Brian,
If it is not too intruding, why have you had surgery and how are you doing?

My surgery was related to my oral cancer in a remote way. People who have been on severely restricted diets, those who fast, or like me for instance, who were on cans of Ensure via PET feeding for over 12 months solid, develop gall bladder disease, and associated stones frequently. 10 days ago I had an acute gall bladder attack which was the most painful thing I have ever been through...and that includes a helicopter crash which broke me up a bit in 'Nam, several car and motorcycle accidents, etc. They took me to emergency, and decided the damn thing needed to come out, it was necrotic and had literally hundreds of stones in it. I had it and a variety of little attached tubes, ducts, and whatnot removed last Tuesday. Except for the wonderful drugs...(not quite as good as the 60's), I feel OK now, except it is sort of like a horse kicked me in the chest and I have a new assortment of battle scars. I thank you for you concern, but after all I've been through no useless little gall bladder is going to slow me down....We don't need no stinkin' gallbladders!!!

Brian, I had my gallblader and spleen taken out 10 years before my cancer. They took my spleen because it had a cyst on it. Turned out it was from when my first husband used to kick the shit out of me. And you are right an attack totally stops you in your tracks.

Glad you are feeling better, you're right the drugs help.

Anne.

Brian, I hope you are feeling better. I had my gallbladder out at 25 (22 years ago) and from your description it sounds like I should be grateful or I might be having trouble now. The good news about gallbladder surgery (at least in my experience) is that once you do finally recover from the surgery you really feel better without unpleasant aftereffects.
ilene

Brian, I have a question about the gall stones. I have been on Glucerna since January 25th using a G-tube all of the time except 1 week (I was able to eat 3 weeks after surgery/week before radiation started). This will cause gall stones?
Another question: I can swallow but the liquids/solids get stuck in my esophogus just below where my windpipe branches from my throat. It has been 3 months since my 6 weeks of radiation ended and I have been told that it takes time for the throat to heal from the radiation. Any clue on the appoximate time for the throat to recover? I know that you stated that you went 12 months unable to eat.
Last question: What is PET feeding?
Thanks, Victor

This one will have to be brief. But the feeding type is PEG not PET. PEG is a small tube (percutaneous gastrostomy tube) that inserted through the abdominal wall and allows a bag to be attached directly to the stomach with a stop valve you can open and close. By this means you can eat liquids, use your meds, etc. without anything going down that terribly sore throat. The bag can be detached from the tube when not in use and the valve on the tube closed, and hidden under your shirt.

These types of diets do not guarantee the production of gallstones, but they are relatively common in those that PEG feed over a year. This does not always mean that your gall bladder is going to go south like mine though.

As I've said before a month of recovery for every week of radiation is common. Dig in for the long haul and suck it up, cause it seems to last forever. For most people that means a PEG tube is a must to keep on the lean body mass and nutrition necessary to get through things.

To Brian, I also had my gal bladder taken out and feel much better without it. I thank you for starting this foundation. I've met some reel nice people on it and really apreciate the help. Hope you get to feeling better soon. Cath