Gallstones- At my wits end

[Mama12345678910]

Hi all,

So I was diagnosed with gallstones around 6 months ago (although suffered for 2+ years) and been put on the waiting list for surgery. I still am yet to receive a date for surgery due to the back logs but I don’t know how much more of this I can take.

I currently have an infection in my gallbladder again after only having had one just before Christmas. Doctors have put me on anti sickness tablets, codeine and paracetamol, antibiotics and Buscopan. I’ve changed my diet to avoid fatty foods but this flare up started at 10pm last night after a chicken salad!

Anyone who has experienced it will know how unmanageable the pain is. I’m regularly on all 4’s on the bathroom floor just trying to find some relief. My sickness record at work is being impacted as there is no way I can work with the pain and because the attacks are so random my absences are a day/ couple of days here and there. My works policy is to have a sickness meeting with HR after 2 instances of absence no matter how long so I know I’m due one of those but I don’t know what else to do. I can’t get off the bathroom floor or stop being sick when having an attack never mind work.

Is there anyone in or has been in the same position? It’s really starting to bring my mood down and I feel like I’m becoming depressed. I feel like a burden having to cancel plans last minute, rely on people to help with looking after my little one and being unreliable at work, but until my operation I don’t know what else to do.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for everyone’s replies. Just to update you all I’m in a and e on morphine waiting for an emergency removal. Hopefully it comes quickly! Thanks again everyone

Hope the op goes well OP - I felt so much better once mine was out. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Oh I’m so pleased to hear it. Best of luck!

So happy for you! Hopefully it's out within a couple of weeks 🤞 go back every time you have an attack and they'll keep bumping you up the list just to get rid of you 😂 being in A and E costs them money so surgery works out cheaper for them in the long run xx

I had my gallbladder ut some years ago, but I remember how bad the pain used to be, so I sympathise.

I cut out all fat, so the obvious butter, full-fat milk, cream, eggs, oils, cheeses. As well as that, I cut out pastry/pies, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, bacon, sausages, quiche, etc. I also looked at labelling of everything - sauces, soups, etc.

Best of luck x

Just seen your update - hope all goes well x

Sounds like you may be in for a few days if they're planning to keep you there till the op can be done. Make sure you get someone to bring you in plenty of entertainment and some really comfy nighties or pjs, you'll have discomfort around the incision sites.

Hop the op goes well.
Better out it seems, luckily never suffered

@Hawkmoth

I got a loan an paid for private surgery at the point where it made economic sense. I am disgusted that it came to that, but I had no choice. The money I am paying back now isn't even half what I was losing not able to work, in bed, concentrating on breathing, on all the painkillers I could take.

I did this too. It was the best money I ever spent.

What are you actually eating?

I dropped from 11st to under 8st on a restrictive diet due to gallstones.

I did still get flare ups for no reason but they were much more infrequent. Hot water bottle on the front and back and codeine meant I was able to sleep and get through it.

So glad you are getting it removed! Hope all goes well!

Good luck, OP. Very glad they are getting it sorted.