Will scan show gallstones if I haven't had attach in a while

[ColdMama]

I'm on the waiting list for a scan to check for gallstones, and since the last attack have cut down massively on fat in order to avoid an attack. Seems to be working so far...

But when I do eventually get the scan - will any gallstones show up if I haven't had an attack for a while?

Sorry if that sounds like a silly question I'm just not sure if they're always there once formed?

Mine is 2.5cm, so I don't think it's going anywhere!

If you have stones, they will show.

Yes.
You might not even have stones to get attacks. When I started I just had sludge and I'm in a FB group where people just have low functioning gallbladders but still get attacks.

Well when mine showed up on the scan he went to get someone else and they chatted in low tones so I couldn’t here then the second guy went off. I was pregnant at the time so I was quite worried. Eventually I said ‘Well?’ He said it was the largest he had ever seen which is why he got the other guy to see it. Apparently it was the size of a duck egg. It certainly gave me trouble and when DD was 7months they lasered it. I had quite a few small ones too.

You’re right to cut down on fat. Anything spicy used to set mine off. Get it whipped out, mine nearly burst. In fact I just realised it was the 5 th Jan when I had the op isn’t that strange.

@PAFMO

Yes. You might not even have stones to get attacks. When I started I just had sludge and I'm in a FB group where people just have low functioning gallbladders but still get attacks.

Do you mind sharing the group please, I'd like to join

My first attack put me in hospital with cholecystitis but the scan just showed sludge and inflammation. I had another scan later which showed loads of stones. Had another hospital admission for pancreatitis before they finally whipped my gallbladder out. Such a painful thing gallstones! Sympathy to you

mine were bright red on the CAT scan. had it out over 6 years now.

Sorry forgot to answer your OP. Yes they will show even if no attack for a while.

I had a scan for gynaecological reasons & my gallstones showed up. I didn't have any symptoms for another year until after having a hysterectomy, by the time I had the operation I had passed a massive stone because my bile duct entrance & exit were massive.

Thanks all! Put my mind at ease. Now just need to hope my scan is soon...

The group on FB is called "Gallbladder and Gallstone Support Group" @AntiHop.
It's run by an American guy and I've found it really helpful in terms especially of what random symptoms are actually gallbladder symptoms (blurry vision, pain near right hip for example!) The guy's name is Buddy Black.

Just thought I'd update - ended up In a&e after a particularly bad attack and then had a scan there and they confirmed gallstones! So now just the wait for removal...

Removal is fantastic, I had mine done as an emergency as ended up in A&E in severe pain and vomiting, bloods revealed an infection and 3 days of IV antibiotics in hospital did nothing to shift it, so out came the blasted little organ.

1 absolutely massive stone was the culprit, had to stay in hospital for another couple of days with a drain fitted as the infection had needed a good flush out of everything. The pain from the op was nothing compared to the pain from the gallstone and it was gone within a couple of weeks. Knowing that I can eat without being up all night in agony is wonderful.

This is my stone, I got to keep her as a souvenir

@HalfShrunkMoreToGo that's huge!!!