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I am a 22 year old female and my primary doctor found gallstones during an ultrasound check (2 large and 2 small ones at least). I get pains on my upper right and lower left abdomen I would say at least once a week. It is painful but manageable (I did not go to the do for for this pain, it was just a general check up) He sent me to see a laparoscopic surgery expert. They keep telling me that it is best to remove the gallbladder before something happens i.e pancreatitis or bile dict blockage. I have agreed to do the surgery next week but I wanted peoples imput, both professionals as well as people who have gone through the procedure under similar circumstances. Thanks in advance!
1 like, 33 replies
Godsprincess Gallblahhhder
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tasha76634 Gallblahhhder
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elizabeth32188 Gallblahhhder
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anita03601 Gallblahhhder
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I watch what I eat with the usual treat as well. I found that you can still eat most foods but go for a lower fat content. I made a cheesecake at the weekend with low fat yoghurt instead of full cream and everyone wanted seconds. I have bought an air fryer so I can still have chips once a week but with only 1 teaspoon of fat they are ok.
In the end it is upto you. I have chosen to keep mine at the moment as they are already trying out the new laser treatment where the stones are broken down so when that becomes more readily available in hopsitals I will have that done as I still get to keep my gallbladder.
cynthia89958 Gallblahhhder
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In your case, you do seem to be having some symptoms although currently manageable. As it seems you can arrange surgery very quickly where you live if the need arises, you could try diet and lifestyle changes to see if this settles things. This may mean you never have further trouble or it could delay further trouble. My mother has gallstones at 88 and has had them for years, she lives with very poor digestion but never had the gb removed.
On the other hand there is always some degree of risk of the complications people mention, or severe attacks, so you may wish to avoid this and go for removal now, or if you are female and want children, some Drs advise removal before as the hormones can trigger attacks and surgery may not always be possible in pregnancy.
Only you can make the decision and surgery of any kind has risks and may have undesirable after effects, as people report. You can't get the Gb back, so bear this in mind, but if it is badly malfunctioning, you are technically already living without the benefits of a Gb anyway.
Another thought - have they offered you a HIDA scan? As I believe this can determine whether your Gb is working or not. The NHS hospital I attend does not offer them if you have known stones, only those without who have symptoms but I've read on here that some people are tested regardless.
Good luck with whatever you opt for.
lynda20916 Gallblahhhder
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Godsprincess lynda20916
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lynda20916 Godsprincess
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fljan Gallblahhhder
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cynthia89958 fljan
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here, I'm having surgery soon and praying it will all be OK. Hope you can find answers to help you soon.
fljan cynthia89958
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Gallblahhhder
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Hi everybody. Just wanted to update you on how my surgery and recovery are going. The surgery itself went well. The doctor said my gallbladder showed signs of chronic inflammation. When I woke up I complained to my nurse about the soreness in my belly and she gave me more pain meds but she also gave me an abdominal binder which is amazing!!! It really helps with the pain as well as making sure I don't move too much. When I got home I started to feel nauseous and would throw up everything within a few minutes (I tried jello, broth, and even water came back out). After a phone call with my doctor she prescribed me with suppositories ( I know, fun right) which really did the trick. The next day they weren't necessary. I had plenty of pain on day 2 and today (day 3) but it is getting manageable. Today I ate oatmeal, cookies, chicken breast, asparagus, and cauliflower all without much consequence. I have not had any bowel movements in the past 3 days so I will try Milk of Magnesia in the AM. I will update later on and let you guys know if I pick up any more tips.
cynthia89958 Gallblahhhder
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lynda20916 Gallblahhhder
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Thanks so much for letting us know! So glad your surgery went well. Do take care and remember that it's still major surgery, so give yourself plenty of opportunities to rest and get better!
lynda20916 cynthia89958
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cynthia89958 lynda20916
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lynda20916 cynthia89958
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Glad you know you finally have a date! I know that every time I start to try to get fit I hurt myself, too. It's as if my body says, "No you dont!" I'm okay. Have some gyn troubles now. Trying to get that sorted. Then, once that's done, I need to have a colonoscopy! As they say, getting older's not for sissies! My best to you, and please let me know how you get on. Know I'll be thinking of you!
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