So..... Gallstones - what now?

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Dr pretty sure I have gallstones. Referred for ultrasound, and need to go do some blood test for liver and kidney and thyroid functions.

What next? It seems, from what I read online that whether I eat fatty food or not, I am effed, and headed towards a gallbladder removal.

Any experience?

I can't see the logical reason for how this would work?
Surely the problem is in the stones in your gallbladder which need to be got rid of by some means. A needle in the skin would not be able to reach near the site. Let alone get rid of them somehow?

May be being a bit thick but doesn't comprehend in my brain

No, but maybe it will tackle the reason the stones ended up there in the first place?

I cant believe that the odd cake and the odd lump of brie could cause this, along with smoked salmon and tuna.

At least, I have living proof I have eaten well.

Or maybe rather, it is crystal clear...

Haha well i know what caused mine, copious amounts of cake, cheese and tuna

Im only bloody 26 too. Took ages for the docs to believe the pain i was in aswell as i dont fit the criteria. First attacks where when i was 17!

How much pain are you actually in? And how often are your attacks?

My friend found out she had gallstones a few months ago. Her body is still recovering from a major operation, so the doctor has suggested preventative measures initially. The main things she should avoid are cream, lots of cheese and alcohol. It's taken a little while, but her body can now cope with a glass of wine, but certainly not with anything fatty. She seems to be able to get away with a small amount of cheese, but cream is a big no no for her. It might be a case of trial and error with some foods, so make a note of what you've eaten in the last few hours if you are feeling really uncomfortable.

The "risk" factors are:

Fat
Female
Forty
Fair
Fertile

I was 4 of those (not forty, but in my thirties). I know plenty of people who are slim with good diets who have also had them. They have all had at least 2 children though.

I am all those. I am a size 16, but quite fit and active.

It's hereditary as well

I was 3 of those (female, fair and fertile - very fertile as first got them when I was pregnant!!)

I just had my gallbladder removed. The consultant told me that people with more than one baby are at higher risk of gallstones, as during pregnancy additional cholesterol is produced in response to normal pregnancy hormones. Apparently it is extremely common for gallstone attacks to begin during pregnancy (as it did for me, and you girliefriend).

The consultant also told me that for around 10% of people, attacks can be controlled by sticking with low fat, but for the remaining 90%, what they eat makes no difference. Certainly this was true for me - it was completely random as to whether I had an attack and seemingly nothing to do with what I ate. I could be fat free for days and get an attack, or high fat and not get one.

I had my op as a day case to hospital, it was fine and the worst of the pain was in my right shoulder - this is caused by trapped wind from the operation (they use carbon dioxide to inflate your stomach during the op). I didn't need anything stronger than paracetamol and I needed to take them for 2 days only after the op. I was a tiny bit sore, but that was all - more or less back to normal within 2 days. Honestly, it was fine for me and 3 weeks on, I'm back at work and feel totally normal. No more attacks either!

Yes I was 36 weeks pregnant and newly arrived in NL when I had my first attack. I didn't call the dr just walked up and down all night (for 12 hours). An attack I had after DS1 was born was so bad it drove me to call the Dr at 2am. I spent the night in hospital and was diagnosed the next morning!

Thanks for sharing!

How is life without a gallbladder?

What is your digestion like? Easy to keep weight down? Or have you put on weight?

I am currently struggling with this diet change..

Digestion is fine though I probably do get the runs a bit - and sometimes get cramps like IBS (but not as bad). Tbh you're less likely to absorb fat properly so you're unlikely to gain weight unless you actually eat more. Some people have digestion issues and have to cut down on fat, sadly I don't but I am about the same weight as I was. No difference really.

Stupid question alert:

I read somewhere that you get the runs when you are on the ally diet, is the product mimicking the lack of gallbladder?

My digestion is a bit fecked. I can't eat white bread products, and pasta can bung me up if not wholemeal. How ever weight loss has been no bother for me.

I still cannot eat pepperoni or crispy bacon. Those were my 2 triggers and still cause pain when I eat it.

It is Sunday now, and I have not had anything sweet or fatty (like chocolate, or a biscuit, ice cream or cake) since Thursday.

4 days. Shocking.

I have a sweet tooth, and I dont know what to eat. sob

Actually, not since Wednesday.

I have no idea re Ally but I know it would be a big, and possibly rather messy , mistake to take it.

No I would not take it, just curious.

I have this terrible craving for chocolate. I guess it will pass.

I was in AGONY before i had my gall bladder removed - couldnt eat any fat whatsoever - now i can eat what i likes

I could only eat plain chicken, basic salad and soup. But then at the very end before surgery, I couldn't keep anything down without pain and brown sick. My gall bladder was so inflamed and needed removed.