Suspected gallstones but feel like I'm being lazy

[Winter876]

Ive had awful pain in my right upper side radiating to my back since Tuesday night. Doctor thinks its gallstones and have a scan booked. I feel like shit. The pain is really getting me down, havent slept properly for 2 nights and despite being on 3 different kinds of pain medication, the pain is still there and it feels like all I can really think about. I feel like I'm being so lazy though. Apart from the absolute basics like washing myself, walking 10 minutes to the shop for essentials and trying to keep on top of the house (which I'm not doing great at) I've literally achieved nothing in the past couple of days.

I second the 3% fat rule (less than!) - I found it very effective while I was waiting for the operation although admittedly I only had to wait a few months. Check everything - I screwed up by eating plain scrambled eggs once, gave me an attack within about 30 minutes. It’s a reasonably serious illness - you wouldn’t think anyone else with one of those was being lazy, so give yourself a break.

Someone here referred to the fallout of an attack as like having a hangover - a really bad, all-body hangover.

Gallstones, once they start kicking off, are exhausting in every way & so phenomenally painful you're on edge for another attack all the time. My gb has been gone since May '25 & I didn't truly realise how much pain I'd been in for nearly a decade till I wasn't in it any more.

At the first sign of a twinge get some buscopan & peppermint tea in you along with a hot water bottle made up for your stomach. It MIGHT help. I had about a year of actual attacks & it makes you feel desperate & fearful. There are things I still don't eat & I could, with no issues, I'm just legit scared of them lol.

Im thinking about going to A&E today, I cant cope with this pain any more

When I finally saw a gastro consultant about mine, he told me I should go to A&E with any severe gallbladder pain while I was waiting for the op (they’re worried about pancreatitis, which can be extremely serious). It might also help to speed up your diagnosis/surgery. The downside is you risk sitting on chairs in pain for hours. But it is medically advised I think (I’m not a doctor!) and they might give you some proper drugs. Sorry you’re going through this - it is absolutely horrible, you’re not making a fuss.

Have now been admitted to hospital. No longer feeling bad about having not been that productive over the last couple of days...

Oh god, I remember this, its actually a year ago today I went to A&E and was admitted with pancreatitis and jaundice due to gallstones, I had my gallbladder out at the start of February 2025. The pain is beyond horrific. I had my baby a few months before with no pain relief (not my choice) and I'm not sure which was worse.

Have you been told what to look out for ie if a stone is stuck? Just that personally my attacks lasted a few hours, say 4, but when it went on for 5 days it was because I had pancreatitis. Did they do a blood test?

Just seen your update. You're in the right place, I hope you feel better soon x

I’m glad you’ve been admitted. Hope you get some good pain relief!

Hope you're doing okay OP & getting some answers