Is this related to gallstones?

[Sellingsunsets]

I've had diagnosed gallstones for nearly three years, they gave me loads of problems at first and then I didn't have any pain or attacks for nearly two years. Yesterday, I started to get a really dull ache in my upper right side and it feels tender and swollen. Then last night I noticed that even having a drink on swallowing I get a sharp pain in my right side towards my back. The pain is there all the time but manageable but when I swallow it's like it triggers this other pain. It's so strange. Is this because of my gallstones? I put off having the surgery because I'm terrified of GA and my GP said unless they keep causing me issues it should be ok. Alas, the issu s have started to arise. Any advice welcomed. I have health anxiety too so I'm getting myself in a tizz over this "new pain".

It could be but it equally could be unrelated. Not sure I had swelling but there was heat on my right side during attacks. It ended up with nights of agony. I was terrified of a GA but ended up in hospital with pancreatitis. I had it done as a day patient and and was home early afternoon. Go to your GP and get referred. The waiting list is probably years long.

I kept putting off the surgery and then when I finally agreed and went on the morning of the op, the surgeon came and said he wouldn't do it because I am very overweight and i needed a bariatric surgeon, any way the next surgery date came and I bailed. Terrified I'll not wake up from the GA. I havent had a major biliary colic attack in two years but I've the tenseness and pain in my side and back. I'd like to lose a ton of weight before considering the surgery to make myself healthier and less prone to risk.

I found out I had gallstones when I had a burning pain going through to my back but was under the sternum centre not to the right. Turns out I had pancreatitis caused by the gallstones. Diagnosed by a blood test. I was lucky and didn't have to be admitted to hospital. Just had to go on no fat diet to calm it down then had gallbladder removed.

No pain in my stomach. It's just my right side and heading towards my back but still mostly in the right side if that makes sense and then this swallowing pain. I feel well otherwise

I was very overweight at the time. The surgeon who did it was also a bariatric surgeon and asked if I wanted a referral. He didn’t refuse to operate though. Have you asked to be referred to an NHS weight loss programme.

I lost weight through Mounjaro and VLCDs but every pound was a struggle.

They won't prescribe me mounjoro because of gallstones and risk of pancreatitis.

I would:

1. go to GP and ask for fresh referral - they will probably advise a fat free diet until surgery. Tell them about your fears they will reassure you.
2. Ask for referral to NHS weight loss - if you are fat enough.

The gallstones won’t go away. Surgery is not risky for most. At least once you have the gall bladder removed you have more options re weight loss. What is your weight or BMI?

My BMI is 41. I've struggled with weight all my life constantly being up and down. I'm a very emotional eater or lately I've piled on weight. I can lose woeght. I lost three stone last year through diet and exercise ans then it's crept back on plus more.

Well your motivation can be to be fit enough to have the op. Mine was about 40 BMI I think. It’s now in normal range. You can do this.

Thanks for the encouragement. I feel dreadful. Really hope it's the gallstones and not anything else. Unable to eat today due to the pain just seems to be getting worse. I know I need the op.