Aa
should I remove the Gallbladder
i was told I had gallstone about 3 yrs ago, they found them accidently while doing another test. i decided to not have it removed, eventhough my primary care suggested i remove it. i spoke to my gastro about it and he said if it is not bothering you then leave it. i have slight pain at times, i have always had digestive issues, bloating, gas, going to the bathroom a lot. i recently went back to my gastro about chronic diaherra (sp) and he suggested i remove the BG says my problems are bcuz the GB is not working at it full potential. I am scheduled for sugery on the 10th of this month but I am still not convinced the GB is my problem. i hear so many people have issues after the BG is removed so if it is not going to solve my problems, only add to them why do it? I am so confused...do I wait until i have an attack or do it while I am insured, young enough to have surgery without complications from age??
Hi there
I woke up the morning I was scheduled for my surgery and cancelled. I am so glad I did. I wiped out all fried foods, I eat less than 20 g of fat a day, no meat, no processed foods. I also have incorporated Taurine, Lectin and 1000 mg of Vitamin C. I feel great I have had no symptoms at all. Although I never had bad issues before, just digestive issues, running to the bathroom all the time, that since has stopped. I also do not have a GB that is packed, I have seen them on the ultra sound, and they are not damaging the wall, and it looks like a pack of tic tacs were dumped in there.
I am able to eat pretty well, without complications. I hope to continue on this path. We each have to chose our own way, and I believe your situation differs from mine. I did get the diet and amino acids from the website, the taurine and lectin helps in producing bile. I wish you well and hope you find a solution that leads you to feeling better.
I woke up the morning I was scheduled for my surgery and cancelled. I am so glad I did. I wiped out all fried foods, I eat less than 20 g of fat a day, no meat, no processed foods. I also have incorporated Taurine, Lectin and 1000 mg of Vitamin C. I feel great I have had no symptoms at all. Although I never had bad issues before, just digestive issues, running to the bathroom all the time, that since has stopped. I also do not have a GB that is packed, I have seen them on the ultra sound, and they are not damaging the wall, and it looks like a pack of tic tacs were dumped in there.
I am able to eat pretty well, without complications. I hope to continue on this path. We each have to chose our own way, and I believe your situation differs from mine. I did get the diet and amino acids from the website, the taurine and lectin helps in producing bile. I wish you well and hope you find a solution that leads you to feeling better.
I am holding out for no surgery and believe like you do that there is the possibility of getting on the right diet and some alternative methods of help the gall bladder function better. I am however in the same state as Jesse76 and have only recently gotten a handle on my diet and some equilibrium in my life. I still am fearful every time I eat anything and every gas twinge will develop into a full blown attack.
My Dr wants me first and foremost to have the surgery. Then because of my reluctance, she has recommended to test again to see if my stones are the type that can be dissolved. She says there are two types. Anyone know anything about that?
In the meantime my personal regime is no caffeine in the morning, lots of water. I have found that after lunch on a full stomach I can have one coffee, but tea seems to bother me. It seems if I get on well in the morning the rest of the day goes well, but if I get a shaky start, look out. I have also found that lemon juice and olive oil in the morning to be helpful as well as grapefruit juice and good apple juice all unsweetened. Avoiding white sugar along with butter and cream. I use olive oil to cook with and cold pressed sunflower oil to bake with. Odd as it may sound, salads have worked very well for me especially the raddichio varieties, with good olive oil and lemon or apple cider vinegar lightly dressed. Cabbage and raw Brussel sprouts(cooked they were fine, nearly killed me. Lightly steamed vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil for the most part has been good, but some bitter greens have induced gas. I'm afraid of beans at the moment, even though I love them. I had a bout with lentils awhile back, but more recently tiny red lentils were fine. Maybe because I'm better, but certainly not out of the woods. Lean meat or fish occasionally. Also when I feel the burning sensation and uneasy feeling that this is gas and may go into a full on attack, I have started eating a tart apple or lemon or grapefruit juice and that has helped me tremendously. Lots of water now also. I have just figured all of this out by trial and error and from reading on the internet what seems to work for me. I think Thypatient makes some very good points about siftign through the "claims" on the internet, especially when one is desperate for some relief. I am in a precarious position as they say my GB is full, and the potential of damage to the other organs, but I want to try and see if I have any luck with managing and perhaps trying to dissolve the stones.If I end up in the emergency room then I must make a decision them, but I hope for that not to happen. Right now I am avoiding attacks that were happening with almost everything I was eating a month ago. Now I am better, but very vigilant. I agree that everyone must choose for themselves and not everyone can have control of their diet so easily. I am encouraged to hear the positive responses about the surgery, as I agree that this must work for some people and they have moved on. It might even be the direction I have to take, but I am actively trying to find ways to get better with out surgery if I can. It is reassuring to know that there are positives, so I will bear that in mind as I find my way through this health crisis.
Anyone with alternative therapies that have effective for them would be welcome information as well. I know there isn't a miracle cure out there, but more information and ideas about what has worked for others sometimes brings on an ah ha moment. In the balance at the moment and glad to read about others journey. Thanks.
My Dr wants me first and foremost to have the surgery. Then because of my reluctance, she has recommended to test again to see if my stones are the type that can be dissolved. She says there are two types. Anyone know anything about that?
In the meantime my personal regime is no caffeine in the morning, lots of water. I have found that after lunch on a full stomach I can have one coffee, but tea seems to bother me. It seems if I get on well in the morning the rest of the day goes well, but if I get a shaky start, look out. I have also found that lemon juice and olive oil in the morning to be helpful as well as grapefruit juice and good apple juice all unsweetened. Avoiding white sugar along with butter and cream. I use olive oil to cook with and cold pressed sunflower oil to bake with. Odd as it may sound, salads have worked very well for me especially the raddichio varieties, with good olive oil and lemon or apple cider vinegar lightly dressed. Cabbage and raw Brussel sprouts(cooked they were fine, nearly killed me. Lightly steamed vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil for the most part has been good, but some bitter greens have induced gas. I'm afraid of beans at the moment, even though I love them. I had a bout with lentils awhile back, but more recently tiny red lentils were fine. Maybe because I'm better, but certainly not out of the woods. Lean meat or fish occasionally. Also when I feel the burning sensation and uneasy feeling that this is gas and may go into a full on attack, I have started eating a tart apple or lemon or grapefruit juice and that has helped me tremendously. Lots of water now also. I have just figured all of this out by trial and error and from reading on the internet what seems to work for me. I think Thypatient makes some very good points about siftign through the "claims" on the internet, especially when one is desperate for some relief. I am in a precarious position as they say my GB is full, and the potential of damage to the other organs, but I want to try and see if I have any luck with managing and perhaps trying to dissolve the stones.If I end up in the emergency room then I must make a decision them, but I hope for that not to happen. Right now I am avoiding attacks that were happening with almost everything I was eating a month ago. Now I am better, but very vigilant. I agree that everyone must choose for themselves and not everyone can have control of their diet so easily. I am encouraged to hear the positive responses about the surgery, as I agree that this must work for some people and they have moved on. It might even be the direction I have to take, but I am actively trying to find ways to get better with out surgery if I can. It is reassuring to know that there are positives, so I will bear that in mind as I find my way through this health crisis.
Anyone with alternative therapies that have effective for them would be welcome information as well. I know there isn't a miracle cure out there, but more information and ideas about what has worked for others sometimes brings on an ah ha moment. In the balance at the moment and glad to read about others journey. Thanks.
Honestly, I do respect the decision you made for yourself. In fact, I think I’d be hesitant too after hearing what your dr told you; especially that he was only ‘suggesting’ something that might help diarrhea. I don’t know about anyone else, but I wouldn’t let a surgeon cut by ‘suggestion.’
Obviously, there are two sides to pre- and post-gallbladder surgery experiences and I just wanted others to know what I went through. I agree that we each need to make our own individual decisions – it’s our lives.
I believe in searching out and seeking all the information we can. However, and I’m not trying to jump on you personally, but we need to be weary of sites that make unfounded claims like what was included in the one above. Especially with this gallbladder issue - since there is enough valid information out there to base a personal decision on. Obviously, you know to decipher information you come across on the internet; but can you agree not everyone reading that can?
The good thing is that the option for surgery is available should it ever be needed for you. In the meantime, I wish you well with your next approach.
Take care.
Obviously, there are two sides to pre- and post-gallbladder surgery experiences and I just wanted others to know what I went through. I agree that we each need to make our own individual decisions – it’s our lives.
I believe in searching out and seeking all the information we can. However, and I’m not trying to jump on you personally, but we need to be weary of sites that make unfounded claims like what was included in the one above. Especially with this gallbladder issue - since there is enough valid information out there to base a personal decision on. Obviously, you know to decipher information you come across on the internet; but can you agree not everyone reading that can?
The good thing is that the option for surgery is available should it ever be needed for you. In the meantime, I wish you well with your next approach.
Take care.
Yes, how true, that "Surgery is surgery..." This gallbladder issue is not an easy one, that's for sure. I wish you well with everything.
I'm sorry to hear about your 15yr old's issues - that's awful. I hope I'm right in interpreting that he is well and doing better these days.
Good luck.
I'm sorry to hear about your 15yr old's issues - that's awful. I hope I'm right in interpreting that he is well and doing better these days.
Good luck.
good day....I think the decesion and choices we make are all individual. I agree with cherie762, in fact my gastro said we all have stones. He said this to me 3 years ago when they accidently discovered them and said if they do not bother me then leave it alone. however his tune changed when he couldnt give me a reason why I was having chronic diarrhea, so he said take it out and I will feel better??? how can he suggest taking the GB out will eliminate diarhea, when it causes more? I am so glad I woke up the day of my surgery and went with my gut (no pun) feeling. I am going to see another gastro next week to see if he is open to alternative treatments, e.g. bile sales, sound wave therapy,percutaneous electrohydraulic lithotripsy and topical gallstone dissolution. and I wont stop until I find a dr who is open to alternative treatment. I think we put these drs on some sort of higher level and take everything they say as the gospel. I have made the decesion to not have surgery, yes because I read and heard too many negative things, far more then positive thats for sure. I do not have attacks, I do not have pain, why would I want to cut my hand off for a foot problem? I have always had digestive issues, my gastro the same one who told me to take the GB out, diganosed me with IBS. Not sure why he thinks the stones are related to these problems I have had for over 20 years? I am at peace with my decesion, I know my body better than anyone and I listen to it. If I were on the other side of the fence, pain, attacks, I would take it out, because my body is telling me to. And then I would do all I can to live a healthy full life without a GB, which is why I posted the oasis health site, I think it gives some great information on adjusting to the many symtons mentioned here that you have without a GB. You have to take the best and leave the rest when you read things on the internet; it is a place of a million opinions!
And my decesion is based on responsible information; my belief that it is not neccessary to remove a gallbladder w/stones and no symptons!!
I wish you all good health, with or without a GB
And my decesion is based on responsible information; my belief that it is not neccessary to remove a gallbladder w/stones and no symptons!!
I wish you all good health, with or without a GB
I too agree with Jesse..but it is quite normal for me or anyone else having reservations. Surgery is surgery, so not jumping into anything at this time when my doctor does advise me to have it and like I have stated surgery will be scheduled for another couple of months. In those months I am sticking to my diet...don't need to loose anymore weigh weighing in at 124 lbs now. There are days I cannot wait for that day to come and there days I don't even think about. I for one am not playing around with the idea. Just simply taking my time in making that decision. I know all about taking things serious. I watched my son being mis-diagnosed and treated for a Crohn's when all tests pointed to it, ad he never even had it. he was being eaten up by cancer at the 15yrs of age. I am scheduled to see the surgeon within 2 weeks, that is the quickest they could get me in. The nurse said due to not having swelling, fever, nausea and no vomiting, I should be fine for now. So basically I am basing my decision on responsible information. Nothing wrong with having a 2nd opinion.
I a sorry you have gone through alot, I have been there and do understand the turmoil.
Take care. Moira
I a sorry you have gone through alot, I have been there and do understand the turmoil.
Take care. Moira
random fact 90% of all autopsys on people above 60 have gallstones..they never knew it its common....if you have a gallstone attack you will know it the pain is horrible....if youve not had an attack and stumbled across stones accidently Id avoid surgery until or if problems occur...the surgery is done laproscopic...3 days to recover most people find theres a food or two they cant eat after I cant eat mega greasy foods like bacon it makes me throw up but that ok.....my aunt had same surgery cant eat celery or broccoli...
Just wanted to add my experience to give something to think about.
My gallbladder had to be removed for what turned out to be tumor on the inside wall. Plus I had stones. The tumor never showed up on any tests until an MRI was done. The stones never showed up at all, not even on the MRI, and were not discovered until the surgery itself. Before the MRI, it was negotiable as to whether or not to remove my gallbladder. I was having symptoms and that's what prompted the testing in the first place. But I could have lived with them if I thought nothing serious was going on.
I agree with Jesse76, in that, "It is not something to mess around with..." To that I'd add, 'You never know what's going on either.'
I've never regretted getting this surgery and have barely any difference in my physical being from it - except my life is minus the symptoms.
One other thing, and this is with all due respect to whatever decisions anyone makes. But the page from the "oasisadvanced..." commercial website is saying things that are blatantly false. Especially claims that having the gallbladder removed puts someone at a higher risk of developing diseases like Parkinson's, etc. In addition to that, throwing in a statement about God (in all caps too) is just, well... Do what you like or need to, but please base your decision on responsible information.
Good luck.
My gallbladder had to be removed for what turned out to be tumor on the inside wall. Plus I had stones. The tumor never showed up on any tests until an MRI was done. The stones never showed up at all, not even on the MRI, and were not discovered until the surgery itself. Before the MRI, it was negotiable as to whether or not to remove my gallbladder. I was having symptoms and that's what prompted the testing in the first place. But I could have lived with them if I thought nothing serious was going on.
I agree with Jesse76, in that, "It is not something to mess around with..." To that I'd add, 'You never know what's going on either.'
I've never regretted getting this surgery and have barely any difference in my physical being from it - except my life is minus the symptoms.
One other thing, and this is with all due respect to whatever decisions anyone makes. But the page from the "oasisadvanced..." commercial website is saying things that are blatantly false. Especially claims that having the gallbladder removed puts someone at a higher risk of developing diseases like Parkinson's, etc. In addition to that, throwing in a statement about God (in all caps too) is just, well... Do what you like or need to, but please base your decision on responsible information.
Good luck.
Don't apologize for "butting in", that is what this board is here for. We all need all the help and feedback we can get. I am sorry for everything you have gone through. I only objected to the surgery due to not wanting to take the 1st thing I heard and run with it. But you are right about saying that people posting are normally individuals who are having problems, and those who have not had any probably wouldn't post at all if they are doing fine. I am sure I will have the surgery done. Just sticking to my low fat diet for now, and not to mention I have to wait about 3 months for my doctor to do the surgery, unless an emergency comes up. I cannot blame you for wanting the surgery...all those years of suffering off and on. I have only had 1 attack...and certainly don't want another. But following all my doctors orders and waiting until it's time. I guess I will have to do without my gallbladder when that comes.
I wish you the best on the 16th, and PLEASE stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.
Take care,
Moira
I wish you the best on the 16th, and PLEASE stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.
Take care,
Moira
Not to butt in, but I just wanted to say a little something. I have been having digestive issues off and on my whole life. Been to digestive specialists to find stomach and duodenal ulcers, hiatal hernia, acid reflux. Currently I have only gastritis (ulcers have cleared up) still have the hernia and acid reflux, but over the past year symptoms kept getting worse and more were popping up. At first it was greasy or heavy or acidic foods, which went with the gastritis and reflux, but soon more and more food had the same effects, then it got to ANYTHING that passed thru my lips brought on the symptoms...constant nausea, the only time I felt better was if I had nothing to eat in over 4 hours, but then hunger pangs started, bouts with constipation and diarhea, then the pain began...under my right ribcage around my back and up my shoulder blade...at times enough to take my breath away and bring tears to my eyes. 3 ER visits later with nothing showing. Have been seeing a gastro specialist for 4 months who is test happy. Had 2 ultrasounds of gallbladder and CT of ab and pelvis to show only an enlarged pancreas, don't even know how many vials of blood they have taken, had EGD to show only the stomach issues. After my most recent attack while out of town I went to ER as per DR orders, they did another ultrasound and finally the HIDA scan. ER Dr. returns to tell me nothing is wrong with me and they can do nothing but send me home. I cried my eyes out...starting to think I am crazy. I go back home to my mom's and make an appointment with my urologist (I have kidney stone disease) thinking maybe I have a lodged stone in my kidney causing pain and nausea (not likely, but worth a shot). Well, it was not the stones, I tell him my story and he does an exam when he pushed a certain spot I yelped, he said that is your gallbladder. I assured him all the tests were normal but he said sometimes you can't rely only on tests and sends me to a highly regarded surgeon (who works me in after hours the same day!! He got a bunch of cookies today ;)) ANYWAY, he looks at the results from the HIDA and they were not normal, I am functioning at 31% which, although is not incredibly low, since I have so many symptoms and sensitive to touch, he suggests removal of gallbladder. It is a very tough decision. It is one thing when a DR says it has to come out, but when it is a suggestion with no guarantee, it is tough. Here is what I think. (took me awhile to get to this, sorry, just wanted to give you a little history) Anyway, I have read all the horror stories about it not helping or making things worse, but just tonight I realized there is no telling how many people have had their gallbladder removed and the only people posting are the ones experiencing problems. Someone who is wonderful and healthy after surgery is not on this website or any others for that matter. We are here looking for answers and those experiencing problems are too, those that are cured have moved on. Just today I went for pre-op...the girl who checked me in had hers out as well as the girl in the cube next to hers, they both sang its praises, then the lady in the business office also had hers out and feels great, then the nurse that drew my blood, you guessed it, same story. Everywhere I look someone is telling me a similar story and I have not found anyone with problems, everyone is happy they did it. One friend said she had diarhea for about 2 months, and now over a year later if she eats really greasy food she will have to go right away. So out of about 60 stories that is the worst I have come across. I don't know if this helps you, but it has really helped me make this decision. Take some time to talk to regular people you meet everyday, see how common it is and see what they think. I don't know if it is going to be my answer to a healthy and happy life, but I am miserable now so anything has to be an improvement, and if I don't do it I am going to feel bad anyway. Maybe it won't do anything, but I am going to take the chance because I am desperate to feel normal again and have the sensation of a full tummy! Hope to be packing on the pounds next week, God knows I need them. In 1 year I have gone from a curvy 5'5" 150ish to 115 boney and gaunt.
Oh, I almost forgot, about diet. From what I hear, if you are having problems steer clear of greasy, fried foods, roughage is also tough on you, they said no salad or green leafy veggies (which is all I used to live on) and acidic is also bothersome. (A bowl of cherry tomatoes is what set me off) I have most luck with plain noodles, plain baked potatoes, and plain rice. No seasoning, no butter, no flavor, no fat...*****. I also only drink water, but been that way for 10 years b/c of kidney stones.
I wish you all luck, I know it is really tough and everyone looks at things differently, but maybe get in the real world instead of the cyber one and see what you find out. It is not something to mess around with, if it is bad, we just have to give it up. I don't like the thought of losing an organ either, but after talking to people and seeing how common it is and not hearing any of the scary stories, I feel much better.
Hope to post soon with nothing but good things to say about my surgery. I am scheduled on the 16th.
Good luck again and I hope to find you feeling much better. Life is too short to be spent like this.
Jessie
Oh, I almost forgot, about diet. From what I hear, if you are having problems steer clear of greasy, fried foods, roughage is also tough on you, they said no salad or green leafy veggies (which is all I used to live on) and acidic is also bothersome. (A bowl of cherry tomatoes is what set me off) I have most luck with plain noodles, plain baked potatoes, and plain rice. No seasoning, no butter, no flavor, no fat...*****. I also only drink water, but been that way for 10 years b/c of kidney stones.
I wish you all luck, I know it is really tough and everyone looks at things differently, but maybe get in the real world instead of the cyber one and see what you find out. It is not something to mess around with, if it is bad, we just have to give it up. I don't like the thought of losing an organ either, but after talking to people and seeing how common it is and not hearing any of the scary stories, I feel much better.
Hope to post soon with nothing but good things to say about my surgery. I am scheduled on the 16th.
Good luck again and I hope to find you feeling much better. Life is too short to be spent like this.
Jessie
hi Kay....I found out my are mobile and I have some sludge in the gallbladder neck. Saw my doctor yesterday and she says it is up to me whether I should go ahead and have the surgery or not. but she would do it. Only because she says you can bouce back and hopefully not have any additional problems in the future. Okay when a doctor says that, makes you wonder. About the soups,. I have not had any soup since I was admitted to the ER..I will say it again, I have given up red meat alltogether and no dairy, no sodas. I haven't even attempted to eat salads. Just alot of fish with no spices, the only fish I eat is salmon and talipia.. She said do not eat shellfish. cream of wheat, chicken no skin, bbq or grilled, boiled. No sweets whatsoever. Since my ER visit on 02/03....I have lost 3 lbs. not that I needed to loose any weight, but that is what is going on. Now about the soups, I do buy some of the Harvest Select, and I am going to try one maybe today for lunch. I think I am veggied out, and cannot tell you how much fruit I eat. Lets not talk about my water intake. I have always drank alot, but now I even get water logged. But I am still battling what to do, have the gallbladder removed or not. Sorry for the long story, but this is what is going on with me for now. Let me know how you are feeling. : )
well I woke up the morning of the 10th for surgery and backed out! this is the hardest decesion I have ever had to make. either way I go, the outcome is bleak. do i live with stones and pray they stay put or take the gallbladder out and live with digestive issues and other complications. I am going to another Dr this Friday, I dont know why, he is going to say take them out.
I found this site for living without a GB I thought it was useful as far as diet and supplements to take. it is a lot but I suppose if I were having issues afterwards, I would go to any lenghts to feel better.
http://www.oasisadvancedwellness.com/learning/living-without-gallbladder.html
I found this site for living without a GB I thought it was useful as far as diet and supplements to take. it is a lot but I suppose if I were having issues afterwards, I would go to any lenghts to feel better.
http://www.oasisadvancedwellness.com/learning/living-without-gallbladder.html
You mentioned eating soups....have you tried eating any of those Select Harvets by Campbells....no fat and no cholestrol? I bought some to try something different, instead of cream of wheat...so just curious....if you have or has anyone else?
you can ask me anything..he basically only said that he wanted me to have the surgery and gave \me the name of a surgeon. But I have read horror stories and so confused. My daughter had a friend who had her gallbladder taken out and she is still having massive issues after 4 yrs. She still cannot digest her food correctly...I just found this out over the weekend. The ER doctor has put me on a low fat diet. basically only eating things that have less then 4 grams of fat..no cholesterol at all....NO DAIRY...NO JUNK FOOD I don't care even if it says fat free. I haven't touched salads. I eat fish, boiled or grilled chicken only no skin. fruits of all kinds, especially strawberries and bananas, grapes. I also try to limit my intake on salt, let me see, I eat prunes, beets, green beans...but nothing else.
Now I am going to my own doctor and getting a 2nd opinion and also so I can see the sonograms, didn't get a chance to see them in the ER. This is my body, and the less surgeries I have the better. Doctors lean to want to remove everything fast these days...if you don't need it and can live without it, all the better for them. I have not (keeping my fingers crossed) have had another attack. However if my doctor says surgery then I will do it. So to answer your other question, I have no clue how many I have, if they are mobile or not. All I know is that nothing is infected, blood work came back good except I have anemia....no blockage and nothing close to it. So we shall see...there are many groups that you can join of people who have the surgery and listen and read about their experience. This is why I am so hesitant.
Now I am going to my own doctor and getting a 2nd opinion and also so I can see the sonograms, didn't get a chance to see them in the ER. This is my body, and the less surgeries I have the better. Doctors lean to want to remove everything fast these days...if you don't need it and can live without it, all the better for them. I have not (keeping my fingers crossed) have had another attack. However if my doctor says surgery then I will do it. So to answer your other question, I have no clue how many I have, if they are mobile or not. All I know is that nothing is infected, blood work came back good except I have anemia....no blockage and nothing close to it. So we shall see...there are many groups that you can join of people who have the surgery and listen and read about their experience. This is why I am so hesitant.
I agree with you. This is not always a cut and dry decision. Did you ask your Dr. if there were any methods he would be willing to go to try to get rid of the stones vs. the gall bladder & stones together? From what I've read this is sometimes possible, but not always effective. There are websites that boast about special drinks and herbs and stuff that will help get rid of the stones, but I've not ready too many success stories regarding those methods. I am without my gall bladder and still having pain; however the pain I have now is caused by damage done by the stones in my gall bladder. If I had had my gall bladder out 3 yrs ago, I wouldn't have the problems with my biliary duct and pancreas that I have been having (or so I'm told). I don't know what to tell you, but I hope you are okay one way or the other.
Let us know what you decide.
Let us know what you decide.
I am not on a speical diet, although I do eat well, salads, whole grains fruit, veggies, and very little dairy. I only drink water, no sodas, no juices, no tea, coffee in the am. I was never told if my how many, just a lot and never told if they are mobile. although, i did see them moving on the ultra sound, my GB looks like someone dumped a box of tic tacs in it. I was reading some scary stuff on the internet about life without your gallbladder, and this morning I am thinking of backing out of the surgery...ugh this is so confusing!!
Did your DR. say if your stones were mobile? I had stones for approx. three years before they got out and started wreaking havoc in my body. I only got my gall bladder out because I had to. I had too many stones and they weren't staying put. If you don't mind my asking, what type of diet did they put you on? I could use some help in that department as my pancreas is still bothering me and everything I eat is going right through me. I understand about wanting to keep all your organs and I have talked to a lot of people that still have problems after surgery, but the majority of people I meet feel great after. If you can tough it out, I say go for it.
To you and kay413, Good luck!
To you and kay413, Good luck!
Thank you I am still not sure, but I do hope I feel better afterwards, not worse, like so many others that I read about. I will keep you all updated on my progress. So funny this weekend I am eating like its my last meal, who knows what I wont be able to eat after surgery. I want to get all my favorite foods in before Tuesday. Although I have always had good eating habits, I do have my moments of weakness. And this is my weekend of weakness...
I was having the same dilemma as you. Nothing but questions and more question. I only found out I had gallstones ( and even don't know how many or what kind) in the ER. I was put on the strict diet...and trust me I have been following to a T. But of course the doctor recommends surgery..they always do. But this is tough for me. I would rather not have it but have been struggling back and forth. Of course I know I have them, but I am going in for 2nd opinion with my doctor to see if surgery is the only way. I would rather keep all my organs. You start having 1 surgery and leads to the next. Also was is quite disturbing, is all the posts and on the net, of people who have surgery and have tons of other problems after. Basically if it isn't one thing it is another. I am waiting, but I am sure that if I have another attack..I will run like a baby to the ER again. I don't have fever, have never vomited and really never felt nausea, nor any inflammation or swelling. But time will tell, and when I get to my doctor I shall see what she has to say.
Wishing you the best of luck for your surgery and speedy recovery. Please keep us posted and let us know.
Wishing you the best of luck for your surgery and speedy recovery. Please keep us posted and let us know.
I will say a prayer for you and your surgery on the 10th. I hope it all goes well. I have heard stories of people waking up and feeling incredible. That unfortunately wasn't the case with me, but majority of the times it is an easy surgery with little recovery.
Good Luck and God Bless!
Good Luck and God Bless!
I am scheduled for surgery Tuesday the 10th I was still not sure about it until I spoke to my gastro today. I told him he needed him to convince me it has to come out, he did. He mentioned all the things you both mention. He said eventhough I am not having problems or at least pain he said having a gall bladder packed with stones is not good on your other surrounding organs, it could cause damage. and if I do have an attack, not good as you both know.
Thank you both...wish me luck!!
Thank you both...wish me luck!!
Having your gall bladder out is definately not a perfect solution; however it could be a better solution than doing nothing at all. There are some websites that boast their drinks and diets will help dissolve the stones and heal the gall bladder with out surgery. My stones had already begun to move out of my gall bladder and damage my pancreas and biliary duct. I had to have my gall bladder out immediately as those stones can wreak havoc in your body. I had had gall bladder problems three yrs. prior and didn't do much about it as I didn't want to have my gall bladder out either. Now I am paying for it and have been hospitalized three times with pancreatitis because of my gallstones.
Just weigh out the pros and cons and find out from your DR the size of your stones and if they could be mobile.
Good luck!
Just weigh out the pros and cons and find out from your DR the size of your stones and if they could be mobile.
Good luck!
you path sounds similar to mine, minus the attack. I am calling my gastro again today. i want to know at what percentage my GB is working at. i joined WW about 3 weeks ago and since this time, my digestive issues have decreased.
its all very overwhelming! i thank you for your response and sharing your story with me. good luck with your surgery and hope your feeling better soon.
its all very overwhelming! i thank you for your response and sharing your story with me. good luck with your surgery and hope your feeling better soon.
I suppose it's really a decision that you have to make for yourself taking the advice of your doctor into account.
I am currently having gallbladder issues. I had stones diagnosed about 3 years ago. At the time my doctor said that I should leave them alone if they were not bothering me. I used to get occassional mild pains after eating too much or eating cabbage in particular. About 12 months ago I started getting digestive issues - reflux and gas. Then I started to get some bowel issues. A number of weeks ago I got a full on gallbaddder attack. I can assure you that you don't want one!!! I went to my doctor . Took a week to get an appointment - in pain the whole time. Doctor confirmed gallbladder and referred me to specialist. Waited 3 weeks to get appointment with specialist. He confirmed gallbladder disease and put me on a waiting list for surgery. Could be up to 6 months. Apparently my stones are not blocking my ducts and I don't have anything life threatening. Just huge constant extreme pain. Diet doesn't help.
If I had known how this would end and I could have stopped this earlier, I would not be suffering so much today.
I am currently having gallbladder issues. I had stones diagnosed about 3 years ago. At the time my doctor said that I should leave them alone if they were not bothering me. I used to get occassional mild pains after eating too much or eating cabbage in particular. About 12 months ago I started getting digestive issues - reflux and gas. Then I started to get some bowel issues. A number of weeks ago I got a full on gallbaddder attack. I can assure you that you don't want one!!! I went to my doctor . Took a week to get an appointment - in pain the whole time. Doctor confirmed gallbladder and referred me to specialist. Waited 3 weeks to get appointment with specialist. He confirmed gallbladder disease and put me on a waiting list for surgery. Could be up to 6 months. Apparently my stones are not blocking my ducts and I don't have anything life threatening. Just huge constant extreme pain. Diet doesn't help.
If I had known how this would end and I could have stopped this earlier, I would not be suffering so much today.
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