Gallstones

[unidentified]

I ended up in A&E in the early hours Monday morning with what I now know was a gallbladder attack. The pain was excruciating. At first they were trying to tell me it was gastroenteritis. I'm glad I stayed strong in telling them it wasn't.
Had an ultrasound today which has confirmed gallstones and a constricted gallbladder. They said they said they wouldn't take it out there and then though because of my BMI and because this is the first time I've had the pain they suggested I try and manage it with diet and try and lose some weight. I'm just terrified of being in that much pain again. Although I hate to hear other people have been through something similar it's reassuring to know I wasn't exaggerating how much pain I was in. Just hoping I can manage it by watching what I'm eating

Sorry to hear you’re suffering too. They don’t do it as an emergency case unless they really really have to because everything is more inflamed and it makes it riskier surgery. I know it doesn’t help though. Be mindful with the weight loss too. Be steady because rapid weight loss can be how you get them. It’s why it’s so common in women - the yo-yo dieting

 

[Ladymuckx]

I was diagnosed in March this year and finally had them removed in July. I was having at least once weekly visits to A&E for morphine. The pain with a true flare up is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Horrific. I was popping codeine, buscopan, paracetamol and ibuprofen every day. It was completely ruining my life. Scared to eat for fear of a flare up. Scared not to eat for fest of weight loss (also causes problems). I was scared of going to bed for fear of the pain and needing to call someone to mine to stay with my daughter while I went to A&E. It completely controlled every aspect of my life. I was terrified of having the op but since I am clearly doing well because I’ve gained a stone

 

[Skinny]

Weird question but did anyone keep their stones afterwards?

Yep

my kid said they smelled like butt lmao

 

[Falkor]

I've really been taken out by it , couldn't sleep last night over it . My husband doesn't understand but no doubt if he felt it he would be complaining 10 times more than me

Pancreatitis is supposed to be the second most painful health condition, only bone cancer is worse. It takes an absolutely horrendous toll on your body, so please take it easy while you recover. Hope having your gallbladder out fixes it for you.

 

[Justreading]

I had my gallbladder removed recently. Like another poster further up I was having regular back pain in the middle of the night, went for massages and kept taking pain relief for a bad back. Then recently pain relief wasn't helping and after sticking it out for a few days I went to A&E. I wasn't aware of any gallstones at that point. But after a day in A&E, antibiotics and pain relief I was told I was basically having it out immediately due to cholecystitis, severe infection etc.

Honestly it's the best thing I've done, I didn't realise that I had gallstones but in hindsight I was so uncomfortable for a long time. I have found since that pizza and pastry make me need to loo pretty urgently but apart from that life is better now than its been for months!

 

[Scottstots]

Good idea, always nice to have the reassurance of pain relief, just in case!

Thats interesting about the red meat, nor heard that one before. Its certainly worth it to cut it out and see. At least you will know for sure.

Absolutely fine, apart from 1 attack a few months back which felt like the same pain. I got in a rage and angrily posted on here. But took some codeine and then felt fine. Touch wood, I have been able to eat anything without having to worry about it. My friend however if she has pastry, will shit herself if she can't find a toilet quick enough. (Personally, I would give up pastry, rather than shitting myself...)!!

Glad to hear you’ve been mostly back to normal! How did you find the op?

Gosh this thread is extremely helpful but also so so comforting!!
I’m only 33 and having my gallbladder out soon. Not really overweight, but am fair and (hopefully) fertile! I’ve had attacks since I was 16, that have come and gone. My GP initially said it was IBS thanks to lockdown phone appts and him not listening to a woman in pain! I got a female GP locum who listened and tested my stool (negative) then went then I went for a scan and they found multiple stones.
Gallbladder nasty purses be gone

So happy I’m not the only one! Such a worry isn’t it and glad they finally listened to you! Have you got the date for you op yet?

 

[JLXRD]

Hey, yeah already confirmed with an ultrasound. Just not sure what my appointment will be to do as there isn’t any details on what will be happening.
How many days to go now for your surgery?

I reckon it’s probably just to discuss if surgery is right for you, go through potential risks etc and make sure you know what to expect if you that route. That’s what mine would have been and what my first appointment was with my private consultant.

My surgery is on Thursday so not long to go! I just want it over with. Still going strong on the 800 cal pre op diet but will be glad to be off it.

 

[Lilacs adventures]

I had my gallbladder removed in 2005, after a battle with doctors about what was wrong, I remember my first attack on Xmas day and the pain came out of nowhere across my upper abdomen and back(it was so bad I was sick), I was only 24 and not overweight, but at A&E they assumed I had consumed to much food and drink and it was bad indigestion or I was drunk, this happened 4/5 more times and I was dismissed with heartburn medication, but randomly I got Ill with an infection and I was taken to another hospital by ambulance, and whilst I was there a doctor said my liver was inflamed and they did an ultrasound and saw 2 giant stones in the gallbladder, within a few days I had had it removed and they gave me the stones after, exactly like actual stones, but it’s definitely one of the worst pains you can have

 

[Annie65]

Really well thank you - Today has been much better than the previous 2 sleeping better and generally no pain unless I move about so I am ok to just rest and not need the hard meds which is a relief!

Eating again (very small amounts but normal diet) and all seems to be well so far just took my first shower (they used disposable stitches and glue so had to wait 48 hrs post op) and that did really take it out of me so just going to try and do a bit more every day but seems to be on track!

Those of you who were back to work 2 days after though are absolute troopers - even though I feel better today I still feel like I’ve been hit by a bus

That’s great to hear. You sound exactly like I did after my op. Honestly 1 week on and youll feel amazing and even be able to start sleeping on your side. I went into town today and did some shopping and honestly I was taken back at how I was able to shop around and no indication I had an op two weeks ago! No pain at all, I don’t feel any different .
Food is the same. I can tolerate everything but I am still taking it easy with crackers, Philly , cuppa soups but then again I am still 15 st so I am actively trying to lose weight. work wise I had the op on weds and went back to work Monday but I do have an office job and work from home. However I have been working from the sofa instead
Of my office chair for the past two weeks and I think it’s massively helped.
I am even going to pop in the gym Monday and do some light treadmill walking!
Keep us updated. I’m so pleased you are recovering just as well as I am.

 

[The Devils Arse]

Gosh this thread is extremely helpful but also so so comforting!!
I’m only 33 and having my gallbladder out soon. Not really overweight, but am fair and (hopefully) fertile! I’ve had attacks since I was 16, that have come and gone. My GP initially said it was IBS thanks to lockdown phone appts and him not listening to a woman in pain! I got a female GP locum who listened and tested my stool (negative) then went then I went for a scan and they found multiple stones.
Gallbladder nasty purses be gone

Oh my goodness, having attacks for that many years, you poor woman. I'm so glad someone finally listened to you. Xx

 

[JLXRD]

Yes , they pull it from there but i think it’s a difficult stitch too to heal as it’s doubled over much and doesn’t get a lot of time to dry out and it stays moist a lot ( sorry hateful word)

I was told to use salt water. I struggled for a bit where I thought it was starting to infect and I did salt water for 3 days and they told me to use a hairdryer on cold setting and dry it out and it’s really done the trick

you will be able to sleep on your side from about 1.5 weeks onwards and your stomach too.
I am the same and didn’t get much sleep at all the first 4-5 days
---

I was never given that option but tbh I wouldn’t have no

I’ll keep an eye on it and try the salt water thing if it starts to look a bit weird. Mine is dry though and I haven’t had issues with that yet thankfully

ok looking forward to the 1.5 side sleeping then! It’s a week tomorrow and despite being fairly miserable for a few days it’s gone quick. I think it helps that I’ve been signed off for 2 weeks so I can just fully rest, my role involves a lot of driving long distances so I definitely wouldn’t be fit to do it yet anyway but I’m grateful to have the time to focus on recovery.
---

I had a C-section when I had my little boy in February and I have the weird numb feeling around my scar, such a weeeirrrdddd feeling isn’t it?! When I felt ready I get a hair brush and run across the numb skin when I’m in the shower to get the nerves working, I have noticed a difference, maybe try that in a few months if it’s bugging you!! Xx

So odd, it’s like the back of your elbow numb bit. I told my husband and he went a bit green and basically ran away but I shall try that if it stays numb for a while thank you.

 

[Falkor]

Day 4 of recovery and I still don’t feel like myself at all yet. Almost feels like I’ve regressed.

lots of pain where my gallbladder was, very tired and the bloating is INSANE. Idk if I just haven’t expelled all the gas yet or something but my stomach looks and feels like I’ve been blown up like a balloon! (A balloon covered in bruises)

very hard to find things to wear that are loose on my incisions which is a pain, I’ve spent the last 2 days In a big t shirt with no trousers on

Sorry if TMI but I have now got past the med induced constipation and things have very much gone the other way 🥲 apparently that’s normal after this surgery though and usually settles?

I need to be patient as im only 4 days post op but I think I just expected to feel better than I do based on other people’s experiences. I guess everyone’s different though. Hopefully tomorrow is better

Sorry, also TMI, but once I 'unbunged' after morphine I ended up going 17 times in 24 hours. Took about 10 days to get back to being solid again.

And essentially you were blown up like a balloon, it's how they give themselves space to work

 

[nik1231]

I had my gallbladder removed in June. Seven years ago I suffered with stomach pains which was eventually written off as IBS, so I just dealt with it and accept it that sometimes I would have pain. But last year was different and the pain was so intense and so constant that I couldn’t eat any food. I went to the hospital in the middle of the pandemic and it turned out that I had 40 gallstones and some are stuck in my bile duct. I ended up having emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder which was the biggest relief after suffering so much pain for the first six months of the year.

However, everybody I spoke to you tell me that he would go back to normal once you had it removed stop this hasn’t been the case for me. While it is so much better and I no longer get pain, unless I eat completely clean I get the weirdest gurgling noises which is super embarrassing, and I also get heart palpitations if I have eaten particularly calorific or greasy food. I have come to terms that this is just how eating will be for me now, but it’s something to be aware of if you do you have surgery because I fully expected to be able to eat whatever I wanted with no side-effects afterwards.

Also, I highly recommend tramadol (doctor prescribed) to manage the pain. That was the only thing I would tell the pain for me.

 

[JLXRD]

Ugh I’m 10 days post op and honestly it’s like a yo-yo. One day I feel ok and like I’m on the mend and then the next my stomach will be in so much pain again. It’s very frustrating.

I got woken up by a lot of pain this morning, but generally sleeping poorly as whenever I move the pain wakes me up. Its definitely internal healing I think as it’s not even in an incision but the big area of stomach inbetween 2. but ugh I just wish it would hurry up! I’m meant to be back at work on Thursday and haven’t even felt able to attempt driving so no idea how that is going to work unless things get a lot better the next couple of days.

Super jealous of everyone who was back to normal in a few days - I was hoping it would be me but no such luck.

 

[CC1801]

@opintionatedperson I had my gallbladder removed nearly 2 years ago now.
I was the same as you and afraid to eat anything for fear of an attack. I could never predict what was going to cause an attack.
I would say I can eat everything I want now. On the odd occasion I have felt a bit of mild pain where my gallbladder was but that is rare.
Before surgery they go through all the potential long term side effects so I guess you have to weigh them up.

 

[opintionatedperson]

Pancreatitis is supposed to be the second most painful health condition, only bone cancer is worse. It takes an absolutely horrendous toll on your body, so please take it easy while you recover. Hope having your gallbladder out fixes it for you.

I was in the hospital two weeks ago for a week and I'm still not right... I had the middle of the road pancreatitis but twas fairly bad. I've a 6 month old at home so it's just a bit overwhelming.. never had a hospital stay before and I've had two this year once to have my child and then this.
I would have another child in the morning that's a doddle in comparison to pancreatitis

 

[pink_lemonade]

Hey!

Thsnks for asking… So blood test results were normal, stool sample results were normal…
Still waiting to get booked in for a bloody ultra sound, I did have a missed call from my hospital but I missed it (I’ve got a 5 month old baby who is teething so can only go on my phone when he’s a bed!) so hopefully they’ll call back tomorrow
But I’m in 2 minds if it’s gallstones or anxiety attacks, the pain is so so so bad under my ribs and in my chest but I’ve had it twice since I last posted and both times something bad has happened that potentially could of triggered it, so not sure… Like I said, hopefully they’ll call back

Just had a letter and they’ve booked me in for an ultra sound for 2 weeks time!

 

[PollyPerks]

I do still occasionally get pain in the gallbladder area, sometimes quite bad though not usually as bad as the full blown attacks were. Apparently you can get stones in the bile duct even if you have no gallbladder, though when I've been scanned for these pains they've never found bile duct stones. The doctor usually says that I may have had stones which passed by the time I had the scan. I hope your pain subsides soon! If it carries on it's probably worth speaking to your doctor if you can.

 

[Helena Sell]

I have a surgery date 3rd August. I went private in the end. I’m hoping the surgery goes smoothly.

I’ve been put on a liver reduction diet for 3 weeks until the surgery so my liver is small enough to get at my gallbladder via keyhole. It’s 800 calories a day and low carb so I’m struggling!

I’m a little shocked I’ve been put on it for so long as my BMI is only 27 and the paperwork they’ve given me suggest if your BMI is under 50 you need to do 2 weeks and over 50, longer. But I’ll do as I’m told as don’t want to risk my surgery not going ahead!

Glad you have a surgery date!
How long did it take for people who didn’t go private? My consultant appointment has been put back twice and is now August 2nd - how long did it take after this appointment for a surgery date?
Im struggling at the moment, only get a bad attack once a month and it’s always the day before a period (sort if TMI!) but left bruised and weak for days after.
Really cannot wait to stop this pain!

 

[JLXRD]

Ugh I feel like with recovering I take a step forward on day then go back again the next

I felt so good yesterday - really thought I’d turned a corner. Potentially this meant I overdid it, but today I have a lot of weird pain in the numb spot between 2 of my incisions. Almost like a mixture of sharp pain and consistent burning/ tingling. Worse when I breathe. Potentially it’s nerve related based on that but I’m having to hold a pillow to my stomach to soothe it. I’m considering taking a bit of morphine again which I haven’t since day 2.

More annoying when I felt so good yesterday but guess thats just the way it can go.