Advice about gallstones/ eating/ pain relief sought.

[Ihategallstones]

Hi. Would be really grateful for all advice.
Gallbladder due to be removed in a couple of weeks but eating has become really difficult particularly the last few days.
Im eating small low or no fat meals. Certainly not adding any fat. I feel hungry and then after I eat feel bloated, stomach pain. Yesterday back and forward to the toilet. Is this the effect of the gallstones?
I take 1 x Lansoprazole 15mg each morning. Is there anything else I can take? I have to take up to 6 paracetamol a day due to another condition that just causes joint pain.
I know it’s only another couple of weeks to wait but it’s making me so miserable.
whole of abdomen was scanned as well as gallbladder the scan person was very thorough so can’t think there’s anything else wrong.
Any advice on what I can take, eat, not eat I’d be glad of. Thanks

I found Buscopan really good for gallbladder pain although do check the information leaflet to make sure it won't interfere with your other medications.

One thing I was surprised about when I got mine out was how many various aches/niggles/discomforts vanished along with the gallbladder, it had clearly been paining me more than I realised.

Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll go to the pharmacy tomorrow and ask about Buscopan. And it’s so encouraging that you found other pains went too. You’ve given me hope as I’m at the end of my tether with this. Thank you.

I sympathise...I had horrendous attacks regularly. Thin air seemed to trigger them!
Buscopan eased it a little. I took tramadol on really bad ones (was prescribed by consultant).
And heat across my tummy/below ribs with a fan on my face was a good distraction.
It all gets better after it's out! I'd never been happier to have surgery!!

Eating extremely low fat worked for me while I waited (8 months!) for my op, but I've heard it doesn't work for everyone. I was very strict about it. Religiously less than 10g fat per sitting, making sure that I counted all fat content of every part of the meal.

I’ve waited a year. First appointment to see the consultant was cancelled. Operation booked and cancelled. Just hoping I make it there this time.
It’s helping hearing other people’s experiences as I don’t know anyone who’s had it done. Thank you.

All I ate while waiting for my operation was toast (no butter) and marmite or dried pasta with tomato passata. Once I found a couple of things that didn't give me attacks, I just stuck to them and tended to eat small amounts and often.

I sympathise. I had my gallbladder removed 2 months ago . In the end it didn't matter what I ate , I always got pain , niggles and bloating . One person I knew could only eat egg and toast . It seems to be different from person to person .

If you can get hold of your GP, they may help. I was desperate while waiting for my operation. To my amazement, GP prescribed morphine. Only 4 doses, one of which I didn't need, but it was amazing.

I had gallbladder pain atm, I've taken Buscopan, 2 codeine and I have a hot water bottle on the painful area. I find the heat really helps.

Thank you again everyone. The food I can eat has changed. Few weeks ago toast & boiled eggs were fine. Can’t eat either now and I’m on boiled rice with tomato sauce and bananas. Might give pasta a try today. I’ve forgotten what a proper meal tastes like 😊
I can’t take morphine been given it before and just makes me sick. I’ve got prescription strength cocodamol. And I’ll make a hot water bottle now. How can something so small cause so much pain.
Thanks 🙏 again and sympathies to anyone still suffering the pain.