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Gall bladder removal
I have been told I need to have my gall bladder removed because it is 'chockablock' full of tiny sandlike stones.. I am 65, overweight, but haven't ever had any symptoms that would justify the removal. The state of the gall bladder was discovered when an ecograph was made for something else. Would you say this is really a necessary operation - or should I follow my instinct and leave things as they are? Thankyou
I don't know what to believe. I know someone at the hospital and she said that doctor is a little sullen, although he is one of the best surgeons from the area. I never doubted his skill, but I'm disappointed with his social skills :)
Yeah, I agree with you. I know some people who had their gallbladder removed and they eat and drink anything with no problems. I also know 2 people who have pains... I didn't expect the doctor to say that he can do wonders and that I`m 100% safe, but I expected him to tell me something. Maybe he just had a bad day...
Anyway, I`m now convinced that I must see other surgeons and ask them about this.
Thanks.
Yeah, I agree with you. I know some people who had their gallbladder removed and they eat and drink anything with no problems. I also know 2 people who have pains... I didn't expect the doctor to say that he can do wonders and that I`m 100% safe, but I expected him to tell me something. Maybe he just had a bad day...
Anyway, I`m now convinced that I must see other surgeons and ask them about this.
Thanks.
wow, titus! Your doctor getting mad like that could be because you hit a sore point! That sort of reaction often means a guilty conscience... so, who knows??
Perhaps you need to see another doctor - who could explain the after effects. I know several people who have had their gall bladders removed and have no symptoms at all - so perhaps it is all a question on diet following surgery? Also, that the surgery is done by someone who knows what they are doing - ie - doesn't damage bile ducts etc. I think in your case I might think of surgery - and certainly, if I ever get painful symptoms will probably opt for surgery.
good luck!
Perhaps you need to see another doctor - who could explain the after effects. I know several people who have had their gall bladders removed and have no symptoms at all - so perhaps it is all a question on diet following surgery? Also, that the surgery is done by someone who knows what they are doing - ie - doesn't damage bile ducts etc. I think in your case I might think of surgery - and certainly, if I ever get painful symptoms will probably opt for surgery.
good luck!
Well my doctor is supposed to be the best from this area, but I think he has big problems listening to others.
He called me yesterday to come at the hospital and chat about why I cancelled the surgery. I went today and I explained to him that I fear possible post op complications, and that I wanted to ask him more about those first.
He then started drawing the liver and the gallbladder on a paper and explain what goes on there normally and when you have an attack(which I already knew, because I read about this for about 6 months). Then he told me that I risk much if I don't get it out because one stone can get stuck and then he'd need to do an urgent open surgery. No word about post op side effects.
I then told him that I already knew this and the risks, but I`m more concerned about things like having diarrhea for life or chronic pain, etc. He asked me where did I got that info, and was a little evasive in giving me a specific answer. I replied that my family doctor said 25% of his patients with their gallbladder removed have post op side effects, plus a lot of people from the net. Then I pushed and asked him if all his patients were fine and if at least one of them had any side effects. The doc then got mad and said that he won't answer me that question. He got up from his chair and told me that he is busy and I should probably get the surgery done by another surgeon, but that if I wait I`ll eventually have complications.
I was baffled because I had no idea why he was so angry, I only asked him some questions(and I wasn't in any way rude or inappropriate). I didn't ask any patient name or anything, and he was just telling me how yesterday he operated a obese woman and all went good; I thought it's not a big thing if I ask him a number.
So I left thinking "screw it" even if he had me convinced at some point that surgery is the best option. The reason is that my stones are pretty big(5-15mm), while the channel is 3mm. I was thinking I`m safe because it's physically impossible for them to come out or get stuck; he told me that the channel can expand to about 25mm. So he had me convinced with that argument. But then he snapped and...
Anyway, I have no idea what happened.
As for the gallbladder, I have an attack each 3-4 months, but I wasn't on any diet. I usually eat healthy, but I ate "dangerous" food(eggs, pork, cucumbers, etc) too. I had 4 attacks so far, starting last year in August when I found out which was mild, two small ones that didn't need me going to the hospital and a big one two weeks ago which got me yellow for two days. The ultrasound scan doctor said the gallbladder is not inflamated and everything is safe so far.
Right now I want to be on a diet(a little hard because you can eat almost nothing lol) and see if more problems appear. I`ll also try some teas that are supposed to melt the stones, and some medication that a GI doc prescribed (rowachol and hepatoprotect forte). I saw a lot of other medication like ursodiol, actigall, etc but my family doc said those melt calcium from your bones also and your teeth besides the stones.
Ah, this post got pretty big, but I hate what happened today.
All the best and be in good health!
He called me yesterday to come at the hospital and chat about why I cancelled the surgery. I went today and I explained to him that I fear possible post op complications, and that I wanted to ask him more about those first.
He then started drawing the liver and the gallbladder on a paper and explain what goes on there normally and when you have an attack(which I already knew, because I read about this for about 6 months). Then he told me that I risk much if I don't get it out because one stone can get stuck and then he'd need to do an urgent open surgery. No word about post op side effects.
I then told him that I already knew this and the risks, but I`m more concerned about things like having diarrhea for life or chronic pain, etc. He asked me where did I got that info, and was a little evasive in giving me a specific answer. I replied that my family doctor said 25% of his patients with their gallbladder removed have post op side effects, plus a lot of people from the net. Then I pushed and asked him if all his patients were fine and if at least one of them had any side effects. The doc then got mad and said that he won't answer me that question. He got up from his chair and told me that he is busy and I should probably get the surgery done by another surgeon, but that if I wait I`ll eventually have complications.
I was baffled because I had no idea why he was so angry, I only asked him some questions(and I wasn't in any way rude or inappropriate). I didn't ask any patient name or anything, and he was just telling me how yesterday he operated a obese woman and all went good; I thought it's not a big thing if I ask him a number.
So I left thinking "screw it" even if he had me convinced at some point that surgery is the best option. The reason is that my stones are pretty big(5-15mm), while the channel is 3mm. I was thinking I`m safe because it's physically impossible for them to come out or get stuck; he told me that the channel can expand to about 25mm. So he had me convinced with that argument. But then he snapped and...
Anyway, I have no idea what happened.
As for the gallbladder, I have an attack each 3-4 months, but I wasn't on any diet. I usually eat healthy, but I ate "dangerous" food(eggs, pork, cucumbers, etc) too. I had 4 attacks so far, starting last year in August when I found out which was mild, two small ones that didn't need me going to the hospital and a big one two weeks ago which got me yellow for two days. The ultrasound scan doctor said the gallbladder is not inflamated and everything is safe so far.
Right now I want to be on a diet(a little hard because you can eat almost nothing lol) and see if more problems appear. I`ll also try some teas that are supposed to melt the stones, and some medication that a GI doc prescribed (rowachol and hepatoprotect forte). I saw a lot of other medication like ursodiol, actigall, etc but my family doc said those melt calcium from your bones also and your teeth besides the stones.
Ah, this post got pretty big, but I hate what happened today.
All the best and be in good health!
I just came from the hospital - luckily got a GREAT doctor, who actually listened to me - and then agreed that I didn't need surgery at this time - just told me to repeat tests next year and be vigilant - if any symptoms start, see a doctor! Whew!
There really are so many unknowns titus - and if, like me, you aren't in pain, or your symptoms are minor, perhaps surgery can wait for you too! Good luck.
There really are so many unknowns titus - and if, like me, you aren't in pain, or your symptoms are minor, perhaps surgery can wait for you too! Good luck.
I just cancelled my surgery. Too many unknowns in the equation. I think I`d better take my chances with the attacks than with possible post op problems.
The ecograph I had - three and a half years ago - wasn't for reflux, or heartburn. I have never had any symptoms that could point to my gall bladder. Doctors give me dire warnings of what 'could' happen and then equally say, 'might not'!! Appears to me to be more risks involved in having it out, than leaving it where it is. Damaged bile ducts, put on weight, general anaesthetic, hospital hygiene...who knows what else! I have an appointment tomorrow morning at the hospital - and hopefully have a surgeon willing to sit and answer my doubts - rather than just ordering the surgery.
The test you had that found your gall baldder problems...was it for severe heartburn or reflux?? Those tiny sand-like stones can cause havoc with your digestive system. Removing a gall baldder is done by laproscopy and its an outpatient procedure now. 3 little holes in your belly and its done! A remarkable difference from 15 years ago! You could get a second opinion, but symptoms you may be having, thinking it was something else, could be caused by the gall bladder.
Good luck in deciding what you will chose to do. I just wanted you to know thats its not a few day stay in a hospital anymore. My girlfriend, who also is overweight, had it done and she feels so much better. best wishes filipa
Good luck in deciding what you will chose to do. I just wanted you to know thats its not a few day stay in a hospital anymore. My girlfriend, who also is overweight, had it done and she feels so much better. best wishes filipa
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