Gallstones

[Helena Sell]

So I’ve got definitely got gallstones, doctor said my gall bladder is full to the brim, the stones are more like specks but they’re are lots, makes me feel sick to think about it. He said from what he can see, it’s from where I was bringing up so much bile when I was being sick whilst pregnant, it was staying and crystallising in my gallbladder ‍ how vile is that! He has sent all that to my GP and recommends me getting my gall bladder removed!

Ahhh no way! Hopefully they refer you quickly and you can have the surgery soon!
Getting on okay, still having the attacks the day before a period which is a lovely thing to look forward to every month! Consultant appointment on Wednesday so hoping surgery won’t take too long after that!!
I was never told how many gallstones I actually have - I’m undecided whether I’d like to know or not!

 

[unidentified]

Yeah that’s the only thing, I’m definitely more regular than I used to be! But I’d rather that than have the horrendous pain! Are you taking any supplements? The Facebook group that I’m in all talk about tudca but I’ve not bought any yet!

I don’t take anything. Recently had all my bloods done as an MOT for another referral I need/ want and everything is normal and well within the positive ranges. Were you advised to? I wasn’t. My dad and brother in law had there’s out over the last year and weren’t either. My brother in law ended up back in last year because a stone was left in his bile duct and it caused for him to be very unwell again (like yourself). That is a scary thought.

 

[unidentified]

I started on a mostly vegan diet. It was a killer but helped slightly.

 

[opintionatedperson]

Get on the peppermint capsules and peppermint tea. It’s trapped wind

Thank you. I've peppermint tea in the kitchen I'll have a cup

 

[JLXRD]

I’m so glad to have found this thread. I first got awful debilitating pain in my upper right stomach area last august but it was a one off and I just assumed bad indigestion although it felt like someone pushing their fist into me and lasted 5-6 hours.

Since then it’s only got more intense and radiated up my back to the point I’ve had it 4/7 nights this week and been unable to sleep.

Ended up in A&E last night and had to wait 4 hours doubled over in pain quite literally on the floor gasping for breath. I’ve never known pain like it. They gave me oromorph which seemed to help and it only normally lasts 5-7 hours anyway so I’m through it now but waiting for a call from the hospital to have an urgent ultrasound today.

Im crossing my fingers for a gallstones diagnosis as I can then just get my gallbladder removed via my work private medical and be done with this pain finally it’s ruining my life, I’m too scared to eat and I’m exhausted from not sleeping

If it comes back not gallstones and they can’t find a cause I dunno what I’ll do

 

[Helena Sell]

I am so happy to see this thread!!
I had my baby 14 weeks ago and I’d say from when he was 4 weeks till 7 weeks I was having a pain once a week, and it was horrific!! Pain under my ribs and all up my back, I thought it was indigestion or even severely constipated but my friend who is a nurse asked whether I had look into gall stones and I 100% think it is that! The peak of the pain I actually feel like I’m gonna die…
It’s not once a week anymore it seemed to come back when I’m at the very end of my period, so thought maybe it could be hormones triggering it…
So glad to see this thread as I did feel alone and it’s unnerving
Doctors appointment booked next Thursday!

Hope your doctors appointment goes well!
It really is a horrific pain and feels like it is never going to end!
I’ve found mine flares up when I’m due to start my period but this has been over the past few months - before this it was any time until I was diagnosed and changed my diet.
I’ve been referred now for surgery and have a consultant appointment in July so hoping the surgery won’t be long after.

 

[Notothefakes]

@Notothefakes How are you getting on? Your symptoms sound very similar to mine! I'm scheduled for a scan next Friday.

I’ve been referred just waiting to see the specialist. But obs with covid it’s gonna take ages. I’m assuming having it out is the only option as I’m only going to keep getting them. I’ve been doing a lot of research on diet etc and it seems my yo yo dieting is probably the cause! And now it’s about balance and tolerance. How are you?

I had gallstones (self diagnosed for about 3 years before it got to a point where I saw a Dr. I think I was lucky not to have serious attacks, and could live with it. In reality, I think I had them long before I realised, on and off. Once I went to the Dr, a scan confirmed I had a few small stones. I was referred to the hospital for GB removal but by the time I got to see anyone, my attacks had reduced from 20 a month to once a month. I went for my pre op appointment and my blood pressure was a bit high (white coat syndrome) so I had to go back to my Dr to have a monitor for 2 weeks. That was all fine and my Dr was supposed to contact the hospital to confirm, but said I could do it. As my attacks had reduced, and the mixed reviews I’d read about outcomes after the op, I decided to see how things went before having the op in case I ended up worse after than I was currently living with. I had a few more months with one slight attack a month and (touch wood) i’ve been free of attacks for over 4 years now. I’ve since lost 4 stone, which i’m hoping keeps them at bay for longer.

I also had a friend who went in for the op to remove his GB and the Dr couldn’t find it even though he’d had scans previously. They said it must have shrivelled and disappeared

That’s great you’re managing it with lifestyle! I
Must admit losing a bit of weight would help me but I’m very scribe just overweight!

So I’ve had gallstones since I was 19 (now 35) first attack happened after my first baby at 19, I ended up quite poorly in hospital for nearly a month with cholecystitis and jaundice, I was offered gallbladder removal whilst in hospital but I refused (operation phobia)
I lived with the attacks over the years that came and went, dependent on my weight and what I was eating. I read somewhere that after 10 years gallstone attacks usually calm down, and I have to agree that a gallstone attack for me is very rare, sometimes not even one a year. My trigger foods are too much coffee, heavy fats like cream or too much cheese, and nachos!
I just wonder if there is anyone else who has lived with there gallbladder issues for many years and changed their life style rather than have the op, and has had a similar experience with little to no attacks after ten years?

Now I think about it I can pinpoint several times in my life where I’ve had such severe pain I can only assume that’s what it was and it was always after swimming so must have been something to do with the movement etc. I’d have been 19 with my first one I remember exactly where I was so it must have been bad. I’m 39 now but these ones are so big they can’t go anywhere anyway.

 

[Notothefakes]

Some people are fine having their gallbladder removed and some people are not. Unfortunately I am/was one who was not.

The removal left me with bile acid diarrhea which is very common for people who have their gallbladder removed. It's been horrific, I became a recluse and had no life. Luckily when I got diagnosed I've been on medication which has improved my life about 80-90% of the time. Still get occasional flare ups. I have to watch what I eat but ultimately eating ANYTHING would cause flare-ups!

There's a lot of misinformation about gallbladder surgery, its not a vital organ like your brain or heart but your body still requires it to store bile acid in. Without it, the bile drips like a leaky tap. Some people can tolerate it, others cannot, and you never know which way you would fall.
Another factor of this constant bile drip is that you are put at higher risk of colon cancer.

If you can cure yourself without removal do it! Mine had to be removed in emergency surgery so I had no choice but it's really impacted my life.

Good luck to fellow sufferers, the pain is unforgettable

I have heard this too that was another reason I chose not to do it but I’m lucky that it’s currently a choice for me. I’m sorry you’ve been through all that. I hope the medication has given you your life back.
---

Hi everyone, thank you all for your responses!
I have had my scan results back today and they’ve advised a fatty liver.. so it seems there are no gallstones!
I’m a bit unsure whether this diagnoses would cause the pain I have been having / have.
has anybody else had this?
x

Possibly yes but I’ve also read fatty liver is reversible so that’s positive news in that respect. However if you aren’t happy ask for a second opinion. If you think it’s more than that.

 

[JLXRD]

I felt the same. I felt really good for the first 3-4 days after the op and then I felt like I was going backwards. I got stitches where my gallbladder used to be, could not sleep on my side cause it hurt and then all the sudden you will turn a corner in a few days time , you wait. Around day 10. I’m only two weeks on. Went shopping on sat, felt like I’ve never had an op. I can also sleep on both sides now.
The toilet will get better but keep it low if you can. I had a mini binge yst, some Kit Kats, choc ect and I wasn’t ill but I did get a little stomach ache. So be mindful even if you think you are ready.
I haven’t rushed to the toilet yet like everyone keeps saying. Yes it’s not solid poo ( sorry TMI) but it’s not like I have to rush or accidents will happen.
It sounds like you and me have def hit the jackpot compared to some horror stories you do hear
Edit to say: maybe get yourself some nice
Leggings from Amazon.
I got these and they are so comfy! Cheap too.
Or get yourself some big pjs
I lived in these M&S ones

I have been browsing at M&S and found this: https://www.marksandspencer.com/pur...-set/p/clp60553911?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share


SINOPHANT High Waisted Leggings...

Thank you this is very reassuring. Hopefully I turn the corner soon! I’m getting bored. And thank you for the legging recs I will take a look

 

[unidentified]

Get some peppermint capsules and tell her to take them as a standard. Stops the pain of wind

 

[rlouisep9]

Ice cream as she will have a sore throat from the tube, and because why not?!!

Soft stretch leggings and a baggy top.

Protein healthy foods such as eggs, greek yogurts. Stuff she can easily cook without having to lift a huge pan of water in the first few days.

And a pair of kitchen/BBQ tongs, so If she's on the sofa and the incisions are are a bit sore when she's bending over, she can grab her, phone and remote etc.

Maybe bring a spare duvet and pillow downstairs to sleep upright, again if the incisions are a bit sore.

Hope she has a swift recovery. The recovery is a walk in the park compared to a gallstones attack. X

All good ideas! I had a v shaped pillow which I found helped me sleep in bed to keep me lying on my back (which I don't usually do in my sleep) and more elevated when I was struggling with gas pains for the first few days

 

[JLXRD]

Wow what a 24 hours! I’m currently in hospital with pancreatitis causes from gallstones!

Oh blimey, I hope you’re feeling better very soon. Only positive is this may help speed up the referrals for surgery you were waiting for

 

[Notothefakes]

I've had gallstones since my 20s, apparently 'packed tight' with tiny stones. I'm lucky in that I've never had any pain whatsoever, although some foods make me feel a little odd.
Yesterday I noticed a yellowing around my cheekbones Dr Google suggests this is a gallstones thing? Will this pass? Again not in any pain. Thanks

I have read that it can cause this but has he suggested further tests? Because potentially it could be gallstones, pancreas or liver.

I have read that it can cause this but has he suggested further tests? Because potentially it could be gallstones, pancreas or liver.

Sorry realise you said Dr Google I’d call your gp to check but yes potentially it could be linked

 

[floggersunited]

I had my first ever flare up about 2 months ago when I was about 6wk post partum with my first baby. Had no idea what the pain was and ended up in A&E because I was in so much agony and thought that it was some form of complication from having a baby.
Had an ultrasound which showed gallstones and was offered surgery at an appointment very recently. I refused the surgery, largely because I have very little support at times with my baby and I don't think I'd be able to juggle looking after the baby and recovering, plus I'd read (mainly on here!) that there can be complications and that removal doesn't always help the situation.

Anyway....guess who had another flare up tonight, merely days after refusing surgery

It’s very hard with a young baby your diet is all over the place anyway but try watch what fatty foods you are eating to avoid flareups.
There is indeed a chance of complication with surgery but there is that chance with everything. I am lucky I didn’t have complications so for me getting surgery was the best thing I ever did. I put it off for years because of the complications fear and the pain would be so pain if literally pass out with it.

 

[Jellybean79]

I had gallstones (self diagnosed for about 3 years before it got to a point where I saw a Dr. I think I was lucky not to have serious attacks, and could live with it. In reality, I think I had them long before I realised, on and off. Once I went to the Dr, a scan confirmed I had a few small stones. I was referred to the hospital for GB removal but by the time I got to see anyone, my attacks had reduced from 20 a month to once a month. I went for my pre op appointment and my blood pressure was a bit high (white coat syndrome) so I had to go back to my Dr to have a monitor for 2 weeks. That was all fine and my Dr was supposed to contact the hospital to confirm, but said I could do it. As my attacks had reduced, and the mixed reviews I’d read about outcomes after the op, I decided to see how things went before having the op in case I ended up worse after than I was currently living with. I had a few more months with one slight attack a month and (touch wood) i’ve been free of attacks for over 4 years now. I’ve since lost 4 stone, which i’m hoping keeps them at bay for longer.

I also had a friend who went in for the op to remove his GB and the Dr couldn’t find it even though he’d had scans previously. They said it must have shrivelled and disappeared

 

[Helena Sell]

Thanks for replying @Helena Sell @NorthernBramble

I was a bit overwhelmed when I came out the appointment, I thought I would of just needed an ultra sound so having to do a stool sample and a blood test is a bit daunting as you just never know what they’ll find!

With the omeprazole, I’m not exactly sure why they’d prescribe that, I always thought it was for heart burn

@NorthernBramble - I haven’t had my pain for 2 weeks now, did you use to get it every day? I couldn’t imagine having that constant pain

Hey Pink Lemonade, how have you got on with the ultrasound?

 

[didisaythatoutloudoops]

Sorry for the second question - but how were you all feeling on Day 3?

My daughter is having the operation next Friday, but on the Sunday has an online charity event she's part of. It's been in the planning for years and I know she'll be devastated to miss it (it's her baby!). It will just involve her sitting on her laptop on the sofa keeping an eye on things, but it would be good to know realistically how you were feeling at that point and if she'd be able to contribute at all.

 

[Shoequeen91]

Sorry missed this. Did it get better? If it was intense pain for a while then went could have been a gallstone passing. Mine are too big to pass so they just causing cramping and aching rather than intense pain.

It got better. I’m not more so think it was my terrible posture as I’ve since changed my office chair and it doesn’t happen.

I do have diverticulitis in my ascending and descending which could’ve been a cause too.

Thank you for checking in with me though!

 

[JLXRD]

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

Hopefully this will stop for me soon too, not been 17 times though, that must have been pretty awful for you

and yeah that’s true! I just would have thought that gas woulda been gone by now but apparently not since I look about 5 months pregnant right now!

 

[spannermarie]

hi all, I'm in the middle of a prolonged gallbladder attack and need advice regarding work. The pain is so bad that I logged-on at 8am today but by 9.30am I was in so much pain (despite painkillers & antibiotics) that I had to ask my manager if I could log off. Spent all day in bed (with bed sweats as usual) and really colicky pain - I've no idea how things will look tmrw, the day after etc - how do you navigate the tricky issue of being too unwell to work?