Gallstones

[slaner]

Hi everyone, I just wondered if anyone has had their gallbladder removed? I went for an ultrasound today as I was getting pain under my rib cage on the right. I thought it was going to be IBS or something so was surprised to hear I've got quite a few gallstones and they will probably recommend removing my gallbladder.
I'm just worried that there will be side effects and after googling (I know I shouldn't) there was talk of an increased risk of colon/bowel cancer.
Surely the gallbladder regulates your bile? What happens when it's not there? I'd love to hear from anyone who's gone through this and come out the other side :-)

Hi slaner

I have mind out in 2012, I didn't do much research, because I knew I couldn't continue to live with the pain (which was significantly worse than childbirth for me!)
I haven't looked back, no more pain and no problems at all. Recovery was very quick and I was dancing at my wedding a few weeks later.
As far as I am aware, your liver produces the bile and it runs down the bile ducts and into the intestine, bypassing the spot where the gallbladder used to be.

Thank you for your reply, feel a bit calmer about it today. My pain isn't too bad so going to see if I can make some dietary changes to see if that helps, I've booked to see a consultant as well to cover all bases! It's good to know you've not had any issues without it though :-)

I had mine out nearly a year ago, it took a few weeks to recover, but then fine.

No real side effects except a bit of toilet 'urgency' and that happens less and less.

Diet didn't help me at all, but my consultant swore by it and just thought I was lying when I had an attack after eating vegetable soup.

Half a wedge of brie and a baguette when I cracked after weeks of low fat had no effect.

Your description of the pain sounds like so far you are just getting niggles- long may it continue. If you are offered the op I would recommend you go for it, a full blown biliary colic attack is not something I would wish on my worst enemy.

Hi I've had mine out too. I had years of undiagnosed pain, and it was a relief when I finally found the cause.
Operation was keyhole and after a 2 week recovery I was fine. The only think I can't do know is eat spicy food. I am not totally sure that this is because of the operation as I was never particularly found of it before.

Hi I just clicked into this because my dh is having his gallbladder out soon. He's been taking ox bile supplements - perhaps worth researching.

I had my gallbladder removed as an emergency. Prior to the operation I was barely eating because I was so ill with it. Recovery was OK but my liver had taken a bit of a hit so this delayed things a bit. I still have to be careful with fatty foods and can't eat sausages now. But apart from that it hasn't been an issue and removing it solved the issue quickly.

I also had my gall bladder removed as an emergency. After many years of extreme pain which I was told was panic attacks. I was hyperventilating but that was due to the pain. I followed a lowish fat diet for a couple of weeks post op but then back to normal. No side effects and no more pain. I feel like I have my life back.

I am currently waiting to have mine out, OP. I had a major attack out of the blue a few months ago - unbelievable pain. Worked out what it was pretty quickly by googling and checking with my dm who had it years ago. Got it confirmed with ultrasound.
I am controlling mine very successfully through diet - have only had a few minor twinges and one slightly worse twinge since my original attack. Am a bit fed up with the low fat diet though. Am a bit to hear that I might still have to avoid high fat foods even after the op though.

My dm had hers removed about 25 years ago and has had absolutely no further problems. Can eat whatever she likes.

have it removed. the pain from gallstones is really quite awful to put it mildly and its far too stressful. the only strange thing I have found since is that's I have twice experienced the same horrendous pains since having the gall bladder removed. I googled it (of course) and it said that some times gallstones have moved into other areas and stay there for ages and suddenly move out and cause the pain.

Still, go for it.