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Gall stones: alternative to surgery?

Posted , 4 users are following.

MarkDo
MarkDo

Hi, I'm a 29 year old, very hypochondriac and on Sertraline 50mg Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Last August, after a big meal, I had severe abdominal pain. Through ultrasound, cholecystitis was seen and the presence of a 2 cm stone with a shadow cone (formation perhaps due to a too restrictive diet). Since then I have been following the doctor's recommended diet (fat free) and taking extended release ursodeoxycholic acid 225 mg twice daily. during these months I have no longer had painful episodes but during the day I often feel discomfort and a sense of heaviness in the shoulder blade area. I have repeated the analyzes recently, the values are ok, there is no inflammation but despite the Ursodeoxycholic acid the size of stone has remained totally unchanged. my question is...

is there a non-surgical alternative for stone removal? Or alternatively a less invasive techniques that do not require the use of anesthesia and less risky? I know that the surgery has a very low risk, however the fear of doing it is too much and excessive and I would like to understand if there are alternatives (perhaps remove the stones without removing the gallbladder)?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • victoria08191
    victoria08191 MarkDo

    Posted

    Hi,

    from what I have read the only treatment really is surgery to remove gallbladder. I know they sometimes prescribe drugs which might be what you're on to try and break down the stones but from what I have read they rarely work. I ended up in A&E with infection in my gallbladder and feeling pretty poorly. The trouble is stones can move and block your bile duct and cause jaundice, can lead to pancreatitis and all sorts, although the thought of surgery is scary it's really the best option. Once you start to have gallbladder issues they don't really get better on their own long term.

  • michelle30832
    michelle30832 MarkDo

    Posted

    Hi, sorry this is a bit late but wanted to offer some alternative supplements and things you can try. I'm trying to avoid removal, seeing the amount of posts with problems still after removal doesn't sell the surgery to me either!

    So, I take d-limonene which works to break down the gallstones (it's also good for anxiety apparently!) . Also bile salts do similar, they act like detergent and emulsify fats. Castor oil packs over the gallbladder /liver can help to heal and reduce inflammation. Lemon water helps me greatly. Milk thistle helps clean the liver and a sluggish gallbladder can be due to a sluggish liver. I hope these help! Keep searching for answers and watch YouTube for tips on healing the gallbladder.

  • livvy20
    livvy20 MarkDo

    Edited

    hi Mark,

    So sorry about what you are experiencing.

    I think all of us who have been diagnosed with gallstones had the same thoughts and fears as you. I for sure wanted to know if there was anything other than surgery to get rid of them, and I think most people do. I did a lot of reading and scared myself silly reading posts on various forums - even this one. That said, I did take a lot of advice from a variety of medics before seeing a surgeon. All, without fail, told me that drugs, diets, supplements and the like were just kicking it into the long grass, and that the only way was to have the gallbladder removed, because the stones would just keep coming back. Ultimately, what convinced me most was being told that it was much better to undergo the surgery whilst the situation was uncomplicated, rather than putting it off until it became an emergency. It is easier for the surgeon and easier for your recovery.

    If you read anything about gallbladder flushes, be aware that this can be dangerous and should be avoided.

    I had the surgery about 20 months ago. The surgery went really well, very straightforward and I healed nicely. These days I can barely even see the incision marks. I have not suffered any side effects from surgery and my life has returned to normal. I no longer fear food or live in fear of a random attack. I was very anxious right up to the point of going into the operating theatre, but before I knew it I was waking up and being offered tea and biscuits. Can't say I miss the gallbladder and the only reason I know it's gone is that I don't get those awful attacks.

    I hope my story goes some way to providing a little reassurance.

    Best wishes

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