Gallbladder removal wait length on NHS (UK)

It really is a sad state of affairs and I can relate to every one of your comments. I have just recently been discharged from hospital after a four day attack, this was from living on a low fat diet etc.. I had no inflammation or inefection but my gallbladder is full of stones.. I said to my doctor what is the criteria for an emergency removal and she described my symptoms down to a tee I thought great that will be me going in for the op then!! Nope, they pumped me full of pain killers for four days which did not touch the pain at all.. then on my third night I had another attack the junior doc came to me did a routine check and profusely apologised for the way I was feeling.. the next day my doc came on her rounds and said so, seems that the oral pain relief isn’t working we will start you on iv of morphine, I had completely enough at this point.. I was at the stage where I felt that I would become hooked on really strong pain killers! Who can seriously live like that? I’m a single parent how can I look after my son hooked on morphine and tramadol to get through the day, so I told them to discharge me, I would rather die in pain at home than in the hospital.. I was meant to be starting my nursing degree in September but I have lost faith.. I don’t know if I want to support the nhs anymore.. sorry for the rant but I’m so fed up, I don’t know what to do anymore about it xx

Hi 

So I have been suffering with gallstones for around 9 months now. I have had gallbladder attacks and usually manage to ride out the pain, that was until wednesday night just gone. 

I had the most severe attack yet, the pain was unbearable and for the first time in my life I felt like I was going to die. I found myself telling my mum that I thought I was going to die as she drove me to A&E.

In the reception of A&E I was waiting no longer than 10 minutes before being called to triage from there I was straight into majors having morphine administered through IV. 

The attack lasted 6 hours and I was in pain following discharge the next day. The pain is only a dull ache which is still going on now, I am unsure how long this lasts so any replies with an answer would be great. 

I also have to say that the morphine was absolutely amazing help as I really don't think I could have taken anymore.

I did as well have an ultrasound which confirmed that I am full of stones, however there is no infection or any other causes for concern. I am now on a waiting list to have my gallbladder out (NHS) of course. 

The sad part is I have been told I could be waiting up to a year for it.

From my original GB attack I waited 2 or 3 years for my GP to actually put me on the surgery list. Then the hospital; delayed and delayed. Eventually I had a serious attack and ended up in A and E. Still no date for surgery. Luckily I had medical insurance through work so I went private. Within a week I had the surgery and was home the following day. Never looked back from this.

I think it is classed as non critical surgery so it gets bumped by more life critical surgeries that need the facilities. Having been through both sides I can understand this but that is little comfort when you are screaming in pain as another stone goes walkabout!

L

Welcome to the NHS, I waited 1 year with 7 trips to AnE and only officially been put on the waiting list over 18 weeks ago after having jaundices and very high CRP, Hive..... , at AnE last week, i fainted due to loss of water after severe vomiting and diarrhoea i was taking in for surgery and the surgeon decided not to operate still and told me to wait as i am still on the waiting list and to take pain killer instead ,did not even give me a discharge or medication. I just raised a complaint follow up.

How did you get on?

im having problems at the moment ultrasound booked for this week it seems that any food including foods with zero fat within 2 hours of eating im getting the tail tail signs cramps increasing in intensisty to the point of crawling on the floor in agony i have had 1 trip to A&E but by the time i got there the pain was subsiding. The attacks normally last 5-6 hours with a dull ache for several hours afterwards. My question to all you fellow gallbladder sufferers is i cant seem to eat anything that doesnt upset it so im on protein shakes. is there anyone that can advise on what foods are easier and doesnt cause an attack.

thanks you

Mandy

been waiting a year and rang waiting list been told be another 2 months, starting to feel dismayed and depressed after hearing people are presenting at A E to get op quicker which puts others further down the list.

I don't want to go in when it becomes an emergency as then things can go wrong, my gaul bladder not been checked all this time and pain now radiates all over abdomen and to the left side which is worrying me.