Gallbladder full of stones, what next?

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I have been getting pain under right rib and back for over a year now, there is always a constant niggle there and then sometimes it flares up, it was really bad a couple of weeks ago after drinking alcohol, cam this set it off? Thought it was just fatty foods. I also get nausea, bloatedness around the area and indigestion. Had an ultrasound and GP said it showed Gallbladder is full of stones and he is referring me for surgery, I have got my appointment at hospital in January, really nervous about having surgery although I know i won't have to stay in hospital which is good. Will surgery really help and get rid of the pain etc, getting worried after reading lots of negative comments.

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12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Lucy. I'm not extremely educated on the subject as my gallstone issues are relatively new to me. However, I have read in many places that alcohol can case flare ups. After reading this in so many places, I pretty much quit alcohol altogether... And I'd only have a drink here or there socially from time to time.

    As far as the surgery, I hear it's pretty simple and nothing really to fear at all. My daughter had her gallbladder removed about a year ago and she said it was pretty painless and I think she got out of the hospital the same day.

    However, on a another note, I've also read that there is some controversy about whether having the gallbladder removed is a good thing or not. Lots of pros and cons, so I'd spend some time reading up on it and talk to some people who have gone through the process. Hope this helps...

    • Posted

      Thanks, that will explain why I was so bad after drinking then, I will avoid alcohol now then, just as well I don't drink a lot anyway.

      That's good that your daughter got on okay with her gallbladder removal, has she been okay since?

      I will have a look at the pros and cons, I have had a quick look already and getting confused as to what is best, i guess I will know more once I have had my appointment and see what the consultant says. I can help avoid the attacks by not eating high fat food and drinking alcohol but the constant niggle/ache and nausea feeing is starting to get me down.

  • Posted

    I would go on your doctors advice, and ask the question of the consultant who is doing your op.

    They are qualified in this x

    hope that helps

    • Posted

      Thankyou, yes I will wait and see what the consultant says when I see him in January and see if he suggests surgery like my GP. I will go along with what they suggest just a bit nervous about it all but want it sorting out.
    • Posted

      Try not to be nervous.... It really is better out ... I know i moaned after having mine out 2.5 weeks ago. but that is because i am impatient and expected to be doing cartwheels on day 1. 

      Where as really any thing i felt was part of the healing process. I am back in work tomoz 10 days sickness note from hosp. Then 7 days extra from GP because i had a slight infection in my belly button.. but antibiotics sorted that.

      If you arecseeing consultant thats the step before  pre med then the op. After seeing the consultant   , it was 10 days later i got app for pre op and 5 days later the op. In at 7am home by 6.30pm.You will be fine honestly x😊

    • Posted

      Wow that was quick having op after the appointment with the consultant! That doesn't sound too bad regards time off and good that you were home by 6.30pm on the day of op. I have only had General Anaesthetic once before when I had a caesarean but it was an emergency one and because I wasn't very well at the time I don't really remember much about it, think it's just the not knowing that makes me nervous and just hoping that everything will be ok after. Thankyou, it's good to hear when it goes well for people 😊x

  • Posted

    My doctor told me that he had seen patients that lived with stones for years and were fine. Keeping it you run the risk of a stone getting out of the gallbladder and getting to your pancreas, this could be life threatening I was told.

    The pain I had after surgery was pretty intense for about a week. I now have scar tissue (we think), I feel this all the time, it doesn't hurt it is just concerning since it feels like a pain in my liver.

    • Posted

      Did they give you pain killers to help with the pain? It sounds like it's better to have it out and have some pain rather than leave it and have more life threatening problems.

      Can they do an ultrasound to check for scar tissue? Hope everything is ok for you.x

    • Posted

      Oh yes, they will give you pain killers.

      I had many major tests done, all came back okay so they say it is nothing to worry about, especially since the pain is not getting worse.

      I am a big drinker so I was concerned.

    • Posted

      That's good that they have done lots of tests, hopefully it will eventually go.

  • Posted

    I didn't have stones, but my gallbladder problems presented as a slight discomfort in the upper right quandrant and even down my right flank. I woke up nauseous pretty much every morning and developed a lack of appetite. My stools became lighter and softer. I got my gallbladder out over 2 months ago now and I've never felt better. I had the surgery at 3pm on a Thursday and was home by 9pm. Went back to work the following Wednesday. Sure, there are possible complications and not everyone is 100% afterwards but it's better to get the gallbladder out now than have a stone stuck in a duct or have it rupture.

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