Can gallstones disappear?

[AlexaShutUp]

I was diagnosed with gallstones earlier this year. Had several horrendous attacks in around March/April/May and quite a lot of discomfort in between. Had another attack in early July, which was also unpleasant but not as bad. I have then had nothing in the four months since that, though, despite eating normally. No discomfort, no pain, nothing. I'm currently awaiting surgery, and I don't want to tempt fate, but is it possible that the gallstones could just disappear of their own accord? Or is it just a matter of time before I get another attack?

No they don't disappear

@amiafreakofnature

No they don't disappear

Ah, OK, thank you. Wishful thinking then.

Weirdly I have been wondering exactly the same thing! Interested to see the responses

That's weird @loveacupoftea18. How long since your last attack?

Depends how many/what size of stone you have….each attack could be a stone passing through the duct and if you’ve passed them all I suppose it’s possible!….Ursodiol has been used to dissolve gallstones but isn’t always hugely effective (hence why surgery is often the ‘go to’) and I’ve heard some use the Karen Hurd bean protocol which is big in the States to ‘dissolve’ them (no idea if it works though!). But that’s off point - the answer I think to your question is it’s possible but unlikely!

I had two in very quick succession. Blood tests showed raised enzymes. And then it all but disappeared!

Mind you I had two which were the size of an m&m

No. If they are small enough you might have passed them but this is a very dangerous time as if they get stuck in the bile or pancreatic ducts you can be seriously ill.

But more likely you are just lucky and one day you will eat something and then be double over in pain again.

Mine got worse and worse to the point I could eat no fat at all - it was an amazing diet!

I have an appointment coming up with the consultant re surgery but it has been moved to next month. Not sure what to expect tbh - do they normally do the op at that first appointment or do they need to do some preliminary stuff before that? It isn't very clear from the letter.

If you haven't seen the consultant yet, you definitely won't be having the op!

See the consultant, go on waiting list forever, get called for pre-op assessment, given date, op.