First of all, not many 21-year-olds get their gallbladders removed. Why is this being done? As far as the back pain, it sounds as if you may have ruptured a disc. Does the pain intensify if you cough or sneeze?
Warm wishes,
AT
I am having my gallbladder removed because I have been getting severely ill for several years now but never went to the doctor for it. Only after I was sick for a couple of weeks with nausea and vomiting did I go to have it looked at. After tests were run, they found a 2 cm gallstone and told me that I should probably have it removed.
The pain does intensify if I cough or even move slightly. I took Vicodin last night for the first time and that was a disaster - I passed out and hit my head on the wall when I fell. I do not think it helped the pain at all either, but maybe falling didn't help the situation. I have also been taking naproxen sodium - but I am not sure how much this is helping as well. What else should I do for this? How long does something like this take to get better? Do you think the pain will have subsided in 10 days if I did rupture a disk?
Thanks
Jen, we're not born with "extra parts" -- You need your gallbladder. While many people can survive without one for a while, complications and additional problems inevitably arise... especially for someone so young. Even if the surgeon is quick to put you under the knife, that doesn't make it okay.
While I can't tell you what to do or not do, you might do some research into gall bladder cleansing. It could be a viable solution for you, especially in the long term.
As for your potentially ruptured disc, you'll need an MRI to determine if there's a herniation. Have your GP or local chiropractor examine you and then order this imaging study if necessary.
If there is indeed a herniation, they'll check to see if it will repair itself on its own, or whether surgery is needed to remove the herniated section. If surgery is not required, you have several options. You can let it heal on its own... this can take several months. You can undergo chiropractic treatment and/or spinal decompression. This will help you much quicker... sometimes in as little as a few days. Physical therapy can also be an option for you.
As for the gall bladder issue... it's not a "ho-hum" procedure. Removing an organ is a big deal! Please don't make the decision lightly.
Warm wishes,
AT