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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Gallbladder Pain

38 replies

Brightburn · 12/04/2019 02:56

Just looking for a hand hold really... I can't sleep as I'm having a gallbladder attack, a nasty one!

My usual 2 ibuprofen and 2 strong codeine which usually knock me out within an hour haven't made a dent. It's been 4 hours since the attack started and 3 since I took painkillers.

Would I BU to take more now, an hour early? I'm in so much pain and I'm exhausted

OP posts:

nonevernotever · 12/04/2019 03:01

Offering a hand hold though I don't know the answer re pain relief e etc. Can you take paracetamol? I know you can take that with ibuprofen though I don't know about codeine but if you can that might get you through? If not I'd be inclined to take the next dose even if it is a little early

nonevernotever · 12/04/2019 03:03

though - that sounds horrible

FeralBeryl · 12/04/2019 03:03

Oh you poor thing - what strength are your ibuprofen -200 or 400mg? And have you taken some paracetamol too?

FeralBeryl · 12/04/2019 03:05

Also do you have a hot water bottle?

Original poster

Brightburn · 12/04/2019 03:06

The codeine is 30/500 so 30mg codeine and 50mg paracetamol meaning I can't take any more.on top. Ibuprofen is 200mg. It's honestly the worst pain! I'd rather give birth than have these attacks.

OP posts:

Alicewond · 12/04/2019 03:10

If it’s that bad call 111

nonevernotever · 12/04/2019 03:12

If the ibuprofen is only 200ml and you took 2 3 hours ago could you take another 2now, even if you left the codeine for another hour?

FeralBeryl · 12/04/2019 03:18

You can take your ibuprofen again then but don't take the co codamol early as the extra paracetamol can be dangerous even at slightly elevated levels.
If you have any and could manage it, sip some mint tea, hot water bottle over the worst area. But if it is truly unbearable, or the pain is going through to your back, please get some medical help. Are you booked in to have it removed?

Original poster

Brightburn · 12/04/2019 03:21

Thanks! I've taken more ibuprofen and got a hot water bottle. Not booked in for surgery, I'm currently doing my teacher training and can't have time off and do enough school days to pass the course. Mind you, the GP didn't even offer surgery just to avoid fat in my diet which makes no difference.

I have periods of attacks and then nothing for weeks. I will probably have an attack now every night for 1/2 weeks before they stop again for couple of months.

OP posts:

FeralBeryl · 12/04/2019 03:26

Oh love you can't go on like this indefinitely is it definitely your GB? Was it diagnosed on an ultrasound? If your attacks are becoming more frequent and as severe as they sound, you are at risk of developing associated conditions.
The surgery isn't as hideous as you think, often done as a daycase now (although you'd need time to recover)
Here's hoping you're able to drift off, take the extra co codamol as soon as you can if you still need to

Original poster

Brightburn · 12/04/2019 03:28

Thank you! Yes definitely gallstones, had the ultrasound and the running commentary of how surprised they are because I'm so young!

OP posts:

FeralBeryl · 12/04/2019 03:36

My poor sister in law was the same, hers gave her pancreatitis and they were initially convinced the scan, bloods and raging symptoms must have been 'off' as she was too young
Make another appointment tomorrow, there are stronger painkillers you can have, even on standby for attacks to get you through until such a time that you have your op

Aquamarine1029 · 12/04/2019 03:37

You need to have your gallbladder removed. As soon as possible. It can be very dangerous to let this go. I've been through it so I know. The recovery time is a breeze so you can fit it around your schedule. Just get it done before you find yourself in an emergency situation.

polarpig · 12/04/2019 03:48

You do need to get it done, teacher training or not. If you are doing the PGCE there is still time to do the extra days - we have PGCE students where I work and their placements all finish late June/early July so they have three weeks to make up the time if they have missed days from being ill.

Apoiads · 12/04/2019 03:54

I think you should go to A&E.

Original poster

Brightburn · 12/04/2019 03:59

I'm doing school direct and I have had time off already with my DD being ill. I don't finish until schools finish in July. I've already been pulled up on my attendance and warned that if I miss anymore, I won't pass the course.

OP posts:

yummychocolate · 12/04/2019 04:05

There is usually a long waiting list to have the surgery so I would go back to your gp asap to make a referral to the hospital. The longer you leave it the worse you will be.

freyia · 12/04/2019 04:05

You are not alone I'm also having a gallbladder attack. Try a hot water bottle as well as the codeine.

I actually had my gallbladder removed this time last year, but started having pain again at Christmas far worst than I had before I had it removed. Had an MRI and the surgeon has left part of the gallbladder and a gallstone behind. Now have to have another op to have the rest removed.

Original poster

Brightburn · 12/04/2019 04:07

@freyia How awful for you! I hope your ok goes well and they get it all this time!

OP posts:

EKGEMS · 12/04/2019 12:19

I had a gallstone while I was 30 weeks pregnant it was blocking a duct and I can't believe how bad the pain was-all the Rx pain meds couldn't touch it. Do let your doctor know the pain medication isn't enough you may need surgery like I had. Good luck

gingergiraffe · 12/04/2019 22:55

I can’t believe the awful advice to just avoid fat in your diet. When I had severe pain, before a diagnosis, the first thing the GP did was to prescribe Omeprazole. Taken just once a day it stopped any pain and I could eat normally. Tests showed gall bladder problems and it needed removing but I had to wait a few months. Meanwhile I felt fine. I actually had polyps in the wall of the gallbladder. Keyhole op. Rested for a week and no problems after.

You can actually buy this drug over the counter but more expensive than prescription. But really, you need to discuss this with GP so you can get on the list for an op. However meantime, there is a temporary solution so you can complete your teaching placement.

VanessaShanessaJenkins · 12/04/2019 22:59

Why do people come on here spouting nonsense as if medical fact.

Omeprazole won't 'cure' pain from a gallbladder attack. Great that it worked for you but please look into the science behind what the gallbladder does and what omeprazole does! People have different types of stones which cause different types of issues. Go back to the gp and get proper advice.

WisdomSearcher · 12/04/2019 23:09

I was 17 when I had gallbladder issues. No stones for some odd reason but every other symptom.

I was hospitalised 3 or 4 times due to needing morphine to control the pain and other symptoms.

If you can't get it under control I second going to A&E as you'll more than likely need it to be removed at some point.

I waited 4 years but it went in the end!

Sunonthepatio · 12/04/2019 23:30

You need to get that looked st. Even call 111 if it's that bad and pain relief no use. My gallstones were that bad, and a stone was stuck, and badly inflamed my liver. I didn't think I needed a doctor either. They were very glad I went in.

Pinkprincess1978 · 12/04/2019 23:51

You have my sympathy I suffered with these and pain relief only ever took the edge off. I found a hot water bottle front and back helped. Also buscopan was prescribed when I had a stone get stuck.

It's horrible pain, so much worse than labour 😥

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