Gallstones update

[CrazyFoxLady]

So I thought I'd update my fellow gallstones sufferers with how my scan went yesterday. The Radiographer said he couldn't actually see any gallstones but he would get a second opinion next week. So I thought to myself... wtf was the agony I was in a few weeks ago?! AIBU to be worried now that there's something else going on? I was in so much pain, it was worse than birthing my 9lb 12oz daughter with no pain relief Anyone else been for a scan and been told this, only to still need their gallbladder out?

Can I jump on this? Never had gallstones until last night potentially. Sudden onset of extreme pain in my upper right abdomen. Honestly I felt like I was being stabbed. I’m due a scan on Tuesday to confirm it after spending 7 hrs in hospital. Would love some real stories and advice

When I was referred for a scan after the same pain, I was warned the stones could have disappeared by then. Didn't mean they never existed, even a small one can cause agony!

@TidyOmlette sounds like the pain I experienced. Really horrible. There was a separate thread about them the other day, I'll try to find it...

@BrumBoo so I guess the only way to tell is if they scan you during an attack? Bonkers!

What does a Gallbladder attack feel like? www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/4045750-What-does-a-Gallbladder-attack-feel-like

I had no symptoms apart from heartburn (which I never, ever suffer from) when my gallbladder was found to be full of large stones and 'diseased'. They took it out a week later; usually the stones are very clear so sounds like your pain could be something else?

Thank you @CrazyFoxLady

Hi OP

I sympathise, gallbladder pain is horrendous.

Before my scan, my consultant told me that it's possible to pass small gallstones (into a bile duct). If that happens, the stone won't show on the scan.

How many attacks have you had? If you've passed a stone and there aren't any more, hopefully that will be an end to it.

I had two attacks before I went for a scan. I had dozens of small ones, so had my gallbladder removed. So pleased I did. Keyhole surgery on a Friday, back at work on the Monday.

Good luck

@RunningThrough I wonder what though? He scanned my whole abdomen, kidneys etc. Gallstones run in my family so GP just presumed without testing for anything else. On a positive note (I think lol), I've just spoken to my dad who said his scan was clear, but when they whipped his gallbladder out anyway (due to the pain he was in), he had a stone the size of a marble. He's still got it in a jar

@goldierocks it's happened twice, but a couple of years apart.

[quote CrazyFoxLady]@BrumBoo so I guess the only way to tell is if they scan you during an attack? Bonkers![/quote]
In my case, I did have a couple of small stones remaining (followed by a big mess of a follow up that means nothing has been done about recurring attacks). But yes, unfortunately it seems it can be the case that you can have gallstones but not be caught on a scan. They look for other signs though, like sludge (?) in the gallbladder.

[quote CrazyFoxLady]@RunningThrough I wonder what though? He scanned my whole abdomen, kidneys etc. Gallstones run in my family so GP just presumed without testing for anything else. On a positive note (I think lol), I've just spoken to my dad who said his scan was clear, but when they whipped his gallbladder out anyway (due to the pain he was in), he had a stone the size of a marble. He's still got it in a jar [/quote]
Haha I love that your dad kept the stone!

Really hope they get answers for you. Maybe the second opinion will help, fingers crossed.

Yes, had been having upper abdomen pain on and off for months ( masked by pregnancy but kind of knew there was something more going on). In and out of GP surgery it got worse and worse with each attack. Lost so much wait and the last attack saw me rushed into A&E and admitted. Bloods showed a real knock on effect with my liver I was c jaundiced and underweight. They scanned me and couldn't see stones!!... but drs were quite sure of the diagnosis and kept me in to monitor me. After a few days of trying to decide the next step ( they didn't want to discharge with my liver results) they finally decided to take out the Gallbladder. I was so glad! Absolutely no issues since and was back to my old self pretty quickly. The thing I had read was that once you have a gallbladder attack you are highly likely to keep having one without some significant moderation to your diet

I had a scan last week and initially she couldn't see anything then all of a sudden.. oh it's hiding! One decent sized gallstone. Which I have to admit was a relief as I was worried about other things. Perversely it hasn't caused me much trouble since she jiggled off around to show me it existed!! Due a phone appointment with my GP next month regarding what happens next!