. It is extremely rare to develop secondary bile duct disease after gallbladder removal, but it occurs in about 1% of people. All of these need to be taken into account during the recovery period. Sleep-related problems can also occur if you have had hip or spinal surgery. They are also useful if you have had hip or knee replacement surgery because they help keep the hips elevated while sleeping. Getting some sleep after gallbladder surgery isnt always easy, but having a game-plan in place can make it easier. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying petroleum jelly (petrolatum) to the area after daily washing. There's nothing better than sleeping in the comfort of your own bed even after gallbladder surgery. Rosemary, lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus oils should be diluted with an oil diffuser during sleep to mask the scent of these oils. Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. When to See Your Doctor About Sleeping Problems After Gallbladder Surgery? In a small study published in 1990, it was discovered that those who had open gallbladder surgery under general anesthesia were more likely to lose sleep the next night than those who had laparoscopic gallbladder surgery under general anesthesia. How to Sleep After Gallbladder Surgery: Tips and Precautions - Healthline This process is gradual and can take up to 2 years. One of the most common procedures in the United States is gallbladder surgery. After a meal, you should rest and avoid strenuous activity. Crackers, broth, and bananas are good options. The most common side effect of the surgery is abdominal distension, which is a feeling of fullness and can be accompanied by pain and discomfort. It is not recommended to sleep on ones side in certain situations. Take guidance from your healthcare provider as to what you can eat and when you can eat it. How to Sleep After Gallbladder Surgery What happens in that period of recovery? If you had laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery, you will most likely be able to go home the same day. The risk of pain after gallbladder surgery is not high, but it can cause difficulty in sleeping for some patients. If you continue to feel discomfort that interferes with sleep, you can take over-the-counter pain medication once you stop taking prescription drugs for pain. If not, consult with your healthcare provider. Open cholecystectomy. Clinical patterns of postcholecystectomy syndrome. Im a content organizer, fact-checker and super mom who ensures content is medically-reviewed, highly accurate, and engaging. To side-step this gastrointestinal discomfort, avoid eating . Bile Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & What It Is - Cleveland Clinic Try aromatherapy or other relaxation techniques, such as playing soft, soothing music at bedtime. For example, recovery is much faster for a simple cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder only) compared to a radical cholecystectomy (a gallbladder removal procedure involving the removal of the gallbladder, part of the liver, and adjacent lymph nodes). What Is the Recovery Time for Appendicitis Surgery? In some cases, the swelling may last even longer. More research is needed to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Painkillers can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which will make it easier for you to feel less sore and stiff when you move around. UW Health.org. Speak with your surgeon or healthcare provider if you are experiencing any sleep issues. If youre struggling with insomnia, you should consider taking natural supplements that encourage sleep. When doctors cut skin tissue, the tissue releases collagen, a protein that aids healing. A doctor is likely to prescribe a stool softener if they also prescribe a pain medication following gallbladder surgery. Ask for help when putting on your socks and shoes, as well as when putting on your pantsits best to avoid bending at all costs. Youre having trouble concentrating on things or remembering things that happened recently. See additional information. Liposuction is a common procedure for targeted fat loss, but it comes with some potential risks. If you do experience pain, try sleeping on your back or stomach instead. A cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on the gallbladder. There are a few general tips to keep in mind when it comes to eating in ways that aid in better sleep. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use in the days and weeks after gallbladder surgery so that you can rest and heal. The drugs that are commonly used during surgery include: painkillers (such as morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole), and antifungals (miconazole). This can reduce discomfort so you can get much-needed rest. Surgical procedures: Cholecystectomy. All those medications that were administered during the procedure can also make it difficult to fall asleep in unfamiliar surroundings with an aching body. There are a number of natural supplements that can help you sleep. The gallbladder can be removed with gallbladder surgery, also known as a gallbladder removal procedure. How to Sleep after Gallbladder Surgery the Best Way It is critical that you take regular pain medication in addition to your surgeons prescribed medication. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. During this procedure, your surgeon will make an incision 4 to 6 inches wide in the right upper portion of your abdomen. If you have had recurring gallstones or bile blockages, your doctor may recommend having this surgery. In this article, I have discussed how to sleep after gallbladder removal. Once you stop taking pain medications, you can sit comfortably for relatively long periods of time and you can quickly move your foot from the gas pedal to the brake, it is usually OK to drive, but be sure your healthcare provider has given you the OKbefore resuming driving. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for gallstones. Using an eye mask and noise-canceling earplugs to decrease night disturbances may also help you. You may have some swelling of the abdomen. Complications. First, youll want to make sure your room is dark. Here are some tips on how to sleep after gallbladder surgery. You may also want to use a pillow to support your stomach and help keep your incisions clean and dry. Your body needs extra fluids when recovering from major surgery, so its important to stay hydrated with water or another noncarbonated beverage (such as tea) throughout the day. Gallbladder deposits, which resemble pebble-like objects, are the most common cause of the procedure. If you experience any of the following as you progressively return to a normal diet, contact your healthcare provider: Even on the day of your surgery, it's important to get up and walk as often as possible. How can I help my scar to heal or minimize its appearance? If your gallbladder removal surgery was performed via an open surgery method, you will need to stay in the hospital a few days after the surgery. Its normal to have difficulty getting rest in the initial 1 to 2 weeks after having gallbladder surgery. It can be very painful and requires medical attention to ensure proper, If the gallbladder doesn't empty completely, the remaining particles, like cholesterol or calcium salts, can start to thicken and become biliary, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back is one of the most comfortable positions for some people after gallbladder surgery or other abdominal procedures because it keeps pressure off of your abdomen and promotes good circulation. You may also find relief by placing a heating pad on your abdomen or wearing a tight elastic bandage around your midsection. Instead, focus on eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Place a pillow between both the legs to prevent your pelvis from rolling. There is a chance it will cause jaundice, fever, and clay-colored stools, both of which can be fatal. Using ice on the incision site may help to alleviate pain, but be sure to discuss the best way to use ice with your healthcare provider. By adjusting the bed base, you can raise your beds torso by 45 degrees. If you continue to have pain after gallbladder removal surgery, you may have a condition known as post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Depending on the type of surgery, recovery time can vary greatly. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery necessitates the use of a small camera and a few small instruments. They may be up and about for short periods after that, but should avoid any strenuous activity for at least a week. If youre having trouble sleeping after gallbladder surgery, its important to know when to see your doctor. It may take a month or longer for you to feel like your usual self. Adjustments to your diet and eating habits may help relieve these problems. But if you had gallbladder surgery due to cancer or other chronic conditions, there may be quite a long road to recovery. Cover the area with a bandage or nonadhesive gauze pad that you change and discard daily. It is not uncommon for patients to report difficulty sleeping after gallbladder surgery. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. You may wonder, how long after gallbladder . You can also take an instant mood booster supplement which keeps you calm and relaxed during the day, and help improve your quality of sleep. Sleeping can be challenging when you have just undergone a gallbladder surgery. Dont take any type of laxative or other over-the-counter medication without your healthcare providers approval. Or, if you used to sleep on your side, sleep on the left side. Please read our fulldisclosure pageto learn more about it. How to Sleep After Gallbladder Surgery - Dr. ABTIN KHOSRAVI, MD Pain From the Incisions During the Surgery, 4. As a result, your cramping could occur. When your gallbladder is removed, your liver is redirected to release bile directly into your small intestine. It can be difficult to sleep in the days following gallbladder surgery due to a variety of reasons. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In the days following surgery, after-effects of anesthesia may still be in your system. What We Know. If you have any questions about taking pain medications, side effects or other inquiries, be sure to discuss your questions with a healthcare provider. If youre still having difficulty sleeping 2 weeks after your procedure, speak with your doctor at your post-operative appointment (or just give them a call) and discuss your options. How to Sleep After Gallbladder Surgery - City Mattress Theyll place a viewing instrument, called a laparoscope, and surgical tools into the incisions to extract the gallbladder. Mattress After gallbladder removal, pain can be persistent or even permanent. When there is a bile leak, you may experience stomach pain, nausea, a fever, and a swollen tummy. SAGES. But, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before resuming normal activities. Proper wound care: How to minimize a scar. This list provides examples and is not a full review of all recommended/discouraged foods after gallbladder surgery.