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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
cynthia89958
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lisa98146 cynthia89958
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lynda20916 cynthia89958
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cynthia89958 lynda20916
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cynthia89958 lisa98146
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lisa98146 cynthia89958
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lisa15321 lisa98146
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lisa98146 lisa15321
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lisa15321 lisa98146
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cynthia89958
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lynda20916 cynthia89958
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lisa98146 cynthia89958
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You will probably hear over and over that gallbladder surgery is elective or routine. Hospitals just aren't doing enough to treat gallbladder patients quickly enough and within the time frames. It makes me so angry. So much can go wrong and delaying treatment increases the risks for patients. No matter what they say, or how ever they try to emotionally blackmail by saying either "you aren't the only one" or "cancer patients are priority" (obviously we know this) the government have made the RTT a LEGAL right. Unless this is challenged it will continue to be a problem for patients. My point is, what's the point in legal rights if hospitals aren't sticking to them? Most of understand the problems the NHS is facing but there comes a point where you have to say, enough now!
Please do not be afraid of contacting the CCG. The person who helped me was fantastic and she said they were not aware of just how bad things were with the hospital. They had meetings and the hospital were ordered by the CCG to start treating patients who had waited the longest, right away. This did not help me because I decided to have treatment elsewhere but I was assured that my complaint would help others now and in future. The CCG are ultimately responsible for commissioning the hospital and for providing treatment. If you explain your problem, they should be able to help.
I really feel for you Cynthia. I understand what it's like to left waiting but you've had to endure all these cancellations to boot. It must get you down. if you need any other advice, just ask.
cynthia89958 lisa98146
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I will follow this up as it is enough to be unwell for months on end without additional hassle. I exceeded 18 weeks after my first date was cancelled - this was a drs strike day so they perhaps did not have justify that one. I think you are right, there seems to be less motivation once the date has breached.
I thought of transferring to a different hospital but once you are in the system, you expect it to be quicker to stay where you are, finding out too late that is not so.
This has made such an impact on my life as last year I had a full time job and now since the contract ended, have not been well enough to look for another and being over 60, this is not helping my chances now. I just wish they had not raised the pension age x2 for my age group!
I should have had the op back in April had it gone to plan and been on the mend hopefully by now. I did have doubts as above - I'm just praying I will have some benefit at the other side of this situation. Thanks so much for your kind advice, much appreciated, will update. Take care.
cynthia89958 lynda20916
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A friend (another hospital) has just had a different op cancelled today - she was in her gown all prepped but the previous op ran over time. That is a bit much, although I guess they cannot forsee this, its no fun for the patient sitting there all nervous without even a cuppa all morning! I will update if anything to report, not heard back today. Take care.
jill_38536 cynthia89958
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I saw my surgeon in may with the results of mri etc. It confirmed gallstones which I already knew. When I asked him how long the waiting list is he said I would have it in June. He said he wanted to catch up on his backlog. Well it's lucky I didn't believe this as I phoned his secretary on June 1st and she said no way would it be June. She had 38 cases on her desk who have been waiting for ages. As I've only just been put on the list who knows how long it will be. She said even the 18 weeks guide line isn't happening. I must say though after reading all the posts people have said about post op problems I certainly might change my mind. It seems if things go wrong afterwards they even hand out painkillers or just don't care. At least I've got loads of time to think about it. Hope all goes well for you.
cynthia89958 jill_38536
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I know what you mean that the time is a relief in one sense as deep down we are concerned about the surgery and possible after effects, while it is also upsetting if we really need this surgery to have to wait with the suffering that entails. I find the cancelling is unsettling and does not help confidence in the system. It does seem a postcode lottery as to how and when you are treated and should not be so under the NHS system - the 18 weeks thing seems pointless.
I have mad a decision to get a second opinion privately - I got made redundant and am unable find a new job due to this poor health so it is tough. I put money by to have a little holiday as not had one for years but no good booking one now as all these dates keep changing, so I might as well just to put my mind at rest that the gb needs to come out and that there is nothing else behind my symptoms. I'm guessing they will say the same as has been said, but I just need to do something empowering as feeling disempowered by life at the moment, my confidence at zero and I need to be proactive again.
The doctors I have seen have all been very nice, just not very interested. I'm sure they do what they think is best within a stretched system, but some of us fall through the gaps. I hope you can work out what is best in your own case. They told me in Feb mine would be about 2 months, which the first date was just about, but now it will be 6 months if the next one happens.
Keep updated, hopefully one way or another we we will all soon be sorted.
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