Gallbladder sludge and low functioning gallbladder

[mommaj25]

I have been diagnosed with gallbladder sludge and 13% gallbladder function. I have only had three attacks in the past year, two while I was pregnant and one after having the baby. I haven't had any since. Sometimes I just have gallbladder pain/tenderness for a few days if I eat something I shouldn't have. I was supposed to get surgery but I walked out. The surgeon didn't even want to discuss any other options with me. I really don't want surgery unless it's absolutely necessary. I was wondering how others felt about my situation and could give me some advice. If I don't have it removed, could it possibly kill me?

[mommaj25]

Yea, the only tests I had were an ultrasound and a HIDA scan. The surgeon didn't order any other testing which made me nervous. Thank you for the advice!

[michell221]

You can try to prolong it as long as you can by eating very very low fat but it will eventually have to come out.   There are no gallbladder flushes etc that are safe.   Pick a surgeon who has done many many thousands.  Also ask for a cholangiogram first.  This helps them visualize your ducts so you will have less risk of them cutting something they should not.   I had mine out at 23% and had bad diarrheah for 6 months. They can give you welchol or questran to help bind the stool if that happens.   I also found out that sphincter of oddi was my problem that made the gallbladder go bad.  If I would have known I had SOD  then I would have waited a little while longer to get it out since now the SOD attacks are worse than the GB pain.

[mommaj25]

It's not vanity I'm worried about. I've had two c-sections. I've never been put to sleep before and I'm more worried about that. I've also read horror stories about surgeons accidentally nicking other organs and causing even more damage. I have a couple friends who have had the surgery and regret it because one can't keep any food down, and the other the food goes right through. I don't have any symptoms like that. I've never vomited from it. I just have a very dull pain. I just didn't know if there were any diets or natural ways to try to help.

[authrjenn]

Have the surgery and don't worry about vanity!