Gallstones/IBS? Help

[Babylon12]

Hi Posting over here for more traffic...
Looking for anyone who's had gallstones or gallbladder removal, especially if you've had IBS type symptoms. I've had a few gallstone 'attacks' but am awaiting a scan to confirm this. I've been reading about gallbladder removal (since the doctor advised this is what what happen if they find stones) and am so worried about bile salt diarrhoea. I seem to be getting IBS type symptoms after I've had a gallbladder attack but can't seem to see anyone having similar symptoms before they've had it removed and if it improved after or if it got worse. This morning I couldn't leave the house as I woke up with gallbladder pain and had diarrhoea, I'm worried that this might indicate that this is what will happen after I have my gallbladder removed.

Any wise words... I like to know all sides to what to expect so please don't be afraid to tell me your story, even if it's not great 

I got the same, I've just had an MRI to check for stones in the duct then the buggers coming out.

I had similar years ago when on slimming pills that stopped the body digesting fat, so it would just go straight through you. I'm thinking it's along those lines. If there's a stone blocking the bile duct then any fat you eat wouldnt get digested so it would just run straight through as diarrhea wouldn't it?

I'm sticking to as fat free a diet as possible so no attacks or diarrhea lately.

That's my theory anyway, I may be totally wrong Roll on the op, it's miserable.

I had to have my gallbladder out last year after a number of attacks over years and then a severe, 3 day long period where one had stuck and I couldn't eat at all.

After the attacks I wouldn't be right for a day or so, but wouldn't call it full on diarrhoea.

Since having my gallbladder out I've been 100% fine. I think I've been one of the lucky ones. No further problems so far and no changes to my bowel habits.

I know that isn't the case for everyone but that's my experience. I do know that you don't want to wait until the gallstones are starting to get stuck, which is what I did. I wish I'd had it done sooner.

BouleBaker can I just ask how long it took you to recover from the op and get back to normal?

Not exactly the same but I've been left with IBS type symptoms after having my gallbladder removed. It's got easier to deal with and mainly kicks in if I don't eat for a while and then eat something fatty/heavy so I can manage it but not letting myself get in that situation. It's a million times better than the pain of a gallstone attack to be honest!

@gamerchick - yeah that sounds similar to what I get, I eat quite well, but I think a small amount of Easter chocolate has set this last one off 😬

@BouleBaker a three day attack 😳 that sounds grim. But very positive about you being 100% better since the op. How long did it take for you to get the op?

@mynameiscalypso so if you just eat a regular diet you don't have any problems?

Pretty much. Occasionally if I have a really heavy meal, I get an upset stomach but that's the price I pay for overeating. I would say that it's slightly complicated by my history of eating disorders which has also buggered up my digestion a bit (as well as current pregnancy hormones!)

Hi Babylon12
I had my gallbladder removed in January and am doing well.
Feel free to check out my Gallbladder Removal Support Thread 2019 thread, lots of helpful advice and information from posters on there

I went into A&E on day 2 of constant pain and after examination was sent for a scan and straight up to the acute surgical team. They had me in within days to have it out. I was lucky with recovery too, took it very easy for 2 days and then gradually got back to normal. I was driving again in 5 days as I felt fine and could emergency stop etc. The only issue I had with recovery was one of the scars is right on my navel where your trouser button sits and that kept rubbing and not healing as quickly.

@UserThenLotsOfNumbers how do I find that thread? I've tried the search but it doesn't show it.

Sounds like it's been pretty straightforward for you guys, it's filling me with more hope 😊

I had my gallbladder out in January and it was absolutely fine. I've always had IBS symptoms if I overdo the wheat, I get bloated and a lot of pain. This hasn't changed since I had it out. I get the occasional bout of diarrhoea for a day or so if I eat a meal that's high in fat like fish and chips but I try not to have things like that.

I did read - although I don't know if it's totally true - that if you have gallstones your gallbladder doesn't work properly anyway and is leaking bile into your system all the time so it's similar to not having one.

If the scan confirms stones I would 100% get the gallbladder out.

Sorry I'm unable to paste a link on my iPad - if you search my user name or gallbladder support 2019 it should come up.

Thank you so much BouleBaker. That sounds very promising