Anyone with gallstones who didn't have the op by choice?

[Hpparent]

I have had acid indigestion for years on and off which was diagnosed as hiatus hernia. A few weeks ago I started having pain on the right side of my chest and the GP sent me for an ultrasound.

The sonographer said that I have a large gallstone (and sludge) requiring surgery. I am seeing the surgeon this afternoon but haven't had any symptoms the last couple of weeks.

I was wondering if surgery was always necessary. I loathe hospitals and the thought of a GA frightens me. A colleague at work also had a severe infection following her op and was in hospital for weeks. On the other hand my friends mum died of pancreatitis (sp) due to a gallstone, and I would rather have it done now than in 20 years time.

Has anyone opted to keep their gall bladde and stones?

I also have a large gallstone and possible sludge, but no-one has even suggested surgery to me. The man who did the ultrasound said that the gallstone was too big to pass so less of a worry than a small one, unless it sat over the exit at some point and blocked it that way. I am going to watch this thread with interest !

Well doctor said it was up to me but recommended I have it to avoid possible pancreatitis at some point. Waiting list is 12 weeks so I can change my mind in the meantime . Doctor said risks low even with high blood pressure!

My DH had a large gallstone, but was quite symptomatic with it, getting cholycystitis (sp?) and in pain if eating anything with fat in it. He really didn't want surgery either, as he hates hospitals etc. He tried managing with diet for around 16 weeks but had lost a silly amount of weight. The GP persuaded him that it really needed doing. He was in for 2 days, and had keyhole surgery, and hasn't looked back.

For him, it was the best outcome as he can now eat without worries of severe pain. I think your colleague at work must have been particularly unlucky as that is quite rare.

If it were me (which it isn't - so please ignore if you want) I would want to avoid pancreatitis and would go with the doctor's advice. Or possibly I would get a second medical opinion just to make sure.