Confirmed gallstones--I'm terrified.

[bibliophilic]

So I've had some problems for the last few months, trouble swallowing and abdominal pain (they don't seem related and they began at different times). I'm trying to work through both because doctors are somewhat mystified. The general consensus is that it's not in my head but that I do have anxiety because of it.

For the past few weeks I've been trying to make myself eat as I was losing dangerous amounts of weight. I'm still losing a few pounds a week but I have been eating solid foods like cheese sandwiches and toast with peanut butter. I was finally feeling a sense of normalcy and thinking that maybe I could just live with all these problems.

I went in for an abdominal ultrasound yesterday and today both my GP and my GI doctor called me to tell me that I need a HIDA scan for my gallbladder because I have gallstones now. When I tested in 2011, my ultrasound was clear. This is HORRIFYING to me. The HIDA scan can be extremely painful and nauseating for people with gallbladder problems, it lasts a few hours, and you're in a small space. I have a low pain threshold and I'm claustrophobic so this test is truly going to be a hell for me. Either way I'll have to get my gallbladder out which is another scare, as surgery terrifies me. What if I wake up during it? What if I have complications? Apparently it's common to develop pancreatitis or an inability to tolerate fats afterwards.

I'm also scared to eat now. I woke up this morning with horrible pain that I almost went to the hospital for. I think it's because I had a few potato chips last night (NEVER AGAIN!!!). Now I'm second-guessing everything. I'm afraid to drink my smoothies and to even try toast or baked potatoes. I feel like all of my progress of the last few weeks is shot.

They can't get me the test for another two weeks and I probably wouldn't be able to do surgery for another month (unless I end up in the ER). I called my GI doctor to talk to her as I need some reassurance but she's out doing hospital rounds. She is the one who personally called and left me a voicemail earlier about the results so that's kind of worrisome to me (why not just have the nurse do it?) I called my GP but the nurse there was clueless and rather rude about it.

Basically I'm just having a really bad time now. I'm shaking and crying and trying to be reasonable but I'm genuinely scared of the HIDA scan and the surgery and of getting more pain. How do I get through this?

[fruity]

you will be ok. i promise. i,ve been there. im good now

[AlexandriaUK]

This is from the NHS website so definitely a trusted one,cut and pasted



If your symptoms are mild and infrequent, and your quality of life is largely unaffected, surgery is not usually recommended. You may be prescribed painkillers, which you can use to control the symptoms if you experience another episode of biliary colic.

Surgery to remove your gallbladder will only usually be recommended if your symptoms are more severe and occur frequently, leading to a reduction in your quality of life.

[bibliophilic]

Did you have any issues after surgery and did you have to get the HIDA scan first? I'm trying to be rational, thinking that many people who post online are people who have had issues and that a lot of people with no problems just don't post about it..but still! I can't even tolerate needles well. And I'm so scared about eating but I'm starving.

---------- Post added at 14:30 ---------- Previous post was at 14:29 ----------

Thanks AlexandriaUK! I read something about that too on Mayo Clinic's website. My issue is that I'm having a lot of pain and it is affecting the quality of my life so surgery will probably be necessary. Which should be something I'm looking forward to as it may improve my pain levels, but I just can't get brave about it. For whatever reason, the doctors here prefer surgery to the pills.

[AlexandriaUK]

Did they say how large the stone was, and if you are not eating or eating the wrong things like high fat that will affect the GB not the same their though as here are they, about ops, if it can be taken out they will :) have some high fibre foods they say that helps.
Dont starve yourself though as you will feel worse x

[bibliophilic]

Not sure how large the stone is or how many, as I'm still waiting for my GI doctor's office to call back and I've given up on my GP's office as the nurse who answers the phone didn't want to talk about it. Part of my problem is that I'm still dealing with the swallowing issue, so I'm trying to find low fat, high fiber, easily chewable/swallowable foods. Then there's the part of me saying to just eat the toast and eat the cheese because it's better than starving and that if I have excruciating pain to go in. But then the other part digresses. Argh gallbladders!

[AlexandriaUK]

That made me smile, Porridge is all those things and is great for cleansing the body as well,
Take a look at this, it might give you some ideas

http://www.lnds.nhs.uk/library/dietarymanagementofgallstonesa4.pdf

[bibliophilic]

Thanks for the link! Glad it mentioned baked beans on the list. I have a bunch of cans of them and was wondering if it'd be okay to eat them as they're very filling!

[Annie0904]

I had my gall bladder removed a few years ago. Mostly now they are removed with key hole surgery. The pain of the operation was not as bad as the pain from gallstones :) My mother who is 83 had hers removed last year and even at her age had a very quick recovery with no problems.

[bibliophilic]

That's reassuring! Such a strange way of removing it, basically "sucking" it out of the bellybutton. Yeesh! But if you have to get it done then I suppose it's better than completely opening you up. My pain is so strange as I rarely get upper right abdominal pain, but I get pain next to my bellybutton and in my back, as well as tons of indigestion. I always assumed acid reflux as did some of my earlier doctors.

Now if I could stop concentrating on my aches and assuming my gallbladder is now going to freak out on me for drinking half a smoothie. Easier said than done!

[Annie0904]

My doctor sent me to hospital thinking it was appendicitis as my pain was lower but the ultra sound scan showed gall stones. I had to wait 6 weeks to have it removed. I have 4 tiny scars. One just under my breasts (centre) which is the one I think they take the gall bladder out off. One under my belly button and 2 on my side. They are all so tiny. I just told my mother about you and she said to tell you it was easy..nothing to worry about :)

[bibliophilic]

Awww yay :D When my pain first started, I thought mine was appendix. But then it never really got worse so I figured it was something else. It came and went and about 50% of the time the pain isn't crippling, just like a 5/10. But then there are times like this morning where I want to cry and I consider going to the ER. But I still don't know what scares me more, the HIDA scan or the surgery itself.

Thanks for the reassurance :) How did you manage the pain while you waited for surgery?

[constantworry]

I can share my friend's story with you. She had to have her gall bladder out, was terrified. Well, she ended up going out the same day!! She said it was so much easier than she ever thought it would be. Now, I do know she struggled with the pain beforehand but her diet control seemed to help the most. My niece just had a HIDA scan, she had no problems.

[Annie0904]

I just managed the pain by being careful what I ate...low fat diet.

[bibliophilic]

Constantworry, thanks for sharing your friend's story! I know some people who have had no problems and then some who have had complications and etc etc. Hoping mine will be uneventful and with minimal discomfort. At this point I really do think I might be more afraid of the HIDA scan! Hopefully I will not have any issues and mine will go smoothly like your niece's. Did she end up having to get hers out, btw?

And thanks again for all of your input, Annie! It's helping, trust me. I have some chicken soup that's super low fat and also some pretzels, so I'm going to make that later. I've decided now that if I get really bad pain I'm going to go in to the ER. Well, I say that now but we'll see when it happens! My pain this morning went away after an hour of warm compresses and Tums after all!

[constantworry]

No, she didn't. But she also could not care less about it. She is not the least bit worried, how can we get some of that?

[bibliophilic]

That would be lovely! Wish they could bottle that up and market it to us :D

Well my GI office finally called back. She said that it didn't say how many stones or how big were in the gallbladder but that there were multiple stones, and that she only wanted the scan because my symptoms aren't entirely consistent with gallbladder dysfunction. She said that I should go ahead and consult with a surgeon and see what he says about it. She also said that I'll probably be fine with eating my normal foods since it's all toast and smoothies, but that there's always the chance of a stone coming loose and blocking the bile duct. Gross! I can't believe this is happening to me. I really feel like I'm having an awful nightmare.

[Mipsy]

Ive had mine out too via keyhole. Scars have faded now. I got stones after pregnancy which is apparently very common. Recovery was fine. Worst bit was pain in my shoulder afterwards which comes from the air they pump into you. I was back at work teaching, after 2 weeks.i find i have to avoid fatty foods such as cheese and pastry. Im not very good with creamy sauces either. But other than that im fine. Funny story for you. When the consultant who was operating on me came to meet me in the ward beforehand, it turned out he was a parent of one of the pupils i taught! I knew i was in good hands but worried about him seeing me in only a gown! Good luck. Youll be fine :0)

[bibliophilic]

Haha nice! Luckily I'm not well established enough at this hospital to know the surgeon personally :P I have read that many people can't tolerate fatty foods or alcohol afterwards. Don't mind the alcohol because I never drink, but I will miss cheese very much if that's the case. I think mine developed from losing weight too quickly, but I am also a young woman which apparently also makes it more likely to occur. Still keep hoping that they just made a mistake and it's all acid reflux after all. Guess I'm in the denial stage, hah :(

[Mipsy]

If u r suffering just now, take some milk thistle. It works wonders when i have the odd twinge (usually after a pizza!).

---------- Post added at 22:56 ---------- Previous post was at 22:46 ----------

Also i was told those most likelyto suffer follow the five "f"s. Fair, Female, Fertile, Fat, Forty. I fit the first 3 and i suppose pregnancy put me in the fat range. An increase in oestrogen is also a link.

[GoogleNoMore]

I had my gallbladder out last November. I had been suffering with attacks for years, but mine were not "typical" either - mostly pain in my right shoulder blade.

When it was finally diagnosed, I STILL put off the surgery, partly from denial, partly convinced that diet changes could cure my gallbladder (or at least stop the attacks.) In my own case, the damage was done and there was no turning back.

Looking back, I truly wish I would have done it earlier. I do feel better now (and the surgery really wasn't that bad. I understand your terror - I was wreck right up until they wheeled me in... The surgeon asked me how I was, and I sat up and said, "No. How are YOU? How did you sleep? Did you have a good breakfast?") But I can assure you my worry was WAY WORSE than the actual surgery. I am sure you will be okay.

[Vida]

I worked in a medsurg unit where 60% of my patients were post gallbladder removal and they were the quickest healing stable patients I had. I know having health anxiety makes everything seem the worst.
Hugs

[bibliophilic]

GoogleNoMore, that's how I feel currently. Very much in denial that I need to get it out. I'm going to make an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow and part of me is seriously hoping that he'll say I can just take a drug to dissolve the stones or eat no fat or something. But I know that's not realistic. And sometimes I get the pain even when I haven't eaten! I'm such a baby when it comes to these things, and I've never even had major surgery like this before. When I was getting my endoscopy and they were giving me Demerol and Propofol to make me sleep for the ten minutes that it took, I was shaking and doing that thing where my body wants to both laugh and cry hysterically. And that was for an endoscopy!

This really couldn't have come at a worse time, and I think that's part of my anxiety about it. My lease runs out in July and I still haven't found a new place yet. I still need to pack everything up, find an apartment, move my stuff, etc etc. That'll be difficult if I'm recovering!

Vida, thanks for the insight! I know that this is a relatively common procedure so I hope that it means there's a very small chance of complications--and subsequently that I'll heal as quickly as others seem to!

[Canadiana]

Thank goodness!
Hunni I'm going through the same thing now. For months I have had horrid stomach pain, docs said it was an ulcer. I started taking meds for an ulcer, and got so bloody sick, the pain, and vomiting was unbearable. Last week I turned jaundice, and my liver was swelling. Long story short, I had a stone blocking a bilary duct ( I believe its called) and still have many stones left in my gallbladder. I had. Procedure done last Friday to remove the blockage. I have been a wreck since because I need to have my GB removed. I am beyond terrified if being completely put under, I have been panicking just thinking about. I am so damn scared I will die. I know it sounds dramatic, but its a huge fear of mine, and I can't think about it without freaking out. I have never had anything like this happen, like I don't feel strong enough to get through it. My thoughts are with you, I know exactly how you feel :( maybe we can help eachother through this..........

---------- Post added at 21:08 ---------- Previous post was at 21:05 ----------

I'm much the same scared to eat because I'm scared it will make things worse. I eat veggies, rice that's it. Won't touch anything dairy because oh my it made pain 100 times worse.

[bibliophilic]

Oh dear! It does sound like you're having a scary time. Must say that you're super brave for having gone through all that you've done so far, though! (I'm guessing that I'd be willing to undergo those things too if the pain were severe enough, heh.) Do you have a date set for your removal? I know how scary it is, I'm freaking out! We gotta do it though. We both gotta do it! Gallbladders can be nasty little things! And isn't the fear of eating just horrible? We'll survive, though we'll go through some scary stuff first. Then on the other side, we'll feel so proud of ourselves. ;) Hope to talk to you more, message or post again if you ever need to talk!

[Canadiana]

I was supposed to see my specialist today, but I will have to cancel, not because I'm scared to talk to him, I'm just unable to get there today. Hopefully I will see him early next week. I know he will be pushing the surgery because it will cause more issues in the long run. I think that once you start getting stones, and the pain and issues with it, they classify it as being "diseased"
I know it has to go, and I will no doubt go through with it, I'm just scared.
I know we can get through this, so many people have this surgery done, infact many I know.......however it brings me no piece of mind lol.
Perhaps if I didn't google general anaesthesia, I would not be this scared!!
We will get through no doubt.

[bibliophilic]

Oh yeah, the GA scares me a bit! I've only ever been out twice--once for wisdom teeth and once for an endoscopy, but I'm not sure what was used for the wisdom teeth (I know the endo was just Demerol/Propofol). I'm mostly worried about waking up during surgery, which I know is extremely extremely rare and practically impossible since they'll be monitoring my vitals. But still..

I have to call the surgeon today to book a consulting appointment, but I'm scared to even do that. I keep reading these things about how people have gallstones and they aren't even known until routine tests for other things are done--they then keep the stones as long as no problems occur. My doctors have just been so unsure about whether or not my problems are related to something else that it gives me hesitation. If a doctor could look me in the eye and say that it's definitely the gallstones, I'd be much more resigned to getting the surgery. I'm guessing the surgeon will be able to give me more information on that, though he's "just" a general surgeon and my GI doctor was the most unsure out of everyone.

I didn't wake up with any pain this morning so I think the culprit of the other night's problem was the few potato chips I had eaten that night. You know, I haven't eaten normally since January as I get so bloated when I eat, coupled with the swallowing problem which started in February. If someone could say that the gallstones are definitely causing the bloating, I'd jump on surgery! The fact that potato chips and their fat content are probably what gave me the pain should be enough to convince me. But I also have symptoms of acid reflux which may or may not be related to the gallstones and so my brain keeps saying, "Well maybe it's reflux not related to the stones? That can cause problems like this.."

I should probably get a HIDA scan as I'm guessing it would tell me whether or not my GB is functioning properly with the stones in it. But I'm really scared of the test. Meep! :hugs:

[Canadiana]

I just read about a HIDA scan. It basically tells you if your gallbladder is functioning right. So I would guess this is a procedure that needs to be done for you.I'm sure the nurses and doctors are used to anxious patients in the room, and I'm sure if needed they would give you something that would calm your nerves. I was a blubbering idiot when I had my procedure done on Friday lol, I was panicking like crazy on the table, needless to say they took no time sedating me lol. I had the concsious sedation done (first time ever) and I was so scared, at one point thought I was having an allergic reaction to the antibiotics they gave me :wacko: Your right I've heard some people have stones and don't know it, they probably pass through the stools and they would never had guessed. Unfortunately for you and I this is not the case. I don't want to have another attack, after they removed the stone, I feel ok, but the doc told me it will keep reoccuring, and he wants it out asap. I'm paranoid about food, I just make sure it's low fat, drink a lot of water, I mean what else can you do?
Yes, I do believe gallbladder problems can cause reflux, seems very common from what I've read.
I have to see specialist on Monday, and I know it will be soon after it will be removed, and no doubt I will worry till it's over.
You'll be fine hun, get the scan done.....I promise they will make sure you are comfortable, that way you'll know exactly what's going on with you!!
If you ever need to you can message me! :bighug1:

---------- Post added at 09:48 ---------- Previous post was at 09:44 ----------

yesss waking up during surgery, many thoughts of that. I think it's the thought of being so deeply put under, like the have machines that breath for you........ it terrifies me to no end. I have complete faith in doctors and nurses, they know what they are doing, but the "what if's" are swimming in my mind non stop.I'm scared of waking up when all is done and freaking out, or getting really sick, or dizzy. I just don't wan't to feel out of control. sigh.

[bibliophilic]

I guess I'm worried about the scan because I tried in January and failed miserably haha. Well I live in an area where two hospitals are equally far from me, and my doctor uses one hospital exclusively. It's bigger but the people are meaner and everything's dirtier than the other hospital. I went in and I even took a Klonopin first. The nurse was HORRIBLE to me, and they put me in an MRI tube even though most hospitals don't use those. It was way too much so even though I was injected with nuclear tracer and had the IV, I had to get out. The nurse actually mocked and made fun of me because I was too afraid and uncomfortable. At that point I thought, "Hell with it, not getting this done!" The other hospital has much nicer staff and the machine is pretty claustrophobic but not an MRI tube. So I'll ask the surgeon and if he thinks it could be beneficial then I'll get it done there and hope for the best. :) I also have to go in and get a 24hr urine kit for my cortisol from my GP, so maybe I'll ask him too.

I also found out that the surgeon did surgery for my dad a few years ago, and that he was really nice and they liked him. I'm hoping he's still really nice and that he understands how crazy with fear this makes me. Now to make an appointment and hope he gets me in within the next month as I'm still really scared of eating or drinking anything besides water. Though yesterday I had broth, half a roll (no butter), a few Goldfish crackers, and half a smoothie and I was okay. Fingers crossed for us!! And message me as well if you ever want to exchange stories, gripe, or get reassurance :D

---------- Post added at 11:52 ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 ----------

Ughhh the machine that breathes for me. So weird. I've read that some people feel suffocated by them. Hopefully I'll be dreaming about something nice. When I had the Demerol/Propofol for my endoscopy, I woke up sobbing with the worst sadness I've ever felt. Hopefullyhopefullyhopefully GA will be different. Whatever they used for my wisdom teeth was amazing. I woke up feeling like I had taken the best nap!

[Canadiana]

Awww I'm so sorry you had a miserable, scary experience. I can understand why you don't want to go through with it :( I would feel the same.
That's bull that they would treat you like that.
Try get it done at another hospital, where the staff will ease your mind, not mock you and make you more nervous.
I've been eating smaller low fat meals throughout the day, rather than larger meals....so far so good, hopefully it will last a little while.
It sounds you've been in pain for months, as have I. I'm not sure why they don't push to remove it, especially if you are in pain. Why go through all the tests?
I'm in Canada, maybe it's just different here. I think if you have stones you always will, and if you are in pain it will be like that until it's removed (my doc said that anyway) Whatever happens we will get this stuff solved soon enough!
Yeah, it's strange.After the procedure was done I felt good, in good spirits etc. I find since Saturday I've been feeling depressed. I guess it was how everything happened so fast, and my worrying about it still. I don't know it sucks!

[bibliophilic]

Well, I booked the surgeon for Jan 7 at 10:30am. They originally couldn't get me in until the 18th but they found more appointments. :D If he wants the HIDA, I'm definitely going to go to the smaller, nicer hospital! Which is actually easier to get to and park at and just overall a better place. I love their nuclear medicine department and they actually sit with you while the tests are being done. At the other hospital, the nurse told me that nobody would be monitoring me and that I could "try yelling" if I needed assistance.

Normally I think they'd be telling me to get surgery asap, but for whatever reason there's something about my medical history and symptoms that's making them hesitate. Hopefully the surgeon will be more decisive so I can either get the surgery and get on with my life or get other treatment and get on with my life.

I understand your depression. I think you were happy to have the pain gone and to have finished the procedure (which sounds really stressful and scary to me so kudos to you!). Then you realized you have to get more surgery done or face more of the other procedures and/or complications. So naturally that's overwhelming and depressing. But just think..no more pain! It happened fast but hopefully it'll be over relatively quickly too. :hugs:

[Canadiana]

That's good, you won't have to wait long and then you will be all that much closer to getting the answers you deserve.
I hope you will have more caring and compassionate nurses when you get your procedure done, I'm sure you will!
I'm feeling a little better about the entire situation, I'm sure I have nothing to worry about, I will deal with things as they come, we both will.
Keep in touch as I'd like to know how you are feeling, and what is going on. :hugs: I hope the pain stays at bay for you cause it is so awful!!

[bibliophilic]

Yeah, I'm so glad they were able to get me in before 18th! I'm also starting (well, trying to start) finding some peace with the whole thing. I'm scared to eat but I'm also saying, "You know what? So far, any major pain you've had goes away within an hour or two. If it doesn't go away, you can go to the ER where they'll hook you up to pain medicine and make it go away. Magically learning about the gallstones doesn't make them more likely to cause problems than they were before." Still can't decide if I want to try peanut butter or not..as I used to be okay with it and it gave me the bulk of my daily protein (I eat very very little as it is). Well, I'll figure it out. So will you! Go us! Be sure to update me on how things go with appointments and when you're getting it out! :hugs:

[bibliophilic]

Now I'm reading that they use urinary catheters during surgery. That really, really freaks me out. Does anyone know if they use those for all surgeries or just the "open" surgeries? Yuck.

[Canadiana]

Yes, I believe they will have to use a catheter for the procedure. From what I have read, they will put it in while you are sedated, and take it out while you are sedated, so you would never know it. I think it's better than peeing on yourself :winks:..... I had them in for my C-sections, they aren't that bad.
I think for shorter procedures they will make you empty your bladder just before. However when you are fully sedated, you will have zero control, so it will have to be done I believe.I think the surgery takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, for some may be shorter, others longer. I will ask all these questions to my specialist on Monday, believe me I have a lot!!:scared15:

[bibliophilic]

Yeah, I've read that some people can't "restart" their bladders afterwards? Scary! I tried to make an appointment with my GP but he can't see me until Tuesday, which is only a few days before I see the surgeon anyway. Yesterday I had broth, a tiny piece of baguette, a veggie sub with 1.5 slices of cheese, my usual smoothie, and some Goldfish crackers. I didn't have any horrible pain last night or this morning so fingers crossed that I can stay safe with these foods. I'm hungry but I'm remembering how little I ate for 2 months back in February and March (half a cup of applesauce a day) and I survived that so I'll survive this. :hugs: Hope you're feeling okay today!

[Canadiana]

The whole damn surgery just scares me period. Yesterday I was fine with it, today I am a ball of nerves again. :mad:
People keep saying it's not a big deal, I understand this, it's not like it's open heart surgery or anything, but I'm having a tough time wrapping my mind around it. I hate that I complain about it, but I'm having a hard time with it and few around me understand.
When it comes to the food you are eating, I guess it's just trial and error. No doubt your gallbladder will be screaming when it doesn't like something! I'm glad you are able to eat, even if only a little. I'm glad you haven't had too much pain either. I don't feel that great today. I feel a familiar back ache, and a little pain in my stomach, of course it could be my nerves too. :hugs:

[Annie0904]

I wasn't told anything about having a catheter in and as far as I am aware I didn't have one.

[bibliophilic]

Do you get the pain in your upper back or mid back? Mine's puzzling because I've had both, and sometimes it even goes down to lower back. Then it goes to my chest and stomach. I keep getting twinges of it and sometimes Tums makes it go away. I find myself wanting to sleep upright because my brain is all, "Ohhh must be acid reflux!" but my sleep position has no bearing on whether or not I get the pain.

I'm starting to have the panic again as well, and it's starting to be my very first thought of the day again. I tried to see my GP but he's booked until Tuesday. So Tuesday I see him and then Friday I see the surgeon. There's still a tiny part of me thinking, "You probably developed these stones because you lost 50 pounds in 3 months. Maybe your gallbladder isn't bad and you can just get the stones dissolved!" But I've read that it's not very successful generally. I am also trying to keep in mind what people say, that it's a "simple operation," but it's still classified as "major abdominal surgery" and any removal of an organ is a scary thought to me.

Annie, thanks for the reply! I hope that I don't get one, but if I do, I sincerely hope that I'm asleep during both the insertion and removal of it.

[GoogleNoMore]

For what it's worth, I didn't get a catheter either.

Something that I found to help me when I had attacks, though, was apple cider vinegar - the real organic stuff, with mother in it. I would take a tablespoon in a glass of water. Now, whether it truly helped with the attack or whether it was more psychosomatic, I can't be sure. But it may be worth a shot for you, while you're waiting for the surgeon.

Also, keep in mind that some of the pains you're feeling may also be due to the anxiety and stress you're under, as well as the gallstones.

[Canadiana]

Well quite a few didn't have the need for a catheter, maybe just depends on the surgeon or something. Now that I think of it, you can't drink or even eat for several hour before surgery, so maybe they'll get you to empty bladder before it happens?
bibliopohilic- My pain is not typical of most people with gallbladder problems. That's why I was misdiagnosed for so long.
I get really bad pain in between my ribs, and under my left rib cage. I also get heavy pressure under both ribs, and into the middle of my back, I bloat horribly too, get short of breath (not imagined) nausea, vomiting (at it's worst) zero appetite.When it was at it's worst, I didn't eat for 8 days, every time I ate, even a cracker I would be in bad pain. The worst seems to be over with for the time being, however I still get scared I could have an attack soooo I'm very careful of what I consume.
Darn I don't have apple cider vinegar anymore, might be a good idea to keep some on hand just in case. I've heard that it does help. And hey whether it's imagined or if it does work, it's worth taking!!

[bibliophilic]

Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out what's acid reflux, what's gallstones, and what's just me being obsessive. I'm also having some really annoying "trapped gas" feelings in my pelvic/rectal area since yesterday afternoon, which isn't helping as it gets so sharp and then I have to acknowledge pain which is completely counterproductive to me ignoring my aches until I see the surgeon. Yeesh! I've also heard that apple cider vinegar works for gallbladder attacks but I'm not sure if I could stomach it. Well, I'll pick some up as if I get the really bad pain again I'll be willing to try anything!

[GoogleNoMore]

I hear you about stomaching the apple cider vinegar taste... I started off by adding it to apple juice. Then, when I got "used to the taste" after a few days, I tried adding a small amount to a glass of water. I worked my way up to the tablespoon a day. And even then, I sure wasn't sipping it too slow; some days it was all I could do to "get it down - quick!" :)

Good luck!

[bibliophilic]

Putting it in apple juice at first is a good idea! I wonder if plain apple juice would have any effect, too? I read on a few sites that grape juice is good--I bought some so we'll see. I added a bit to my smoothie this morning and I think I might like it better straight. :D

Also, as a note to anyone who is having gallbladder problems and trying to find things to eat--I discovered that Progresso soup has many varieties with less than 5 grams of fat per serving. I just had some of the classic vegetable kind and it has zero grams. That plus a piece of bread, honestly the most delicious thing I've eaten in ages. Just putting that out there for anyone trying to brainstorm more things to eat! I bought a Healthy Choice meal that's I think 6 or 7 grams, but there's no way I'll be able to eat a whole serving, so I'll try that sometime this weekend and see how that goes down. I try to stick with whole foods and avoid prepackaged or canned things, but for the sake of convenience I occasionally need these things ;) Hey, better than pizza! (Which I can't even imagine eating!)

[prue1956]

i suffered with gallstones and an infected gallbladder for 6 yrs and trying to bring up 3 children on my own,i couldnt stand the pain any longer so my doctor said there was a new technique ,keyhole surgery which i had done you can usually go home the same day but as ihad an infection it was 5 days,but the healing process was a lot quicker,i still get pain in that area,after reading that bile drips into the bowel that is where the pain comes from,so i still have to watch what i eat,but as i said the recovery time is so much better than going under the knife!

[bibliophilic]

Thanks Prue--can't imagine taking care of kids for 6 years whilst juggling gallbladder pain! I'm hoping that the keyhole surgery will be what they do for me, since the other procedure takes much longer to heal from. Even more amazing is what they used to do, they used to cut open the gallbladder, clean out the stones, and then seal it up again. So strange! Are you able to eat any fatty foods or does it all mess you up? Have you tried Metamucil or those binding salts that GI doctors sometimes recommend after surgery?

[Canadiana]

Bibliophilic-
Hi! I hope you are feeling better!
I had my appointment with my surgeon yesterday. He said it will be a few months until they do surgery. I'm not sure how I feel about it :shrug: I didn't think it would be that long, and in the mean time I'm kinda scared I could have an attack, which he said was very possible....... but on a high note, my liver and pancreas levels are back to normal, so that is a relief :)
I know your appointment is coming up very quickly, I would love to hear back from you, and see how you are doing!! I thought I would use your thread instead of starting a new one..:flowers:

[bibliophilic]

Thanks for the update!! Been thinking about you. That seems a long way away for surgery--but I'm guessing that means they don't think you're in danger of having serious complications in the meantime? (Barring the possibility of an attack, which I view as serious, but which doctors seem to view as "common enough.") And yay, your liver and pancreas levels are normal! :yesyes: Did he give any tips on what to do if you do have an attack? Are you supposed to wait it out or go to the ER?

I'm doing okay--not much pain but I developed a horrible case of the dizzies yesterday which resulted in me throwing up a bunch. I'm still dizzy today so not sure what that's about, maybe allergies? I'm not throwing up green or yellow or anything and really not having pain, so I don't think it's related to the gallbladder. I was actually supposed to see my GP today but had to cancel because I feel so poorly. But I still have the surgeon appointment on Friday, hopefully he will be able to shed some light on things. I keep reading about cases where the gallstones are from rapid weight loss (which I recently had/am still having) and they can dissolve those instead of doing surgery, since it's not a case of a malfunctioning gallbladder but simply due to the weight loss. I guess that's why I need the HIDA scan, which I DEFINITELY don't want in my current state of dizziness!

I think I'll try a piece of toast or something and then maybe some Allegra--I can smell the freshly cut grass so I'm hoping it's allergies making me so unwell today--I do know that my partner was feeling dizzy last night too though his went away without throwing up. :) Hope your day is well and that you can avoid any attacks--congrats again on the normal levels :hugs:

[Canadiana]

I'm sorry you are feeling poorly. Indeed it could be allergies, or perhaps you came down with a bug, one of those short lived flu's. In any case I hope you get it sorted, and feel better quickly!!:hugs:
I've noticed weight loss as well, especially over the last month, but I believe it came from no appetite and vomiting no doubt! It could be possible that stones come from rapid weight loss, though I don't remember reading anything about it. The only thing I did read was that typically gallstones generally affect women over men, and also that it seems it's overweight, and over the age of 50. I think they are way off on that. I could stand to lose a few pounds, but it's not that bad, and I'm only 32.......so, I chalk it up to my diet really :shrug:Who knows right?!

I don't think I'm in danger anymore, no. As I said I am scared of another attack though, but at least I won't be guessing what is wrong lol. He didn't say much to me at all, I only talked to him for 2 min max.......I don't find him comforting, he is all buisness and I was rather uncomfortable tbh. I like doctors that will ease the mind if only a tad. All he did was described the incisions, the length of time it would take, and the risks and he was out the door.He seen me in a freak out, so it would be nice if he explained a little more?! No. He never gave me any tips on how to maybe avoid an attack, or what to do. I guess if it gets bad enough, I would go to ER..... he just said I have a lot of stones, they will keep dropping, and of course there is a possibilty of another blockage. I had to ask of my blood results, because he never mentioned anything, but maybe because they were good.

Again I hope you feel better! And will be keeping an eye on this thread. I want to know everything they say to you at your appointment, you are in my thoughts!! :hugs:

[bibliophilic]

Oh I greatly dislike doctors like that!! And for me, it's always the specialists who behave that way--even worse because it takes me so long to see them, and usually for a serious issue that my GP can't handle. I went to an ENT doctor in February for my swallowing problem. He spent literally about a minute and a half in the room with me and 30 seconds of that was him putting a scope into my nose and down my throat. Great! Hopefully the surgeon on Friday will be open to discussion because I have a lot of questions and need a lot of answers. I really wish I could have seen my GP today, darn this dizziness. I just ate a piece of toast so I'll try the Allegra; I take the syrup and it's pretty nasty so hopefully it doesn't make me regress :D

In all likelihood, they'll have me do surgery. I keep trying to kid myself about taking pills or dissolving stones or whatnot, but I've read that it takes a long time and isn't very effective. I guess the best I can hope for is the doctor saying that he thinks my problems are from something else and that I don't need surgery yet. I finally ate today and it was a piece of toast and a banana, about twenty minutes ago. I feel some fleeting, light back pain. Seems too quick to be gallbladder but who knows. But I've read that having gallstones is linked to an increase in gallbladder cancer percentage, so I'd probably just get it out anyway. But ugh, surgery.

So I'm guessing they'll do your surgery laporascopically (spelled wrong, I'm sure)? Definitely a faster healing time! Maybe I'll have mine out around the same time and we can exchange war stories. ;) Let me know how you keep on, I'll be around! :hugs:

[Canadiana]

I hope your surgeon is more expressive than mine, I mean I know they do this all the time, but I really feel they can have a little more compassion than what some do. I mean it's a surgery, no one wants surgery the thought can be terrifying!

Yes it will be laproscopic (sp) so about 5 tiny incisions on different areas of the abdomen, he says it takes about an hour. He also stated sometimes they have to make a bigger incision on the side but that's only in 1% of cases so the chances are slim :winks:

I looked into the dissolving of stones, however from what I read it's not promising, and it can take months and months, but we are all different, so who knows. I'm not willing to try any of them personally.

Oh he also mentioned the down time is 2 weeks (no heavy lifting, doing too, too much) but people generally start feeling better pain wise within a few days, so the bounce back is pretty good!!

I'm glad you are able to eat, I hope the allergy med works for you :) Get feeling better!! :winks:

And yes perhaps when/if we have surgery around the same time, we can definately exchange some war stories!!!!:winks:

Oh I notice back pain too, usually after eating.......like my back almost feels bruised. It actually is tender right near the spine?! gallbladder related?

[bibliophilic]

Mine feels "bruised" as well--maybe it is gb? Hmm. Sometimes I wake up in the morning too and my chest and back feel bruised. It's bizarre.

I just found out from my mom that my insurance ended (?!). I get it through my father and he switched jobs. We're supposed to have new insurance on his new job but not sure when it'll kick in. So that's kind of terrifying, but it's also good that I didn't go to my GP today because my insurance would have bounced!

I hope we both bounce back quickly. I've read stories about people who were out jogging a few days after surgery (something I can't even do NOW :D ) and people who were out for months. Hopefully we'll fit in somewhere in the middle and just have normal but speedy recoveries :)

Now here's to hoping that neither of us have problems before surgery! :hugs:

[Canadiana]

I'm very much on edge about having an attack before surgery. Typical for me one second fine, the next I worry about it.

I'm noticing more pain/aches/annoyances on my right side now apposed to the left where the majority of my pain normally was. Of course I don't know if it's anxiety or gallbladder..

I'm still very much nauseous, yesterday I thought I was going to vomit surely, and now again it's much the same. Now I'm getting pain almost a burning type pain beside my right breast and under my armpit, and into my back, but only on the right side. It's defo uncomfortable, but again my mind could be playing tricks, and I am worried about this all.....

I hope your insurance is straightened out soon. I'm sure it will be fine!

HaHa jogging.......... I can't jog anyway lol, I'd love to see me try!!
Hope you are feeling a little better now!?

[bibliophilic]

Hope all is well today! I know that when my pain first started, it was next to my bellybutton. I still get it there, but for about a month after a doctor suggested gallbladder, I started getting pains in my right side. I'm guessing I always had them but just finally started to notice them. With me at least, it's like what my grandpa always says, "Oh, you have a headache? Want me to step on your toe so you forget you have it?" :) I'm like that where something else can overpower a previous issue. The issue remains but I think about it less. So that's why this crippling vertigo is great and awful--sure, I can't leave bed and I'm having panic over it because it's been three days now. But hey, I'm barely thinking about my gallbladder! :P

I keep hoping that I'll wake up in the morning feeling well enough to go into one of those clinics. But I woke up at 7 this morning, feeling pretty rotten, and the clinic doesn't even open until 9. Now it's 8:30 and I feel even worse so I think I'll call my doctor and see if he can recommend anything. I get really OCD about taking meds when I'm ill, but despite that I took the absolute max dose of meclizine last night even though I'd never taken it before. It didn't really do anything but I think that documents how desperate I am. ;)

And yeah, seriously--jogging? Must be my gallbladder making that not happen for me. ;)

Let me know how your day's going!

[Canadiana]

Awww. I'm so sorry you feel so awful. :( I hope you can make it to the clinic and get something that will make you feel better!! Funny dizziness isn't serious, and usually there is a simple reasoning behind it, yet it is a truly scary thing to go through, I have a fear of being dizzy, its an awful feeling. Maybe its the fluid in your ear, maybe shifted or something? I really hope you get it sorted out soon. Is there anyone that can take you?? So you don't have to be there alone... I'm the exact same way with pills, I have a feat if taking anything new, it sucks, but when you need it, you need it!!!
BIG HUGS get feeling better, and keep us updated! Hopefully you are at the clinic now.....

[bibliophilic]

My boyfriend was sleeping so peacefully and I didn't want to wake him to drive me to the clinic :P So I took a ton of Allegra, Klonopin, and drank down a whole bottle of water. My vertigo is probably about a 6/10 right now so I'm happy and hoping that it means I'm getting better. I've read that fluid behind the eardrum can cause it, hence the Allegra, and also that Klonopin works as a vestibulator inhibitor or something to that effect. The water didn't hurt either :D So far so good--if I wake up in the morning and it gets bad again, I'm going to just suck it up and go over!

Hope your right sided pain is taming down--are you eating well or is the pain making you afraid to eat anything? :hugs:

[bibliophilic]

Well I'm able to walk and sit up today but I still feel quite shaky--not sure if it's a viral thing, allergies, fluid in the ear? I'm still too afraid to get into a car which brings me to the problem of my surgeon appointment tomorrow morning. I don't know if I can do it! I'm afraid that I'll drive there and then the severe vertigo will reappear and take ages to go away again. But it takes so long to see the surgeon (next available appointment was end of the month and that was a week ago). Not sure what to do and it's causing me stress.

In terms of pain--I had the back pain again last night. Sometimes it goes into my chest, too. Of course, taking Tums, using a hot sock, and sitting against a hard backed chair helped and the pain was gone within 40 minutes or so. It confuses me because it seems like gallbladder pain wouldn't relieve so easily?

Hope you're doing well today--eating enough and not having pain :hugs:

[Canadiana]

Hi
I read your other thread, I'm glad your vertigo is getting better, must be awful :(
I'm very happy you were able to get to a clinic, so I'm hoping your vertigo issues will be gone for good.
You see your surgeon well, I guess today!! I do hope you get there, because as you said it takes so long to get in there. Hopefully he will give you answers aswell.

I get confused with the pain too...... I have had intense attacks that only lasted 20 min mind you those 20 minutes I felt I was on deaths door step, so I think it is possible for sure.

I have not been feeling great over the last 3 days. I get bad periods of nausea, and the pain seems to be coming back as it was before. It's 2 am here, I had an attack tonight ( all I had was a little amount of rice) and it set it off. Started a 6 pm and just started easing up now. I'm left with back pain, but its better than it was. This is exactly what I didn't want happening, I thought I might be ok for a while, though that was when I thought surgery would be sooner. Of course surgery terrifies me, but the pain,is like nothing I've ever felt, and I really don't want to go through this for how ever many months......

I will be keeping an eye on the thread, really look foward to hearing how everything went for you, and I do hope things calm down for you, I mean c' mon vertigo and gallbladder problems...... You need a break!! Best of luck, and sending a hug your way!!

---------- Post added at 02:24 ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 ----------

Oh I wanted to ask, do you find your self fatigued? I think its GB related, as I find myself so tired...

[bibliophilic]

Thank you! Yes, it was a nightmare and I can honestly say that I'd rather have the pain over the vertigo. Even closing my eyes didn't make it stop for awhile there. I'm still pretty dizzy and spacey today but at least I can walk and I DID manage to make it to my surgeon appointment!

He was pretty nice. Didn't really rush me, thankfully. He said that he's done thousands of these and it's the most common surgery that his office does. He felt my stomach and it's tender on the left AND right. That coupled with my symptoms made him say that the gallbladder might not be causing my problems. But, that my gb is full of stones and will most likely cause problems further down the road if not now. Surgery will take 45 - 60 minutes most likely, a few little incisions, I'll probably go home same day, etc etc.. it's booked for June 24th which seems SO SOON! Too bad we can't switch dates so yours could be out sooner :)

But I'm having my doubts. If only a doctor could just tell me for sure that the gallbladder is causing my problems. I'm losing a lot of anxiety about it (I'm sure that'll return!) but..just questioning everything. That's two doctors and a surgeon who aren't positive that my gallbladder is doing this to me. :/

I hope that your nausea and pain are letting up by now. I read that some people have problems with rice, but also some people have issues with bananas..it seems like the most random things can cause problems. Have you tried sipping grape juice? I've read that it can help calm down the gallbladder. I've been drinking some and haven't noticed much of a difference but I'm not experiencing the constant pain and nausea that you are. :hugs:

And yes, I'm always tired! For me, I'm not sure how much is constant stress and how much is gallbladder. Besides my health problems, I'm overwhelmed with college graduation problems, my family's issues, finding a new apartment in the next month, figuring out money since I can't work, stress over my diabetic cat..I also have high cortisol which needs further investigation which could be causing some fatigue. Who knows anymore. I'm 24 and feel like I'm way too broken for my age. :P

Let me know how you're doing! :hugs:

[Canadiana]

I'm glad to hear that your surgeon seems nice! I'm glad you are feeling better as well :)
Well if it makes you feel a tad better, I too have both left side pain and right side pain, and for me it 100% is gallbladder related. Of course I'm not a doctor :winks: I understand your questioning everything though, as I'd do the same myself. However they know (and you) that you indeed have stones in there, and regardless it has to come out. You never do know maybe this will be the cause of the pain and discomfort, and after removal things will be good again. I think it's good they are doing it sooner rather than later, so you can avoid anymore pain, or possible complications. So I'm happy for you!!

I'm doing ok. I just feel blah, and tired, haven't ate much for today, so far so good. It seems anything can trigger an attack for me. Before rice was ok to consume, last night it didn't agree I guess. After I had my stone removed I had a piece of pizza, was so good and no pain. Well I had a little slice earlier in the week, and oh my I think I will stay away from it now :wacko:

Maybe its not neccesarily gallbladder causing unreal fatigue. It could be a combo of many things. I agree. I have a lot going on with myself too, I'm sure just having a mind that runs 24/7 doesn't help either.

I'm 32, and I feel broken as well lol. I mean I'm not that old, but man some days I sure feel like it, like my body will just fall apart :shrug:

Thanks for keeping in touch!! :hugs:

[bibliophilic]

Crazy how gallbladder issues can manifest, isn't it? I was reading about people who never even had pain, just a slight tenderness, and their gallbladders were all messed up. I'm trying to think things like, "Well some people have burning yellow diarrhea all the time and it's due to their gallbladders, so maybe it's NOT IBS in your case! Some people get so bloated they can't eat--you do, too!" and hoping that all of these gross, annoying symptoms are all from the stones. He did say that the gb doesn't seem inflamed because the walls weren't thickened--but I think you can still get horrible symptoms from "just" stones. Also, I know there's always the chance of a stone getting stuck in the bile duct so it's better to get rid now than wait until later.

But then I read about how some people later develop stones anyway and they still get stuck in the duct. So wtf?!

My food triggers are seemingly random. A few weeks ago I had a small piece of pizza and some cucumbers with a little ranch. I think I also had chips. No issues whatsoever. One night I had vegetable soup with zero grams of fat. I got the back pain. Either the back pain isn't from my gallby, or foods don't necessarily trigger it and it's just the stones rocking around causing pain. Who knows.

So now I have three concerns about surgery. One, will it be worth it/will it help, or will I have complications that many people seem to have and the quality of my life will decrease? Two, will I be aware during surgery? Three, will my bladder restart after I wake up or will I be one of those people who has to use catheters for two weeks? Yikes. Now that I'm downgraded to "dizzy/spacey" rather than "clinging to the bed for dear life," I'm going to try again to see my GP and see if he has any answers.

Have you noticed if drinking a lot of water makes any difference in your pain and nausea? I've read that some people drink a lot of water and it can stop or decrease an attack (or prevent, apparently).

Hope you're doing well. :hugs:

[Canadiana]

You are right. Some people have gallstones, and never know it!! They must pass silently through the system.
You know I have had stomach issues for well over a year, yes the bright yellow burning stools. It never worried me then as I brought it up to doctors before and they seemed not concerned at all, they said that is caused by fatty foods, possible IBS. However the more I think of it the more I think it is GB related. I find since the stone was removed my stools are no longer like that, well the bright yellow anyway, that and I'm trying to stay away from overly fatty things.

I've read that too, that people still get stones after removal, in fact I've been reading a lot about gallbladder, and peoples stories. I'm like you, if that's the case what the hell is the point??!!

I have the same concerns as you. What if I wake up during :ohmy: of course the chances of that happening are so, so slim, like slim to none. What will happen when I wake up after it's over: Will I panic, be violently ill, freak out totally, and of course my biggest is that my body will not be able to handle sedation and everything else, and it will quit on me..... I don't so much worry about the catheter, because surgery is short so if you empty bladder before you might not need it? Plus you can't eat or drink for many hours before surgery, so you won't have anything in you to pee out.

About the water. No it makes zero difference for me. I drink a lot of it too. I have read about apple cider vinegar, as someone mentioned on this thread, but I have none. Maybe I should consider getting more.....

I'm glad your dizziness is not as bad as it was before!!