Posted , 6 users are following.
A few months ago I had a pain in my right side which I was sufficiently worried about to see the out-of-hours doctor (it was a bank holiday). I was worried it was my liver or something but the doctor diagnosed a kidney infection. This didn't seem right at the time as the pain wasn't especially severe and I didn't feel generally unwell.
A few weeks later I had a pain again, saw my usual doctor and she sent me for an ultrasound which found 'lots of gallstones' (her words).
I was referred to a surgeon and I was really hoping that when I saw him he would give me a steer on what to do. He just said it was my decision and he would be happy to either discharge me and see whether things got any worse or carry out the operation. I had to decide then and there, so I said yes to the op, but I didn't feel at all sure.
I have very suddenly been given a date for the operation (just over a week away). I am now panicking.
I haven't had the severe pain I see others reporting. More like nagging discomfort from time to time - really not that bad.
I did have some bad pain in my right shoulder, neck and side in December but my doc wasn't sure whether it was gallbladder-related or just muscular (had been doing some heavy lifting). I just took pain killers and it resolved in a few days.
No jaundice or fever.
A couple of times I have had very pale stools (sorry!) which I know is related.
Having seen all the horror stories about the effects of this operation I am extremely worried.
My husband wants me to have this because I travel quite a bit for work and he doesn't want me to be struck ill while I'm away. Also, we want to try for a baby soon and he is worried about me having gallstones if I did get pregnant.
I'm so anxious and I don't know what to do.
2 likes, 12 replies
sally_14743 fran76501
Posted
i was anxious and I was in a lot of pain ..living on boiled potatoes and veg to stop the colic attacks... I was so nervous thinking I wouldn't wake up after the operation. Worrying it was all going to go wrong .my hubby said you will be a different person after wards...I am I am so much calmer I eat a wide spectrum of foods now I feel well. My hubby said this because .. I had undiagnosed gallstone attacks for about 15 years basically annual colic attacks calling doctor in agony then occasional pain and a lot of nausea after eating rich food .... If only I had known back then I could of had it removed and avoided years of attacks . Often triggered by stress often on holiday ...I ended up with food phobias ...I was told I had ulcers and a nervous stomach I didnt I had gallstones...and yes pregnancy does trigger the attacks ...and dieting triggers it too...the reality is there is a risk of getting diarrhea or constipation after the operation but the majority are left ok. But if you have a lot of stones ... Your surgeon is offering you the operation now planned not an emergency less risk...if you get a bile stone stuck your poo goes pale you go yellow jaundice its life threatening you will be rushed in as an emergency not as safe...
its your choice I suggest a list of fours and againsts ... Rule the nerves out we all had them.... Hope this helps
octavia123 fran76501
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fran76501
Posted
As you say, there are pros and cons, potential benefits long-term but also risks. On the whole I am inclined to trust the GP that she would not have referred me and the surgery would not have offered to do the op if there is no clinical basis for it but surgeon did say I am just on the cusp of where they would think about doing something - hence, it's up to me.
I already have IBS so I am used to some digestive problems but don't want those to get worse.
The strongest sign for me so far has been that I have experienced pale stools (sorry again!) which shows that the stones are having an effect.
Still not sure what to do but thank you for the replies.
octavia123 fran76501
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julie59216 fran76501
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lori73442 fran76501
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Eat low fat foods start now and two months afterwards unless you want to sta on it. Stay away from fatty, greasy, and fried foods. Drink lots of water.
I had mine out in Nov. I had no problems. Sore for over a month. But I'm feeling myself now. I'm still watching what I eat. Eat small meals, don't over eat. Avoid the wrong foods. Add make other foods slowly. If you add to much back then you will have issues.
Any questions just ask.
Lori
wannabenurse fran76501
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lori73442 fran76501
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fran76501
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I have decided to go ahead for two reasons.
First (as if it knows that its time is up) I have had pain from my gallbladder every day after every meal this week.
Second, my mother made what I thought was a very good point. She said, 'It's your choice but you are hopefully going to live for another 50 years or so, so there's the question of whether your gallbladder will make it that long. If not, you may have to have the surgery at a time you don't get to choose, when you aren't prepared'.
So, I went to the hospital today for my pre-admission MRSA swab and blood tests.
The only thing freaking me out now is that the nurse started talking about recovery and she said 'I expect you will be out of action for at least 4 weeks'.
I was planning on going back to work after maybe 10, max. 14, days. I have an office-based job but it does include some travel every week, so my main worry had been about carrying a bag on trains, etc.
Now I am thinking I may have been being optimistic?
I'm going to feel so guilty if I have to be away for that long!
lori73442 fran76501
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Keep us updated. Any questions just ask. This sight helped me a lot when I had mine removed in. November.
I hope you have your surgery real soon.
Lori
julie59216 fran76501
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octavia123 fran76501
Posted
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