Relief at Last: Heather’s Patient Experience

By Carrie Anna Strange

Every day, Heather Hudson of Manning, SC, hits the ground running, caring for her family, pursuing her bachelor’s degree and balancing work. She gradually began experiencing abdominal pain and reflux that she initially thought was related to something she had eaten. Looking back, the pain would “come and go” in the months leading up to July, when her pain became excruciating. 

“I tried several over-the-counter medicines, but my abdomen was swollen and hurt to touch,” said Heather. When the pain intensified and started radiating across her back, she decided it was time to go to the Emergency Department at McLeod Health Clarendon. 

“Immediately upon arrival to the Emergency Department, I was triaged and placed in a room. The staff quickly recognized that I was in significant pain,” recalled Heather. “Within just a few minutes, Nurse Practitioner Monique Smith entered my room to assess my condition. She was incredibly kind and compassionate. Despite the Emergency Department being busy, Monique and the entire staff made me feel like I was their top priority, as if I were their only patient.”

Monique promptly ordered medication to alleviate Heather’s pain and a CT scan to determine the cause of Heather’s abdominal discomfort. The CT scan revealed an infected gallbladder and several gallstones - solid masses of cholesterol or pigment that form when high levels of fat and bile create crystals which expand over time.

“The gallbladder stores bile, a compound produced by the liver to digest fat, and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. Gallstones form when the bile gets thick and stays in the gallbladder a bit longer than normal,” explains Dr. Devonne Barrineau, a General Surgeon with McLeod Surgery Clarendon. 

“Or a person’s body makes bile a little thicker and, when it gets thick, it creates little crystals. The gallstones become problematic when they block the exit for bile to flow from the gallbladder. Basically, they block the little tube from draining bile, causing the gallbladder to get distended, spasm and cause a lot of pain.” 

Heather was then scheduled to undergo a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder, during which a thin tube with a tiny video camera attached is inserted into a small incision in the abdomen. The camera transmits images from inside the body to a video monitor, allowing the surgeon to carefully remove the gallbladder through one of several small incisions. 

Heather remained in the hospital several hours after surgery before going home that same day. “I received exceptional care at every step of the way through my time at McLeod Health Clarendon. I am thankful to Monique for quickly helping me find relief from my pain, and to Dr. Barrineau and the surgical team for their expertise in removing my gallbladder. Their skill and dedication have made it possible for me to get back to a busy schedule and enjoy life with my family,” said Heather.

Gallbladder issues can manifest in numerous ways, with some common symptoms including:

• Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating and gas
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine and light-colored stools
• Fever and chills