My Gallstone Story (about to have surgery)

Hi. I'm a 22 year old male and am from the UK.

Around 2012 or 2013 I remember having my first pain attack. I'd just had a roast carvery consisting of mountains of fatty food. I had this horrendous pain (kind of like needing to go for a poo but 20x worse. I like to desribe it to people as having Mike Tyson taking a grip of your belly, twisting and refusing to let go). I couldn't get comfortable and had to ask the friends I was with to drive me home. That was a horrible night.

Since then I've had loads of attacks, ranging in severity from 2 minute 'blips' to 6 hour all-nighters. I finally went to my GP last year (2016), having been originally issued Coedine Phosphate and recommended Buscopan on the 2 A+E visits I've made in that time. My GP did a blood test and noticed a high liver reading. He had me go for ultrasound where the lovely ultrasound ladies found a gallbladder full of gallstones (some 4cm in size apparently) which they said was probably the problem.

 My GP said I could have it removed, but being a nervous 22 year old who's never been to a hospital other than to visit people, I said I'd hold off for a while.

I had a couple of attacks after that GP visit and finally decided enough was enough. I asked my GP for a referral and was offered a choice of local hospitals (both NHS and private!) to meet a consultant.

I chose the one that had good reviews on the NHS Choices website and met with the consultant. Turns out the consultant was the same person who'd be doing the surgery and he was very nice. Even though he'd done 2,000+ gallbladder removals in his time (which he likes to boast about), I'd done enough research online and watched enough of the procedures on YouTube that I think I knew more about it than he did!

I met with him in early December 2016 at which point he told me the op would likely be after Christmas. Sure enough, I get a phone call just before New Year and am booked in for surgery in late February.

That's where I am. I'm awaiting my gallbladder removal. I've read loads of threads on this forum and although some of the horror stories are concerning, I'm willing to take the plunge. It's really frustrating to have made plans and find out you need to cancel last minute because you can feel an attack come on. 

Thanks for everyone for posting on this forum. It's been very helpful in making my decision as people post frequently and the concerns others are having are very relatable.

I'll keep you all updated as to how my surgery goes.

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