Have many gallstones

I just had an ultrasound done and they found many gallstones and some cysts on my liver. I have not had any pain but have had flu like symptoms for 6 weeks. Diarrhea first for 2 days, fever for 4 days, throwing up or wanting to for 6 weeks now. I feel sick to my stomach nearly all the time, burping and am always pale. I have a tightness on my right side below my ribcage but no pain.  I just feel unwell! I heave all the time but don't always throw up. My doctor said I need to get my gallbladder out. I have a surgeon appointment on the 21st. Has anyone else had these symptoms with gallstones? Is this normal? From what I have read, I am very glad that I haven't had an attack.

[Jaybay]

Yes!  Your symptoms are normal for someone with gallstones.  It's definitely time for your gallbladder to come out - it's not something that will ever get better by leaving it alone.  :-)

[MilwaukeeGuy2]

My ultrasound didn't find any gallstones, but I've had similar symptoms, thought I had the flu for the first week, found out my bilirubin was elevated, has yours been?  Mostly its been nausea, especially in the morning (drinking 7up so I burp seems to be the only thing that helps), stomach feeling full or bloated, sometimes after I ate my chest felt tight and I was breathing heavy.  Most has gone away except the morning nausea.  I see a GI doc tomorrow, hopefully get some answers.  Not sure if its gallstones, some kind of liver or gallbladder infection, or something else.  I've never had any real pain, just a few rare minutes of discomfort.  I've read on here where people have been much better after having their gallbladder out, hopefully that works for you.

[chasev3r]

Well, I have now seen the general surgeon who said she won't take out my gallbladder because I have not had a gallbladder attack.  I am still feeling rotten, constantly burping and heaving but not throwing up often.  She said the burping could be caused by the gallbladder but didn't really seem sure of that.  I had chinese food the other night and felt rotten for 2 days.  She is sending me for an endoscope and colonoscopy (because my dad had colon cancer).  She said if nothing shows up I will have to see a gastroenterologist.  It has been 8 weeks now of feeling unwell.  Last night I was almost wishing for a gallbladder attack so they would know that that is what is causing my problems.

[CalGal]

Talk to your doc about using some meds to try to dissolve the stones - it works for some people but not others. It's also not a quick process. In addition, start and stay with a very low fat diet - it may be of help.

If you haven't had a HIDA scan with CCK injection done yet, do so. It will give you an ejection fraction and if that is very low the surgeon may reconsider. You also need to have your liver enzyme and pancreatic enzyme levels checked. If they start to rise, push the issue.