Gallbladder attacks advice

[HeyBwoss]

Been having episodes of pain since January but have now had 2 in the past 2 weeks. I thought it was trapped wind (actually the first one I thought was a heart attack, at first) but have seen it may be gallstones. All my pain matches everything I have read. Except for labour, it's the worst pain I've ever had.

Anyway, I'm hoping to see the GP tomorrow, but in the meantime I'm terrified to eat incase something triggers it. Does anyone have any advice on how to manage or anything that stops the attacks? Thanks in advance

@dudsville yes I had a scan slightly over a year ago showing gallstones, my liver and pancreas were ok at that stage. This is an odd thing I've never felt before but hopefully it'll fade off.

I googled pain there but honestly didn't want to post about it and cause any angst. Google said the most likely cause is a muscle strain, but it could be something more. Honestly i feel stupid writing this as the last thing anyone needs is Internet strangers making you anxious. Why not ask your gp or 111?

Thank you @dudsville if it gets any worse or I develop any more symptoms I will get it checked

Are any of you struggling with fatigue? If i Google the question "do gall bladder problems cause fatigue" then it comes up with a yes, but if i Google symptoms of gall bladder problems then it doesn't. I can't work out whether I'm more sluggish as a result of the gall bladder, or peri, or something else. I just got home from work, took a bath and am now recuperating in bed wishing it was time to go to bed, and this is usual for me here lately. Anyone else?

Yes @dudsville , I constantly ache and feel tired like I’m at the start/end of flu. So frustrating.

Yes, I don't really have the typical presentation of gallstones. I seem to have flare ups during which time all food will cause pain, I'm extremely tired and my joints hurt. When I'm not having a flare up I can eat anything and it's usually ok. I know I definitely have stones because they've been seen on ultrasound. I've asked around the groups and there are a few other people like me.

Yes I am SO tired all the time but I do have a not great sleeper 2yo so I don't know if it's the gallbladder or the DC. DM keeps asking if I feel better now I've lost weight but I absolutely do not

I was tired before they cleared the infection. Obviously I was very unwell and I think being in constant pain makes you tired.

I wouldn't say I'm any more tired than usual now.

Ah, a mixed bag then with other causes too... I'm sleeping really poorly, it's probably just that, but i do keep thinking i have mild allergies as feel a little like what you've posted @Trollfeet but not as bad a that, just lethargy. I once had a very long virus and had post viral fatigue. That was much worse, but this feels similar.

I've just had another attack. I didn't call an ambulance because it wasn't as bad as before (although still awful). I don't know if it was a milder one or if the buscopan/paracetamol, hot water bottle and lying on my left side helped. I almost called, but it started to ease off after an hour until it was bearable and then I fell asleep. I feel exhausted once the worst bit is over. I also didn't want to scare my oldest DC who was still up by calling 999.

I've eaten nothing different but clearly need to eat blander food. I'd had spaghetti bolognese, it was a couple of hours after dinner again. And so the cycle will start, where I'm achy and scared of food!

I've come to bed now but I still feel off, achy and a bit sick.

I've barely slept as I still don't feel right but not enough to call anyone. I've just seen I received an email at 10pm to say my consultant appointment has been cancelled again. Earliest one is now early October. I wish I'd called 999 earlier.

Aw @HeyBwoss , what a terrible series of events, a nice dinner followed by an attack you think wasn't bad enough to call for help and then this cancellation again. I'm so sorry. Could you prep your eldest dc in advance of next time? Those of us who've had it can let to know exactly what happens so you can prep them? I hope you've managed to get some sleep, the attacks are spectacularly tiring.

The fear of food is awful. Mine has only just ears off in the last week or two (and the exciting weight loss subsequently plateaued!)

Yes, I definitely think I need to prep him and pack a bag ready with some spare clothes and a charger. I was up until half 2 after my last post, I was sick a bit and then 2yo was up at half 5, but it was a restless sleep anyway. I feel awful this morning, really nauseous and I've been sick again. I've been trying to call the surgical unit to ask why it was cancelled and ask to be put on the cancellation list but I'm not even sure I'm calling the right department and I keep being cut off anyway.

How are you feeling?

Oh no @HeyBwoss 😔 I'd still be tempted to present at A&E. It might not be an ambulance situation but you're clearly unwell.

It's tough on the kids isn't it. My 6 year old is prepared for me going until surgery tomorrow and she's said she's OK if I do need to stay overnight. 🤞 I won't need to though and I can get away same day.

Wishing you all the good wishes for tomorrow @CleanQueen123! I was worried yours may be cancelled again when I saw the new junior doctor strikes, so I'm glad it is all still looking good.

I'm going to see how the day goes, I'm reluctant to ask DH to come home from work when I can manage incase there are days where I can't and really need him to be here.

@HeyBwoss I hope you feel better soon. It's rubbish how this always seems to be at its worst in the middle of the night when no one wants to go to A + E. How are you feeling now? Would it be worth still going in if the nausea is bad?

@CleanQueen123 Best of luck for surgery tomorrow. Let us know how you get on!

I have been offered an earlier date of next Tuesday. I'm taking it, I want this over and done with now. Feeling really nervous about it though!

@HeyBwoss sorry to hear you had another attack and that your appointment has been moved again.
@CleanQueen123 good luck for tomorrow.

I seem to have got my nausea under control. I was at the point where only eating would stop me feeling sick so I was grazing all day. Now I eat a liquid diet again until dinner when I have a low fat low carb meal. I seem to have found the right balance as I’m filling up on protein using shakes, yogurt and my main meal.

@Lionoso I still feel "off" but not in pain. Really tired even though I just dozed on the sofa while the little one was napping, and not hungry at all. Really bloated. Glad your surgery is soon! Understandable to be nervous, but it will be soo much better after you have it removed.

@Trollfeet I don't know how you survive off so little, but maybe I need to try it. Have you got a date for surgery? Sorry, I can't remember if you have said before or are still waiting.

Thank you everyone. I'll report back tomorrow evening. 🤞 it's as straight forward and life changing as I keep hearing it is.

I'm sure it will be

I've managed to get my appointment back to the same day it was before they cancelled it this morning. The lady who booked it said they made clinic changes which is basically when a consultant says I don't want my clinic to run on that day/time any more so they change it (her words).

Well, you couldn't make it up at this point. For the second time my surgery has been cancelled. Lack of anesthetist cover this time around. No new date yet.

Oh no, I'm so sorry for the rotten time everyone's having. This is just wrong.

Nooo @CleanQueen123 how disappointing! I'm gutted for you. So sorry

@HeyBwoss, you may have an infection. I know it's an upset for family, but it could really be worth getting seen. I'd not have wanted to go to A&E either and I'm grateful I didn't have to, but it is a route in to get your bloods checked. When's your appt now? Do you know if they'll take bloods then? That's how they'lll know if you have an infection. I had one without a temp but had the bloating and nausea and vomitting You strike me as someone who understandably puts her needs last in the family, but they need you to be well, and you'd be mirroring good self care to them.