HIV and gallbladder removal

[newby05]

I learned today that I will have to have my gallbladder removed. Is the gallbladder important to HIV patients? Has anyone had theirs removed and are still fine without it? I had an appt. with Inf.D. doctor before the surgeon. She thought I didn't need surgery....told me to ask surgeon if diet change would work. He said I must have gbladder removed.

[Basquo]

If you can change your diet and get relief, then go for it. Most people I know who have had their gall bladders removed tried the diet thing, it didn't work, so that's why they had the surgery. I don't think HIV plays into it. If you need to have it removed, you should do so if you're healthy enough for surgery. it could prevent years of pain and discomfort.

[Puckslinger]

Hey there,

I have had my gallbladder removed; but long before I tested positive.

I tested positive in 1992. And I had my gallbladder removed in 1980. (I was thirty-two years old and had thirty-two tiny gallstones. I carried them around in a little plastic cup for about a year.)

I have had no problems without my gallbladder; even though I was told that I might have trouble digesting certain foods...like cabbage. They said it might cause gas; but it has never been a problem for me.

Good luck with your surgery.  

 

[the trebmeister]

if it's medically necessary or simply advisable go ahead and have it removed while you're in good health.  the gallbladder is a helpful but not essential organ, one rung above the appendix.   you may need to take a medication or supplement and watch your diet more carefully but even us POZers can live sans gallbladder with no serious problems.

although unconfirmed by mri, x-ray, or other biometric photo-op i suspect i have 2 or 3 based on the numerous assertions by friends i'm more bilious than anyone they know... but they can all FOAD. 

i don't mean to sound glib so apologize if i seem to be.  several poz friends have had serious liver issues (like transplants in some cases) so i would probably be agitated if it were my gallbladder but it's easy to tell people not to be too concerned when my knowledge is 2nd hand, not first. 

good luck!

[Stone]

If you need to get your gallbladder removed you really should just get it done.  The problem with waiting is that one of the stones can get lodged in the bile duct and force an emergency surgery which will of course occur at the most inconvenient time.  The problem with your gallbladder may also progress to the point of requiring and open removal rather than a laproscopic one. 

[BT65]

I had my gallbladder removed about 2 or 3 years after I tested positive (which has been 20 years ago), and I had no problems.  In fact, it was the easiest surgery I've ever had, and I recovered without complication.  And I've never had problems not having a gallbladder either. 

[david25luvit]

Chuck recently had his removed...didn't have much of a choice.
He's doing FINE!  Five little bitty incisions.

Needs to gain weight...he's down to 126lbs
Talk about looking like a Poster Child for AIDS