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gall bladder attack friday what next??
hi i had a really bad gall bladder attack that started mildly on wed and went to the doc on fri cause the pain was went from like a 3-4 to a 9. they did an exam they said it sounded like an attack sent me to get blood drawn and an ultrasound the ultrasound showed that my gall bladder was extended by 10cm. the pain is pretty much gone but i am not able to really eat i am nauseated and sometimes when i do eat now i throw up. i eat small amounts of really low fat food and feel like its not going down and feel stuffed. i am waiting now for the doctor to call me back with the next text he wants me to do.
i am wondering if anyone else has gone threw this and what happened to you. was your gall bladder removed?
i am wondering if anyone else has gone threw this and what happened to you. was your gall bladder removed?
I have experienced really sharp pains in my upper back that move forward to my chest. They would hurt so bad I just knew I was having a heart attack. I went to my doctor and she thought thyroid and ordered blood work, nope thyroid was good. Then she sent me to a cardiologist to rule out heart issues , heart fine! Thank God! Now back to square one and in the meantime the attacks keep coming and are more often and more intense. Finally I got her to get an ultrasound of my gallbladder. I'm still waiting to hear back from those results but I have experienced awful nausea for about 5 days now. I've lost 3 lbs in a weekend. I can barely eat. Just crackers and rice. Is the nausea mean the gallbladder is getting worse. Should I be concerned? I'm also have a burning tight full feeling in my upper chest. Light pain in my upper back, not as bad as an attack. What should I do?
I had the pain for about a week, I went in for an ultrasound, and dang they push pretty hard, then said "you are gasey and it's normal for later in the day". I too have the soreness/achiness under my breast bone. I cut soda for the last week and it seemed to help. I'm glad I didn't have any sharp pains today. But I slept most of the day, nursing a bad cold too. My mom had her gallbladder removed and was bad and ate icecream the next day, she says she farts more because she doesn't have a gall bag.
My gall looked pretty big on the xray but I can't tell from an xray what the size should be. The doctor said it could be gallstones but wanted to see if there were any obstructions too. I'm waiting on the results from the ultrasound, kinda neat to see all your organs up in there.
Here's wishing you luck with all your health.
-J
My gall looked pretty big on the xray but I can't tell from an xray what the size should be. The doctor said it could be gallstones but wanted to see if there were any obstructions too. I'm waiting on the results from the ultrasound, kinda neat to see all your organs up in there.
Here's wishing you luck with all your health.
-J
thanks all for the great advice. the pain is pretty much gone just achey sometimes.once in a while i will get a stabbing pain sharp and quick but than its gone. but i am still actually looking forward to the test so i can find out what is going on before i have another attack(i have had about 10 in 3 years some severe some not so bad) and if needed they can take it out so i dont have to go threw the pain of another attack.
Yep, had it done. Result was an ejection fraction of 19%. (Below 35% is considered abnormal.) The test SHOULD reproduce some of the symptoms you've had, so part of it may involve you feeling very nauseous and having pain (cramping) in your upper/right quadrant. Now, that's not to say that if you feel that there's an issue, but be warned: there will be some discomfort during the test, probably for about 5 minutes. It's one of the side effects.
Test takes about 2 hrs. The first one they give you something which fills the gallbladder up. This lasts about an hour or so, maybe a bit longer. The second they inject you with a hormone that will cause the GB to squeeze. This is where the discomfort, if any, will happen. This part of the test takes about 1/2 hr.
You should get results in about a week. If your EF is off it'll show up here. Also, it will show whether the problem is with your liver (getting bile to the GB) or with your GB (getting bile into your small intestine), or both, or neither.
Good luck.
Test takes about 2 hrs. The first one they give you something which fills the gallbladder up. This lasts about an hour or so, maybe a bit longer. The second they inject you with a hormone that will cause the GB to squeeze. This is where the discomfort, if any, will happen. This part of the test takes about 1/2 hr.
You should get results in about a week. If your EF is off it'll show up here. Also, it will show whether the problem is with your liver (getting bile to the GB) or with your GB (getting bile into your small intestine), or both, or neither.
Good luck.
I think it is just like a HIDA scan..and most people with gallbladder issues have or had them I did...no problems, doesn't hurt at all. It measures how your gallbladder is functioning.
A gallbladder scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to assess the function and structure of the gallbladder. This procedure may also be referred to as a liver-biliary scan because the liver often is examined as well due to its proximity and close functional relationship to the gallbladder.
A gallbladder scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the gallbladder. The radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is absorbed by normal gallbladder tissue.
The radionuclide used in gallbladder scans is usually a form of technetium. Once absorbed into the gallbladder tissue, the radionuclide emits a type of radiation, called gamma radiation. The gamma radiation is detected by a scanner, which processes the information into a picture of the gallbladder.
By measuring the behavior of the radionuclide in the body during a nuclear scan, the physician can assess and diagnose various conditions, such as obstruction of bile ducts from gallstones, tumors, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, or cysts. A nuclear scan may also be used to assess organ function and blood circulation.
A gallbladder scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to assess the function and structure of the gallbladder. This procedure may also be referred to as a liver-biliary scan because the liver often is examined as well due to its proximity and close functional relationship to the gallbladder.
A gallbladder scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the gallbladder. The radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is absorbed by normal gallbladder tissue.
The radionuclide used in gallbladder scans is usually a form of technetium. Once absorbed into the gallbladder tissue, the radionuclide emits a type of radiation, called gamma radiation. The gamma radiation is detected by a scanner, which processes the information into a picture of the gallbladder.
By measuring the behavior of the radionuclide in the body during a nuclear scan, the physician can assess and diagnose various conditions, such as obstruction of bile ducts from gallstones, tumors, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, or cysts. A nuclear scan may also be used to assess organ function and blood circulation.
well so the doc called i am being sent on tuesday for a nulcear scan of my gall bladder what is that? did u have that done?
Sorry, I thought there was mention of gallstones there! In that case then you're REALLY like me: I didn't have any gallstones either. After my HIDA/CCK (the test you describe where they test our GB function) it was revealed I had gallbladder dyskinesia (also known as biliary dyskinesia, acalculous gallbladder disease). If this is the case, then things get tricky. They'll probably recommend you remove the GB, but... well, it's iffy. Most people have resolution of symptoms after removal, but there's no guarantee. If you keep the GB your symptoms may progress or they may stay the same.
They may also do a gastric emptying exam to see whether your GB issues are actually a symptom of a more global motility disorder. You may also be dealing with something like SOD, but... well, that's a longer (and less likely) story. Cross that bridge when you get there. If you're meeting with a gastroenterologist you may want to ask about dyspepsia, gastroparesis (based on your symptoms) and sphincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD). For the most part it's informational, and you shouldn't presume either of these conditions until there's proof one way or the other. And then there's also the possibility that you DO have stones that just didn't show up on the scan. (About 1/2 of people who have their GB removed for acalculous gallbladder disease will turn out to have stones. For example, a recent scan just revealed I do have stones. No word if they just developed, though; surgeon doesn't think so, questions the equipment used.)
Anyway, long story short: wait until your results get in and don't be afraid to seek a second opinion.
Good luck.
They may also do a gastric emptying exam to see whether your GB issues are actually a symptom of a more global motility disorder. You may also be dealing with something like SOD, but... well, that's a longer (and less likely) story. Cross that bridge when you get there. If you're meeting with a gastroenterologist you may want to ask about dyspepsia, gastroparesis (based on your symptoms) and sphincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD). For the most part it's informational, and you shouldn't presume either of these conditions until there's proof one way or the other. And then there's also the possibility that you DO have stones that just didn't show up on the scan. (About 1/2 of people who have their GB removed for acalculous gallbladder disease will turn out to have stones. For example, a recent scan just revealed I do have stones. No word if they just developed, though; surgeon doesn't think so, questions the equipment used.)
Anyway, long story short: wait until your results get in and don't be afraid to seek a second opinion.
Good luck.
hi,
the doc did an unltra sound and said there wasnt any gall stones just that my gall bladder was extended.(nothing was mentioned about my pancreas.) my blood work was fine also they had ran a cbc and liver something. so when do they determine if and when they will take out the gall bladder i have had attacks similiar to this for the past 3 years most i just stuck it out at home in bed but this time plus one other sent me to the doc but this past time sent me to the doc and er. i talked to my doc last nite and there is another test they are gonna have me do something with a blue dye than they have me eat a fatty meal than i go back and they look to see if my gall bladder contracts properely if not than they said that would mean i have a disfunctional gall bladder and they would remove it.
i am still achey in that area of my rib cage and i still cant eat a whole meal i have stayed away from fats except olive oil. a typical day now now is a blueberry whole grain waffle plain, 1/2c brown rice and 1csteamed veggies, and last nite i had a mini turkey meatloaf and one reb potato with 4 spears of skinny asparagus.
i normally eat similiar to this with the occasionally dining out or cheat meal but my portions of what i normally eat are bigger than what i am eating now i feel really stuffed very fast after i start eating and most times i am nauseated after i eat and sometimes vommit.
the doc did an unltra sound and said there wasnt any gall stones just that my gall bladder was extended.(nothing was mentioned about my pancreas.) my blood work was fine also they had ran a cbc and liver something. so when do they determine if and when they will take out the gall bladder i have had attacks similiar to this for the past 3 years most i just stuck it out at home in bed but this time plus one other sent me to the doc but this past time sent me to the doc and er. i talked to my doc last nite and there is another test they are gonna have me do something with a blue dye than they have me eat a fatty meal than i go back and they look to see if my gall bladder contracts properely if not than they said that would mean i have a disfunctional gall bladder and they would remove it.
i am still achey in that area of my rib cage and i still cant eat a whole meal i have stayed away from fats except olive oil. a typical day now now is a blueberry whole grain waffle plain, 1/2c brown rice and 1csteamed veggies, and last nite i had a mini turkey meatloaf and one reb potato with 4 spears of skinny asparagus.
i normally eat similiar to this with the occasionally dining out or cheat meal but my portions of what i normally eat are bigger than what i am eating now i feel really stuffed very fast after i start eating and most times i am nauseated after i eat and sometimes vommit.
Wow, seriously, you just repeated my story. Except mine happened on a weekend. (Great way to spend a weekend, in the ER...)
Here's the deal: if they did bloodwork on you and only said "gallstones" then you don't really have to worry about pancreatitis: it usually shows up in the bloodwork. Even though your progression sounds a lot like pancreatitis, it's probably not. Again, I've been in the same spot, where even the doc said "it sounds like pancreatitis", then after ultrasounds and bloodwork saying "nope, just stones." Sounds like you had a good old fashioned gallbladder attack, a nasty one at that. Joy.
As for the gallbladder, get it out. What you're feeling is surprisingly normal. I say surprisingly because even though none of the medical literature I've read says so, the feeling of not having food pass seems to be fairly common with people with GB problems, if you talk to them. (Almost everyone I've met has described the same symptoms.) It's also indicative of a possible global motility issue, but before going on a wild goose chase better you take care of the goose in front of you.
You may want to try this: eliminate ALL fats from your diet for a while except olive oil, extra virgin, to be used as an additive to foods. A little will go a VERY long way, and if it starts feeling uncomfortable, STOP. This should help thin the bile so it gets through and makes you more comfortable. Won't resolve the situation, but it should make the general feeling of misery go away. It should also help speed up your digestion. Try to go low-fiber at the moment, too (mashed potatoes and steamed veggies) as it should help make the whole process of digestion easier, but once you start feeling better, reintroduce fiber. (Use metamucil in the meantime.)
Good luck.
Here's the deal: if they did bloodwork on you and only said "gallstones" then you don't really have to worry about pancreatitis: it usually shows up in the bloodwork. Even though your progression sounds a lot like pancreatitis, it's probably not. Again, I've been in the same spot, where even the doc said "it sounds like pancreatitis", then after ultrasounds and bloodwork saying "nope, just stones." Sounds like you had a good old fashioned gallbladder attack, a nasty one at that. Joy.
As for the gallbladder, get it out. What you're feeling is surprisingly normal. I say surprisingly because even though none of the medical literature I've read says so, the feeling of not having food pass seems to be fairly common with people with GB problems, if you talk to them. (Almost everyone I've met has described the same symptoms.) It's also indicative of a possible global motility issue, but before going on a wild goose chase better you take care of the goose in front of you.
You may want to try this: eliminate ALL fats from your diet for a while except olive oil, extra virgin, to be used as an additive to foods. A little will go a VERY long way, and if it starts feeling uncomfortable, STOP. This should help thin the bile so it gets through and makes you more comfortable. Won't resolve the situation, but it should make the general feeling of misery go away. It should also help speed up your digestion. Try to go low-fiber at the moment, too (mashed potatoes and steamed veggies) as it should help make the whole process of digestion easier, but once you start feeling better, reintroduce fiber. (Use metamucil in the meantime.)
Good luck.
Hi I have gone through the same thing. Had my 1st attack on Feb 2nd...but had many other symptoms like throwing up, always feeling like something wasn't quite right. I spent many nights having horrible pains. They ran tests galore in the ER and found I had gallstones...next thing?? Surgery was set to remove my gallbladder on March 31st. I had the surgery and feel so much better. The pain I felt which landed me in the ER, was pain on right side...and my shoulder and back hurt.
I know my response is somewhat evasive...but if you need more info let me know. You will find tons of info here on this site...many others here have had there gallbladder removed.
I know my response is somewhat evasive...but if you need more info let me know. You will find tons of info here on this site...many others here have had there gallbladder removed.
could you describe you syptoms of your pacreatitis attack so i can compare to the syptoms i had and are still havin?
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