Possible gallstones

[CormoranStrike]

Symptoms - pain in ribs, spasming like, which I was convinced was muscular, but GP is fairly certain they are gallstones.

I get an ultrasound in around a month's time. If confirmed, does it always mean surgery, and if so, how quickly will I be referred for surgery?

Almost exactly like the gallbladder attacks @dahliaaa. Agonising attack in the middle of the night for several hours, swollen stomach (he’s very thin so it’s quite noticeable). And afterwards pain after eating a meal for several days.

hope he gets it sorted soon @battyoldbat

Today I have been in agony - roll on the scan, I say!

Sorry to hear that. Has your GP given you any meds to help?

I used to take omeprazol. Provided I was careful with my diet that really helped me to keep attacks at bay.

Sorry you are in so much pain. I know you are on the list for scan but do ring 111 if the pain gets out of hand (and particularly if you get a temperature etc - in case you've got an infection.)

Thanks - I have lanzaprole and cocodamol, today’s just a bad day.

Ow ow ow ow ow.

That is all

I’m in pain every day - not 24/7, but it would be if I didn’t take painkillers.

Anyone else have it like this?

I was in pain constantly from when it started to when I had a gallbladder drain put in.

Then in severe pain when the drain went bad but they wouldn’t operate. Ended up with peritonitis the private surgeon who we paid to remove it said!

Oh jeez! My GP says head to a and e of pain is worse - it’s bad, bad not bad enough for hospital, I don’t think.

I wish I didn’t have another three weeks to go before my scan.

Yes low level constant discomfort interspersed with attacks where I could only lie curled up in absolute agony. One time had to get my DH to take me home from a big family celebration and I lay crying on the floor for ages ( I made him go back to the party to be with the DC’s). Had the GP out a couple of times to give me pain injections and ended up at A and E a couple of times. The only relief for me was getting the surgery as changing my diet had no effect on me, nothing specific seemed to trigger off an attack. I had no worries about having the op as I was in such a bad way I had no choice. I really feel for you

Thanks @downhillatfifty I haven you spotted a trigger or pattern at all either. I currently have hiccups, which is no fun with gallstone pain.

I’ve started a new healthy eating kick for the new year; reckon if I am facing surgery I might as well try to do that at less than 15 stone.

*havent yet

I'm waiting for a date for my op. Eating a very low fat diet keeps the pain bearable.I have a general low grade pain but if I eat too much fat , I'm looking at you Christmas! ,I get a seriously painful attack. Like others I lost weight waiting. The hospital has literally just phoned I'm in on Friday

Hope it goes well on Friday goose. Will be a relief for you.

All the best Goose, let us know how it goes.

Hope today went well Goose

I've put myself on a very low fat diet since my pain ramped up to every day - I haven't had to take a painkiller since Tuesday - hurrah!

I had gallstones and my gallbladder removed nearly 13 years ago, such horrific pain they cause, I'd rather be in labour! I had mine out within 4 weeks of diagnosis and was in the strongest painkillers they'd let me have as had 2 small DC at the time (pregnancy caused the gallstones apparently). I've had no problems at all since.

Definitely stick to low fat foods and good luck

I had gallbladder problems come on suddenly in the spring and ended up with mild sepsis. My doctor is not a fan of gallbladder surgery unless absolutely necessary so I haven’t had mine out. The doctor says people can and do recover from gallbladder issues, though my stones were not large (small plus lots of ‘sludge’).

I lost 3 stones using MyFitnessPal and also amended my diet (as recommended by the hospital and GP) to include low fat and lots of fibre. Fibre really helps, apparently.

I found that my gallbladder was on high alert for fat initially, but calmed down somewhat within about 3 months. I also found meat worse than fish, farmed salmon too fatty, and even low fat dairy initially a problem.

After 9 months I’m coping pretty well with a Mediterranean style diet, including small amounts of olive oil, and some low fat dairy (mainly natural yogurt but not Greek). My diet is pretty heavy on wholemeal carbs, fruit and veg, and chicken and fish. A few nuts.

I’m really hoping I get away without having my gallbladder removed. I’m certainly delighted to have had my body force me to lose the 3st, and have come off blood pressure meds as a result. Apparently slow weigh loss is also important, as more than 1-2lb a week is a risk factor.

Also the hospital consultant said to me to be careful at Christmas because “we get them back in busloads”. So diet really is important.

"Mrsramseyscat did your dr say why they aren't keen on GB surgery.
(My experience was v different - each dr I spoke to basically said 'just get it done.' I didn't have the severe attacks but did have regular pain in right ribs and numerous large stones.)

She said people can recover from gallbladder problems and that they do. She said given it was my first attack (even though it was bad) it was worth waiting to see if it settled down. It has now, but definitely was very sensitive to start with.

I’m not saying everyone should try it. It seems to have worked for me. But if I have further major attacks I want it out. I’m not too fussed about the diet change-it was overdue, and I look and feel better for it. It was great to get through Xmas without gaining a pound!

Hope it all stays nice and calm (and congrats on weight loss :-))