Gallstones

[wingingit1987]

Hi all, I’ve became unwell over the last few days and it’s looking like it’s gallstones. I’m limited in what painkillers I can take because I’m breastfeeding so I feel absolutely dire. Any tips on managing this? What to eat/avoid? Just wanted to know other people’s experiences too so I know what to expect.

thank you

The classic pattern is bright orange wee and very pale coloured beige or grey stools. Not sure about green.

Re recovery period, I had my op mid morning and stayed in overnight and went home the next day. It was done privately though and I remember them saying that NHS would probably have sent me home same day, so I could go if I really wanted to, but they were happy to tell the insurers to pay for an overnight for me. I felt absolutely fine.

As above pale yellowish stools is more usual. When I'm not having an attack but just a dull ache that's what mine are. There's a chart online.

My mum had her gallbladder out and stayed in hospital only overnight.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your replies. We are now on a caravan trip and I have the struggle of working out what I can eat but feel a lot better since the weekend at least.

@ChocChipHandbag

I haven't had it removed yet as it's still a fairly new thing for me at the moment.. removal would be a last resort for me really. But then going through attacks unexpectedly is more of an inconvenience I suppose. I read about some other alternatives like radiotherapy or medication that can dissolve the stones apparently? The latter doesn't have much of a success rate though.

I was diagnosed with gallstones when my DD was 2 months old and I was breastfeeding. The attacks were worse than the pain of childbirth so I completely sympathise with you. I cut all fat out of my diet (wouldn’t eat anything with over 5% fat) to keep the attacks at bay until I had the surgery 5 months later was the best thing I ever did was back to eating a normal diet after the op and recovery time was minimal. Still managed to breastfeed till DD was 15 months old but I did top ups with formula as I was worried about the lack of fat in my diet affecting the fat content in my milk supply.

@wingingit1987 The NHS say you can take Diclofenac whilst breastfeeding.
It stopped my gallbladder attacks within 5 minutes flat.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diclofenac/#:~:text=You%20can%20take%20diclofenac%20while,used%20it%20without%20any%20problems.

Gallstone attacks were the worst pain I have ever had. You do need to know that many people who do have their gall bladder removed do go on to develop BAM. I did and do - gall bladder removed in 1984 and only diagnosed with BAM 18 months ago.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/digestive-problems-after-gallbladder-removal-1945193#:~:text=People%20who%20have%20had%20their%20gallbladders%20removed%20may%20be%20at,diagnose%20and%20resolve%20this%20issue. Forgot the link

With respect, @KPops22 the best person to inform OP about the risks of the operation is the consultant who will review her case and advise her before signing off on the operation. Informing people about risks is a very important part of obtaining their consent to a procedure and they are highly trained in how to do this.

With respect , I am merely pointing out something that many people were not advised of. When I was done many years ago this condition wasn't even recognised but now it is massive news especially for those left with this debilitating condition.
Was I wrong to add the above comment? I don't see your problem. I didn't say don't have this!

The worst thing that set me off was coffee. Also avoid cream.
I was fine with everything else but l am quite sensitive to coffee anyway. Its the worst pain ever.

Thank you! I have a hospital appointment on Monday so will mention this then.

Thank you

Do you still have your gallbladder?

This is a worry of mine. I’ve never had any issues with my stomach or anything and this is my first gallbladder attack so I’m wondering if surgery will maybe just open me up to a different set of issues.

There is no doubt that any meds and any surgery opens you up to new issues. I have also had a full hysterectomy and it has not been without its resultant issues eg regular UTIs. We can only go with what we know and are told. Good Luck!

My first attack was really severe about ten years ago. It started to ease just as I was ready to go to A&E. I then had a few years with nothing then lost some weight and had a few more attacks and was found to have stones on investigation. Decided to watch and wait. If I felt an attack come on I would take a Buscopan, 1tbsp cider vinegar, paracetamol and lie on my left side with a hot wheat bag on my back. After 40 minutes I’d be ok with a little soreness for 24 hours. I kept records and had about 6 attacks in 2020 but then only one since in February this year. I also read differing opinions on fat some saying that it stimulated the body to pass stones but I appreciate for those with severe symptoms that could be dangerous. Ultimately listen to your doctor but I just wanted to say that surgery isn’t always a given for everyone.

Thanks for this. I’m quite worried about the prospect of surgery and the lasting effects. I was wondering if eating sensibly would be an option for controlling it at least for a while yet. I suppose it depends on the outcome of this ultrasound next week.

Sorry should have said..had it out after a few very bad attacks. Never looked back