Gallbladder pain. How much pain is 'normal'?

[grumpygallbladder]

I am in such pain with my gallbladder and would appreciate some advice. I had a scan in 2019 so I know I have at least one gall stone. I have had no serious gallbladder attacks since then up until about 2 months ago when I felt absolutely awful. I was given antibiotics and they helped. On Monday the pain started again and I have been in so much pain. I went to the GP today and was given tramadol. This time I didn't have my temperature taken or my blood pressure, I already take cocodamol regularly for chronic pain and was told today as the cocodamol doesn't help at all I could add tramadol in too. I wasn't given antibiotics this time. The tramadol is doing nothing to help. I have taken both tablets together and am still in pain. I can't sit/lie/stand comfortably, it hurts to take a deep breath. Will this just ease off or should I have tried to get antibiotics again? Should I call the GP again tomorrow? I almost feel panicky because it hurts so much and I don't know how to make the pain stop. My Apple Watch is suggesting I have been exercising as my heart rate keeps going high with the pain.

@hexsnidgett - I was advised to stick to a low-fat diet by both my consultant and my surgeon. It's not a debunked theory. Fat makes the gallbladder contract, which irritates it (and can move the gallstones which sometimes causes blockages). I could feel the pain starting up if I'd risked anything fatty, so ended up on plain chicken, rice and salad only.

Fasting, not a low-fat diet, can lead to gallstones.

@ggrumpygallbladder - there's NHS info here on a gallbladder-friendly diet:

www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflet/dietary-advice-for-gallbladder-disease

Pancreatitis pain is awful. I normally never go near doctors or hospitals, but the one time in my life I went to A&E, I was admitted with gallstones pancreatitis and jaundice. A week later I had surgery. My medic husband had looked at my scans and told me I was "a bit poorly" (medical speak for F-ing awful). So if you have pain, go to A&E.... every time. It can't be left. And once the op is done, you'll feel fantastic.

Hopefully you're doing well at home OP and looking forward to your holiday.

Don't forget to post after your hols to update us all.

Enjoy 😊

The worst thing for me is the fear of when the next attack will strike and the fear of eating, going away, having fun.

It's really depressing.

OK, gallbladder comrades. I had a large stone found about 2 months ago in a scan following years of stomach issues which may, or may not, be gallstone related. I just had a referral through to a 'gallbladder service'. 3rd April!! Is this normal?? What if they decide it needs removing after that?? Another wait??

Gosh, that's a long wait.
A lot of my stomach issues disappeared after having my gallbladder removed, so may well be related.
If you get pain, chase it up with you GP.
Good luck

It is isn't it? I think I shall enquire re the timeline. I suspect GP referral is very non urgent sounding.

Unfortunately @Piggywaspushed I suspect that's a normal NHS wait right now.

Yes, presumably . That appointment well exceeds suggested wait time online for my area, however and will be a full 11 months since doctor sent me for scan!

Just checked and the average wait time for first out patient appointment following referral is 22 weeks! So, 'on average' I should have been seen around about October this year...