Gallstones or Acid Reflux?

[Em852]

For 7 months now I have been experiencing attacks, with symptoms of gallstone attacks (extreme pain below my breastbone, lasts for a couple of hours). At first my GP thought it was ulcers or gastritis and prescribed me with nexium.

When I am not on nexium i have an attack once or twice or week, but it seems that when i am on nexium i do not have the attacks, although I do occasionally still feel nauseous or uncomfortable after eating.

Now i have had a test for H Pylori, which was negative, and an ultrasound which has shown several gall stones in my gall bladder, which has led the gastroentorologist and the surgeon to reccomend removal of my gall bladder.

I am happy to take their advice, and am due to have the surgery next week, but i am still not 100% sure because of the fact that taking nexium seems to stop the attacks. the doctor said this is likely a coincidence, but for me it seems like quite a big coincidence that i can go for 2 months on nexium without an attack, but whilst not on nexium ill have regular attacks. once i had an attack while i was on nexium, but i had only been taking it for a week in a row at that stage.

has anyone else been in a similar situation, and has anyone had their gallbladder removed in a similar situation and have it be successful?

[cjones26]

I was having attacks of pain below my ribs, it felt like I was dying. I went to the ER where they told me I had gallstones. I waited 2 more months and it only got worse. I had my gallbladder removed Monday (nov 30) and I don't feel the pain anymore. The only after effects I have had so far is pain in my shoulder and some light pain from the incisions. I feel alot better. You should think about it

[ariellezine]

I had the same thing and had my gallbladder removed because of it. however, I still have a mass case of  acid reflux, so it's probably both.
make sure that your doctor gives you stool softeners after your surgery or else you could have a lot of more problems.
try taking Zantac at 300mg a day. I take it and it seems to help a bit. also if you're not lactose intolerant, try drinking a glass of cold milk.