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Original poster

Gallstones and orange urine

60 replies

NoManJan · 22/12/2015 17:44

I had gallstones confirmed after an ultrasound last week. I spoke to the GP who said to manage with a low fat diet.

I have been doing so but yesterday suffered another attack (sore back, tender tummy) and today I've had light/mid orange colour urine despite drinking plenty.

I've googled and am now panicking. I had a blood test before the scan and my liver function was slightly high.

I was unable to get a GP appointment this morning but will try again tomorrow in hope of getting referred for surgery.

Has anyone experienced the same? Also I'm still ebf my 5mo DD...is this safe?

OP posts:
alwaysme22 · 22/12/2015 18:06

Yes, a normal symptom of gall bladder problems. Also the high liver readings, mine were really high. Once your gall bladder is gone things will get back to normal.

Ask your doctor though, just to put your mind to rest.

Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 18:30

Thanks always that's reassuring. I was really worried. Has your gallbladder been removed? How was it?

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HeffalumpTrap · 22/12/2015 18:39

Yes, it's to do with the bile pigments and the way they're recycled round the body. Are your stools pale too?

Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 19:10

I went to the loo this morning and my stools were normal colour and consistency. Is that something I need to keep an eye on?

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HeffalumpTrap · 22/12/2015 19:23

It's just one of the symptoms of gall stones that have obstructed the duct, along with dark urine.

Basically the bile allows fats to be absorbed from your intestines, so if you eat a fatty meal then the gall bladder gives a big squeeze and the bile acts a bit like washing up liquid to emulsify fats for you to absorb. If there is a stone blocking the way then sometimes you can have trouble absorbing the fat so it all comes out in your poo making it pale (and smelly and difficult to flush I'm afraid!). That's why you're typically advised to avoid fatty foods with gallstones - the logic being that you'll avoid the pain of the gall bladder squeezing against the stone. But in practice you tend to get the pain anyway. Bastard stones.

HeffalumpTrap · 22/12/2015 19:24

And the bile pigment instead of going into your bowel to make your poo dark ends up getting kind of backed up, so you pee out the excess.

Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 19:39

Ah that makes complete sense. Thank you. I'm going to try get a gp appointments tomorrow to be referred for surgery. Hopefully the waiting list isn't too long.

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SpecialistSnowflake · 22/12/2015 20:59

Sorry to threadjack, but for about four days last week I kept vomiting, and having awful pains in the upper middle of my abdomen, and my urine was orange - not dark yellow, but definitely orange! And also I've noticed my stools are pale. So that could have been my gallbladder and not a 'minor virus' (knob GPs words...)?

Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 21:04

It sounds like gallstones to me. Did your gp refer you for bloods?

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SpecialistSnowflake · 22/12/2015 21:08

He was actually taking bloods to check for lupus, and I even submitted a vial of my bizarrely orange urine to the nurses for some kind of test, but nothing was mentioned at my appointment, and because he's a stickler for only mentioning one issue per appointment I couldn't bring it up. I think I'm just going to look for a more effective doctor! Grin

SpecialistSnowflake · 22/12/2015 21:09

(C reactive protein was slightly high, and I mentioned I'd been ill, which is when he cut in with the 'minor virus' comment.)

ToastedStoat · 22/12/2015 21:11

Bf the baby is fine. I had my 6 week old in hospital with me for the week while they were diagnosing me (ended up with pancreatitis - I had the orange urine and was somewhat yellow in colour) and eventually removing my gallbladder.

I felt fine as soon as it was out and I had recovered from the surgery.

Good luck at the gp!

Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 21:11

Oh blimey. He sounds a bit pants. Surely the sight of your orange urine should have made him or the nurse question it?!

It might be worth following a low fat diet if possible in case it is the dreaded gallstones. Hope you manage to find a better Dr.

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Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 21:14

Oh thank you ToastedStoat that's good to know. Glad you made a full recovery. It's putting a bit of a dampner on enjoying being a mum as I'm constantly in a state of dread!

OP posts:
Namechangeforthebadstuff · 22/12/2015 21:23

I got this when I had an acute episode of gallstones - a stone had passed into my bile duct and the orange urine was a symptom of the resulting jaundice. It eventually led to sepsis and I ended up in intensive care and very nearly died. Sorry, OP, don't muck about - if your urine is orange (mine because red) you are not having non problematic gallstones - see a doctor, please.

Namechangeforthebadstuff · 22/12/2015 21:25

By that point my gallbladder was so bad I was doubled over in pain and couldn't walk. My gallbladder had fused to my liver. The amount of people who had complications because GPs had misdiagnosed it and left it was crazy. Good luck

Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 21:30

Oh goodness namechange that sounds terrifying. I'm going to try see my gp tomorrow. I couldn't get in this morning despite me insisting it was urgent.

OP posts:
Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 21:40

Does anyone know what the GP will do. I'm feeling rather scared/anxious.

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redspottydress · 22/12/2015 21:41

I agree with above. I ended up in hospital with pancreatitis when the doctor misdiagnosed the same symptoms as stomach ulcers. Are you vomiting, back pain etc now? If so call 111.

HeffalumpTrap · 22/12/2015 21:55

OP, gallstones can have lots of different complications or none at all. People above have understandably given you their experiences but that is one end of a spectrum. Try not to feel too anxious Flowers

If you are feeling otherwise well (you haven't mentioned other symptoms so far?) then yes see your GP asap. They'll ask you questions, examine you and arrange investigations as necessary. These may include blood tests and an ultrasound, but it's impossible to say without seeing you.

If you're feeling unwell then it is of course a different matter and you should seek more urgent medical attention as you think is necessary.

Original poster
NoManJan · 22/12/2015 22:01

Heffalump thanks for reassuring me. I had an attack yesterday which continued today. It wasn't particularly bad and painkillers thankfully shifted the pain. It feels a bit niggly now but nothing major. I've not vomited and my urine is now a dark yellow.

I've already had a scan and they've confirmed gallstones. I need to have follow up bloods taken at the ones taken a few weeks ago showed my liver function to be a bit higher than expected.

If it was a stone that was causing more serious harm, I would know about it, right?

Thanks again

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HeffalumpTrap · 22/12/2015 22:14

I don't want to comment too much because obviously I know nothing about you etc. I just didn't want you lying there worrying either. From what you've said it seems like there might be a blockage and that can be either very serious or very minor or anywhere in between. It's impossible for me to say I'm afraid. Be guided by how you feel

Xx

Namechangeforthebadstuff · 22/12/2015 22:20

I felt very very unwell, I was bloated, gassy, and in horrific pain. See the GP first thing tomorrow if you feel otherwise well but if you are in pain, vomit, or feel in any other unwell please don't mess around, go to A&E.

amarmai · 22/12/2015 22:51

had a scan today and yup- my gallstones are still there after 40+ years. I have learned to eat a veggie diet and am careful with acidic fruit as that too can trigger an attack. And yes to going to emergency if you get a scarey attack.

Original poster
NoManJan · 24/12/2015 12:39

I went to GP yesterday - the pains weren't settling at all. She was lovely, had a poke about and I'm about to go get some bloods done. She prescribed buscopan which seems to have helped a bit. Still feel a bit tender today and it feels a bit tight when I breathe in.

If liver function is higher that the last lot, they will push me up the waiting list. I'm hoping it's not too long of a wait. If I could afford it, I would go private.

I'm going to be really careful with what I eat...pants over Xmas but so not worth attacks.

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