Any gallbladder experts around?

[BloodyDogHairs]

I have a dodgy gallbladder, it was full of sludge (not sure if it still there or not). I notice it starts to cause me pain if I diet and lose weight so when I start eating foods I shouldn't I am in pain for hours.

Last August I was really really ill with it and lost nearly 2stone as I was scared to eat. Then one morning I woke feeling normal and could eat ANYTHING without the pain so I have now gained weight but I want it off again before my holiday.

So my question is, is there anything I can take/drink from the health shops that will keep my gallbladder ticking along nicely. I don't want to lose the weight and be back to square one with my gallbladder playing up.

Are you not having it taken out?

You're supposed to keep a low fat diet as high fat flares it up.

That's all I know so hope someone else comes along.

I found the same - it was always when I started to watch what I ate and try to lose weight that I had a problem - I fail to see how a low fat diet is a control factor. Got palmed off with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis by the Dr when my first attack coincided with my first attempt at powerhooping! Next time I'd had a chance to think about my symptoms and my mum had just had hers out. I had a stone lodged in my liver duct causing me all sorts of problems and 10 days of pain. I had it out as an emergency and also had "sludge" rather than stones. If there was a magic potion you could take from a health food shop to stop the attacks then they would be very rich. Are you on a waiting list to get it out? Watch for trigger foods and avoid them - mine was eggs. Maybe try lots of exercise and limited dieting rather than a significant change to your diet?

No not on the waiting list as by the time I got a appointment with the consultant I was back to normal, could eat normal without the pain etc

I've been googling and have been reading good things about Milk Thistle so going to take some of that while I get a few pounds off for my holiday, the last thing I want is for my sludge to start causing havoc again.

Notasausage: was the stone in your liver or gallbladder? I have had all kinds of stomach probs and a recent ultrasound of my abdomen has revealed I have a liver cyst and 2 small masses of unknown etoligy? I'm obviously completely terrified at the moment so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the hijack DOGHAIRS, I would be very interested in anything that might help my digestive system. I am taking something called acidiphilus from H&B in the hope the good bacteria thing might help. I am also considering digestive enzimes, aloevera gel (liquid that sounds vile) and just about anything else! I'm obviously reluctant to try these things until I have seen a liver specialist for a proper diagnosis.

I used to take a couple of large glasses of hot water and lemon juice before meals whilst I was waiting for my op which helped slightly. I was told by my dr it may help to thin the bile stored in the gall bladder. Maybe worth a try.

All I could do was eat very low fat and cut out fizzy drinks and milky coffees (like latte) until the op. The best cure is the operation, and ideally they need you not to be ill from when you have the op, it's harder if it's all inflamed and infected

It was the duct from my gall bladder that was blocked. As far as I know my liver is now fine though I still get some mild discomfort from time to time in my liver area and across my lower ribs. Dr said that was indigestion and prescribed omeprasol.

Op - if you have another attack insist on being put on the list to have it out, even if you feel fine again. If you can get an appointment while you have an attack then ask for bloods to check liver function and amylase levels for Pancreatic function - these complications are serious. The nurse practitioner I saw when I couldn't see a Dr only tested for helicobacter even when I went back with symptoms of jaundice. When I did eventually see a Dr and ask for specific tests to be done they phoned me on a Friday evening and sent me straight to the hospital admissions ward. Good luck

Diet Coke seems to clear my GB symptoms pretty well. Goodness knows why, but then Coke dissolves all sorts doesn't it?! I always have a couple of cans in the house just in case. Fingers crossed, haven't had any bother for ages….