Kind of coming round to the idea that I'm having my gallbladder out - what do I do in the mean time?

[KatyMac]

As I am quite uncomfortable/struggling to eat

Been diagnosed about a week, been poorly since mid-October with one horrific insident (lasting 3 weeks) in January

I'm eating less and putting on loads of weight and quite miserable

Ok back to making bread for me - last time I did I lost loads of weight so winwin I guess

I had boiled root veg for tea....yum not

Had a really rough day today

May try and see the GP this week

Fat isn’t a trigger for everyone. I happily had a low carb high fat diet for ages with mine.

The NICE guidance does not mention a specific diet, only to cut out what triggers YOUR symptoms.

I think the problem is between allergies and IBS I already have a very restricted diet

Reducing it further means only one or two meals are left

I suffered from Bile Acid Malabsorption too. My gallbladder was taken out last June. Unfortunately I've developed PCS since - exactly the same symptoms of a gallstone, the excruciating pain, nausea, v+d and so on. These attacks last from a few hours to days (9 days is my worst). I take a ridiculous amount of drugs including Tramadol, Oramorph for pain, Mebeverine for spasms, Omeprazole to protect when taking Naproxen. Also take Cyclizine for nausea/vomming.

Regarding the BAM - I take Loperamide 4-6 times a day (regardless of how my bowels are), and Creon 25000 specifically to help with bile acid malabsorption. It's really, really good, and whilst I do have long toilet visits, sometimes 2-3 times a day, it's a lot better than constant diarrhoea. Creon also enables you to eat fat following the extraction. You can take between 1-3 with a meal (15-30 mins before is good), and 1-2 with a snack. There are different strengths of Creon - it's definitely the 25000 strength you'd need.

If you want more detail, just pop me a pm.

I had mine out years ago after a very serious infection and pancreatitis. I’ve not had any problems since. If you’re really struggling go back - many people are fine between flare ups so they may be able to see you more urgently if they know it’s constant

So sorry you are suffering. I echo the suggestion to go back to the GP or A and E. They can help with pain control and it should speed up your wait for an operation. Have you thought about seeing a nutritionist for after you've had the op? I asked if I could be referred to help with my diet (as I'm gluten free) but my trust doesn't do this so private was the only option. I looked into it and price varied but if you could afford it it might help you with a good meal plan? Apologies if you've already been down that route. I got fed up with lots of well meaning 'helpful' suggestions when I just wanted the pain and the attacks to stop. Hope you feel better soon.

I had mine out last October after 18 months of attacks and 999 calls. It's horrendous. Best advice is to eat fuck all

Seriously though, I was breastfeeding and my GP told me to manage attacks with paracetamol and ibroprophen. After a particularly horrendous attack where my poor dad called 999 I was ordered by the paramedic to stop breastfeeding and take oramorph. That really helped to manage it until I had my operation.

It’s a shame they told you to stop bfing - I’ve been on oramorph daily for over a decade including while pregnant and bfing. But I agree, stronger painkillers are probably necessary if you’re going to be waiting a while

I think I have become scared of eating things and become even more restricted because of that - maybe I need more help working on my anxiety too as well as nutritionally

@FancyNewBeesly DS was a year old and I was desperate to stop so being told I couldn't breastfeed actually worked well. Interesting you say you took it.

@KatyMac I think anxiety is normal in this situation, it's horrendous wondering what will set it off. Hopefully you get it resolved soon