Doubts about removing gallbladder
Posted , 16 users are following.
It is 6 months since I became really unwell and everything has so far been ruled out other than gallstones, hiatal hernia and a small diverticulum found on scans and scopes. Everything else has been found as normal although I have constant nausea, bloating, stomach ache and cannot eat many foods. I often get sharp upper left sided pain (nothing found to explain) and tight mid chest pains, likewise. I feel like I have bad flu, aching all over, headaches every day, too many symptoms to list. I'm back on the list after hospital cancelled first date to have Gb out as Drs all say it is the only cause that could be behind all this so it is a case of eliminating it, also maybe I could have some form of IBS (which I doubt as bowels have not really been a problem). The only abnormalities on blood tests are low vit D (taking it now) and some slightly raised liver enzymes but they say those are nothing to worry about and could be due lots of things. Reading of all the things that can go wrong after Gb surgery, I'm worried that this op will not solve the problems since I don't have the major attacks ppl talk about with right side pain, more constant chronic pain all across middle and twinges in different places, worse after eating. I don't want to risk any more issues as I am worn out already. It seems that post op complications are quite common (I know more ppl post who have issues than those who are OK) but medical research papers found up to 40% get some form of after probs which seems quite high. And there is no real improvement in GI symptoms for many of these, mainly the reduction of severe attacks, although some folk on here still say they have same pain after.
On the other hand, I've got known multiple stones (no size mentioned) and the scan said contracted Gb which I take to mean scarred and I am over 60 so if a stone moved in future it could be more risky to have emergency treatment and op then, than elective surgery while younger. But the risk is supposed to be low. My Mum is in late 80s and has had stones for years - she does also get some digestive issues but not attacks.
If I had typical attacks I would have no doubt, but as my symptoms vary, I just wonder. I've seen a couple of doctors now, one who said it is up to me the other thinks it is the way forward. But they do not seem to be willing to look into anything else until the Gb is out and ruled out. I keep changing my mind as to whether this is a good idea. I've tried remedies (not flushes as don't agree with those) and diet and complementary therapies, they help symptoms a bit but the underlying condition is still there and life is on hold. Has anyone any thoughts?
1 like, 108 replies
lynda20916 cynthia89958
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Sorry to learn you're having so much trouble. In my case, I did not have typical attacks, but I still felt very ill prior to my surgery. I am wondering if you have considered how ill you might become in the future if you choose to keep your gallbladder? The tests have revealed that your gallbladder is diseased. A diseased gallbladder can rupture or become cancerous. I am one of the individuals that has experienced problems after my gallbladder was removed, but those are manageable. To me, it was better to be rid of a diseased organ than it was to prolong my illness by trying to retain it. Best of luck, and please let us know how you get on!
cynthia89958 lynda20916
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lynda20916 cynthia89958
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hope4cure lynda20916
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i have a similar story.I was only 19 when my severe symptoms began. At 26 the gb was finally found to have a stone imbedded in the bile duct. Had gb surgery and the horrible debilitating pain was gone. It does take time to adjust to eating foods after surgery. I was down to 100# before surgery. That was 40 years ago. I guess some things never change. I was told by Drs everything from the pain is all in my head to go read a self help book. I have enjoyed living without the pain and it has not ever been a problem for me not having a gb. My gastrointerologist told me once the body starts to make stones it's recurrent and can cause issues with other areas of the digestive trac .
Cinthia I hope you can resolve this issue with ur gb soon. It will be something to look foreward to & live & move on w/o all the pain and disruption that this illness creates. Take care and hope u see a doc you can find comfort & trust.
Take care.
cynthia89958 hope4cure
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I think it must be that still little is really known of gastro conditions, they can deal with the obvs technical side that can be seen, but symptoms that can only be felt by the patient tend to be common to lots of things so they are working on a process of elimination mainly. This is what the consultant said basically, with no other evidence, we can only assume it is Gb.
I do agree a gb full of stones and maybe scarred is not good sitting there in our body and I know stones may be a forerunner of very rare gb cancers and similar or other complications in the future. No-one seems to know for sure what would happen if just left. However my symptoms are limiting my life a lot so I guess I may have to accept the gamble as there is nothing else on offer.
It must have been awful to be told you were imagining your pain! Thanks for yr kind response and I hope you continue well.
rosie2016 cynthia89958
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I realy feel for you and all the other poor people having so many problems.
It is a really tricky one and I can understand you being confused about what decision to make.
I first became ill nov 2013 with severe pains and thought i was having a heart attack.I went to hospital and they didnt know what was wrong.I then saw my gp and explained what had happened,she knew straight away it was gall stones,went for an ultra sound and sure enough it showed up as being full of stones!My gp advised me not to have it taken out as I hadnt had many attacks and also she thought i was too young ( I was 38!)
anyway to cut a long story short i should of decided to have it taken out as the following june i had a really bad attack and ended up in hospital for 2 weeks.I had developed pancreatis as a stone had got drapped in the duct and my gall bladder was very angry to say the least.The dr said straight away i need to have it out but only until i was better and after the GB had calmed down.I felt really ill and went through alot so I wish I had it taken out earlier.you really dont know whats going to happen if you leave it as the stones could move about at anytime.
Just recently I have started to have pains again and its being investigated,It could be sludge from the old stones or a new one as iv been told they come back.This is not good news,plus im very scared to get pancreatis again,but I still think it was the best decision to have my gall bladder taken out.Its not good to be worrying about what could happen if you leave it.But like alot of people on here have experienced problems after wards.You still have to be very careful with your diet,one dr said i could eat what I like after the operation but thats rubbish,and I knew from research that you need to be careful.
Good luck with everything and I do hope to get better soon.Reading peoples experiences on this site has been really helpful.
hope4cure rosie2016
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It takes the body time to adjust after surgery & a good diet was recommended. I had my life back and could take care of my young children.
Praying for this common disease to be recognized earlier before complications begin.
Reading all your experiences and advice is very helpful for those just going thru gb disease and facing surgery.
Many blessing to you all.
debbie75601 cynthia89958
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cynthia89958 debbie75601
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In yr case you know now that the Gb was not the main cause. Are they continuing investigations and any closer to a cause? It is soul destroying to be in these situations. I know only I can decide my own path, it is not easy as ppl are worried if I suggest I am questioning doctors. They know a lot of technical stuff, but don't live with our pain and problems and they no doubt see ppl who much worse off with life threatening illness. They implied to me I'm fortunate as the scans did not find cancer etc and I am grateful for that of course.
Some of our symptoms are like those of Hiatus hernia but while I have this as well, the Drs here say it should not cause these issues, just reflux at worst. However on HH forums ppl do have these symptoms.
Wish you the best, Debbie and hope we get answers. I will update in case anyone watches this thread and is in similar situation. Take care.
jill_38536 cynthia89958
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Good luck with making your mind up.
cynthia89958 jill_38536
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hope4cure cynthia89958
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lisa15321 cynthia89958
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cynthia89958 lisa15321
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lisa98146 cynthia89958
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There are risks with any surgery and it's not a decision to be taken lightly. It will have been a 7 month wait. Up until now I was just focused on getting my gallbladder out but as the day draws closer, other fears are creeping in. Mostly the possibility of long term effects and complications. I think everyone hopes to be one of the lucky ones who are cured by GB removal but there are those who are not or develop complications. But I cast my mind back to October when I was in the worst pain in my life and spent 9 days in hospital. Living with a gallbladder full of stones that have already gone bad is a big risk. It's like a ticking time bomb and all the niggles every day, remind me of that. Good luck Cynthia. I'm sorry I'm not much help. X
lisa15321 lisa98146
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lisa98146 lisa15321
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rosie2016 lisa98146
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cynthia89958 lisa98146
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It is an odd thing when you feel somewhat "lucky" to have classic symptoms but it does simplify the decision and more so if you have had known complications.
Hope things will improve for us all soon x
hope4cure cynthia89958
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Though with today's techniques,surgery is not nearly as tough for recovery as in the past. They don't cut thru muscle any more so recovery is quicker. Surgeons now make a very small incision. A lot of advances have been made for gb surgery. You will do well and best wishes for success and living in no pain.
lisa98146 cynthia89958
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