I'm not even a mum, but I can't find answers anywhere else and there seem to be a number of people with experience of gallbladder problems on here, so here goes...
I was diagnosed with gallstones almost a year ago, and it's been getting worse and worse. I've had to battle to be seen by the hospital, but I'm told I'm still several months away from being able to have the gallbladder removed.
In the meantime, I'm dealing with symptoms every day - nausea, that horrible ache that feels like a stitch, back pain and digestive problems. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat - plain bread or fat free yoghurt can set it off. About once every week or fortnight I get a severe attack, where it feels like I'm being stabbed and I can't stand up. I've been to A&E a few times, but honestly I've given up as I never get anywhere. I've now been getting palpitations for the last few days, and I can't tell whether it's because of the gallstones or because of the anxiety around it. I honestly feel like my whole life is on hold because at any time pain is just around the corner.
Does anyone have any tips, words of advice or ways to cope? I'm in my mid-twenties and don't know anyone who's had this problem, so strangers on the internet are looking like my best bet...