Should I or Shouldn't I????? Gallbladder removal?

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hey all, recently I've been feeling kinda crappy, so went to the Dr.  I've known I have gallstones for years, but really no problems.  She ordered an ultrasound.  Results were positive for gallstones, no wall thickening, no bile duct problems, no infection.  She still suggests that I get it removed.  Problem is, I'm going on a vacation that i've been saving up for, for over 3 years!!  Even if they do the surgery next week (which isn't possible, I'm sure), I question whether or not I'd be okay to travel.  I'd almost rather risk a gallstone attack while on vacation than be recovering from surgery and having to watch what I eat..... What do you guys think???  I'm only going for 10 days, and it's to my 'home', so if something DID happen, I would be okay with having surgery there too.  It would just be cruddy to be spending my vacation in the hospital.... lol  Advice??  It seemed to me that my Dr. was pretty quick to say "get it out".  ????  

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Dear Jojool, I was in the same situation, ultrasound for something else, found out I had lots of stones, started w/no symptoms and then a year later, once in a while got an attack, but then within six months, I started getting REALLY sick...if you aren't having bad symptoms I would say to go on your trip (avoid too much fatty food at one sitting) but still have fun, you may not get in for procedure within two weeks anyway, so you go on your trip and book surgery soon after you get back, the risk is if a stone gets stuck in a duct you would need surgery right away and if it gets into the main bile duct surgery is more complicated..larger stones are less likely to move around...Have a great trip & Good Luck w/surgery & a speedy recovery Do what YOU feel comfortable with & run it by your doctor!💟

  • Posted

    my stones were found in October after 3 mths of chronic symptoms, I have had to ait until now ( my surgery is in a week tomorrow) to get mine removed and my gallbladder is full, I would sort out the booking, go on holiday and get it done when you return as they dont rush themselves anyway smile
  • Posted

    It's up to you. Depends how bad you're feeling. Lots of people have gallstones and don't even know they have, but if you're getting symptoms, it will have to come out at some point, as hanging onto a sick gallbladder is very risky. If you do go ahead with your holiday, can I suggest that you watch your diet and eat low fat, fairly small meals that aren't spicy and avoid alcohol. I know it's not ideal when you're on holiday but I guess that's the pay off for being able to go away at all. Have a nice time but have surgery when you get back!

  • Posted

    Go on your trip but avoid fatty foods. There is sometimes a problem with bowel movements after the op. - too rapid! If you are not  getting  symptoms why go for the op. anyway. I had a bile duct problem as it was infected so I had to go.
  • Posted

    Did you ask your doctor why ? If you decide to have the op you can have a refund for your holiday and go another time if you have already booked for your break. I would take the docs advise and have it removed because the gb causes lots of problems. My consultant said eat normally I do and all is fine. It takes time to get over the op but I have never felt so well since the op. I hope this helps you make a decision. 👌

  • Posted

    Dear Jojool, if I were you, I would not have the surgery, until you are really having problems. I had my taken out laproscopic and year ago, and I have been so very ill. I'm not saying it happens to everyone, but 1 in 3 people have problems after gallbladder removal. I can't eat, sleep, I have extreme anxiety, extreme fatigue. I have extreme bile reflux. I can't work very much any more, or exercise, because it brings on acid, nausea, heart palpitations, pain in my right side, cold sweats, dizzy. The dr. keeps giving me more meds, that doesn't work. You will know when it's the right time for the removal. Just eat no fats, spice, chocolate, etc. this will help keep the attacks at bay. Good luck to you, go have a fun vacation.

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