Aa
there is no future is there
Hi, My name is Meyan, I'm new to this forum, although I've already written a couple of people please excuse my forwardness. I have several gallstones that are ruining my life. My doctor is sending me to see a surgen who she says will probably want to remove my gallbladder. A specialist I went to about heartburn says the surgery has a 50/50 success rate and my pain will probably come back. He says I also have IBS and will never be pain free. I don't want to have surgery, I don't want to be in pain anymore, I don't want to keep taking pain reliever it's making my mind numb. I can't eat anything anymore without worry about the pain that's going to follow. I don't sleep good at night and I'm always tired. I get anxiety attacks constantly, migraines, nausea, constant hunger, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, depression, intestinal discomfort, flatulence, I'm a complete mess this is ruining my life. To top off I'm 52 and feel like hell, I'm not ever going to be able to regain any youth I might of had left. I feel so hopeless. Sorry for such a downer.n
Thanks so much for your kind words, boy did I ever need those. Along with my mind my computer is getting old, it is soooo slow. Please be patient with me I will eventually respond. Bless you all and take care Meyan.
Dear Meyan,
The specialist who loaded you down with 50/50 on the gallbladder removal was apparently in an awful mood that day. This information is completely untrue. What IS true is that if you got stones, and a surgeon is willing to consider removing your gallbladder, by golly it's a good idea to get it out of there! I think the only truth in what the specialist said is that the process that caused the stones to form in the first place will still be going on, but even so, modifications in diet will address that issue. But the stones ain't gonna just go away... if they're causing you pain and the surgeon does some tests, and he decides to take it out, let him. So, visit that surgeon again and procede forward with him. Post surgery gets some getting used to, so you don't get off scot-free, but ANYthing is better than putting up with the awful pain you got now.
Now, as for IBS and never being pain free, which that same silly specialist told you, is also completely untrue. What DOES happen is, once you get an irritable bowel, it's kind of like having feet that hurt. If you baby your feet, they'll feel better; same with the bowel. If you take the right medicines, eat the right stuff, and numerous other treatments, you shouldn't have an "attack" for endless periods of time. I have IBS, some medications did a real number on my guts in short order, and so I have drugs that help it, I eat certain foods to keep myself regular, and I am nowhere near as sick as I once was. IBS for me now is like background noise, or with the analogy of the feet, if you wear the right shoes and support hose and so forth, sure they'll finally get to where they hurt, but only if they're pushed to where ANYbody would have sore feet.
Look, I went through a lot of emotional turmoil in my early 50s, and it's a hormonal thing, and you CAN take bioidentical hormones to get you through this rough patch. I used some stuff for a couple years until I started feeling normal again, and I don't need it now. It's just when the rush of the change comes through, even the strongest of women can turn into weak kittens for a while.
I would sum up your situation as you've got pain from your stones, and I'm here to tell you as someone who fractured her back in a car wreck and had unbelievable pain for many years, that it's the PAIN that is distracting you, causing you to freak out, and in general making you miserable. By taking out your gallbladder, half the battle will be won. The rest is getting your guts to calm down, which your general doc ought to give you some meds like hydrocyamine, knocks the misery index down a few notches, and drink Acidophilus milk or eat Activia yogurt from the grocery store every now and then, eat whole grains and have fresh fruit as a snack (blueberries are great), and your mind and emotions will settle down becuz you're treating your illnesses.
I have relatives who are in their 90s and they're in better shape than me, but they too had to go thru some rough patches with their health. When you're as young as you and me, it can sometimes be a real shock to have illness, that's all. Welcome to the world of senior citizens...they retire for a reason! You will indeed slow down, you won't be 20 years old again, but I know that one of the best things about getting older is, you suddenly become very wise. And this wisdom will lead you to some really amazing new interests that you've been putting off. My husband and I are big-time gardeners, we watch birds, enjoy little walks in parks with our dogs, and hey, if we don't want to clean up the house, who cares!?!
It's time to kick back, let the pros in surgery help you out, let the pharmaceutical companies show you what their drugs can do, admit you gotta go slower and that you're going to feel ill from time to time, and get on with your life. It won't be the same life, but it'll be just as good... just a little different, that's all. I hope this helps you. PLEASE go back to that surgeon who was wanting to take your gallbladder out, start eating a little differently, get you some hormones temporarily, and in the future, if you need medicine or medical assistance, just let go and accept assistance from others. Believe me, you are in good company.
GG
The specialist who loaded you down with 50/50 on the gallbladder removal was apparently in an awful mood that day. This information is completely untrue. What IS true is that if you got stones, and a surgeon is willing to consider removing your gallbladder, by golly it's a good idea to get it out of there! I think the only truth in what the specialist said is that the process that caused the stones to form in the first place will still be going on, but even so, modifications in diet will address that issue. But the stones ain't gonna just go away... if they're causing you pain and the surgeon does some tests, and he decides to take it out, let him. So, visit that surgeon again and procede forward with him. Post surgery gets some getting used to, so you don't get off scot-free, but ANYthing is better than putting up with the awful pain you got now.
Now, as for IBS and never being pain free, which that same silly specialist told you, is also completely untrue. What DOES happen is, once you get an irritable bowel, it's kind of like having feet that hurt. If you baby your feet, they'll feel better; same with the bowel. If you take the right medicines, eat the right stuff, and numerous other treatments, you shouldn't have an "attack" for endless periods of time. I have IBS, some medications did a real number on my guts in short order, and so I have drugs that help it, I eat certain foods to keep myself regular, and I am nowhere near as sick as I once was. IBS for me now is like background noise, or with the analogy of the feet, if you wear the right shoes and support hose and so forth, sure they'll finally get to where they hurt, but only if they're pushed to where ANYbody would have sore feet.
Look, I went through a lot of emotional turmoil in my early 50s, and it's a hormonal thing, and you CAN take bioidentical hormones to get you through this rough patch. I used some stuff for a couple years until I started feeling normal again, and I don't need it now. It's just when the rush of the change comes through, even the strongest of women can turn into weak kittens for a while.
I would sum up your situation as you've got pain from your stones, and I'm here to tell you as someone who fractured her back in a car wreck and had unbelievable pain for many years, that it's the PAIN that is distracting you, causing you to freak out, and in general making you miserable. By taking out your gallbladder, half the battle will be won. The rest is getting your guts to calm down, which your general doc ought to give you some meds like hydrocyamine, knocks the misery index down a few notches, and drink Acidophilus milk or eat Activia yogurt from the grocery store every now and then, eat whole grains and have fresh fruit as a snack (blueberries are great), and your mind and emotions will settle down becuz you're treating your illnesses.
I have relatives who are in their 90s and they're in better shape than me, but they too had to go thru some rough patches with their health. When you're as young as you and me, it can sometimes be a real shock to have illness, that's all. Welcome to the world of senior citizens...they retire for a reason! You will indeed slow down, you won't be 20 years old again, but I know that one of the best things about getting older is, you suddenly become very wise. And this wisdom will lead you to some really amazing new interests that you've been putting off. My husband and I are big-time gardeners, we watch birds, enjoy little walks in parks with our dogs, and hey, if we don't want to clean up the house, who cares!?!
It's time to kick back, let the pros in surgery help you out, let the pharmaceutical companies show you what their drugs can do, admit you gotta go slower and that you're going to feel ill from time to time, and get on with your life. It won't be the same life, but it'll be just as good... just a little different, that's all. I hope this helps you. PLEASE go back to that surgeon who was wanting to take your gallbladder out, start eating a little differently, get you some hormones temporarily, and in the future, if you need medicine or medical assistance, just let go and accept assistance from others. Believe me, you are in good company.
GG
Hi featherbed,
As I've written to you personally thanks for responding. When someone isn't feeling well that can very possibly make a difference. Your advice is very practical and sound, and very much appreciated. Take care Meyan
As I've written to you personally thanks for responding. When someone isn't feeling well that can very possibly make a difference. Your advice is very practical and sound, and very much appreciated. Take care Meyan
I know many many people who have had successful gallbladder surgery - the key is still to watch your fat intake afterwards. Watch your diet and no pain. IBS can be managed. You will have to work to adjust your diet, your stress levels, look at some exercise and look for ways to relax. You might want to try massage therapy, acupuncture or biofeedback to help you manage the IBS pain. There is a future but you need to make it happen. I know when you're depressed and hurting that it is hard to see it. There is hope.
Oh you poor thing, i feel for you.
I have similar symptoms, but have no idea what it is yet yet. like you I am suffering with anxiety attacks an depression becasue of it. Last night i couldnt sleep because i was having a majoy panic attack and thought i was having a stroke or something. all due to the worry and sickness i feel every day.
I guess i dont have much to offer except my support - i truly know how rough being ill can be.
One practical thing to try if you havent already. have you tried an experiment with diet changes? I cut out fatty foods and airy for a few days and felt a bit better. its worth a try at least to see what happens. Also take milk thistle which supports the liver and gallbladder, eat raw foods and drink peppermint teas.
As for your head space (and i need to take my own advice here too), remember that at some point in the future, you will feel better, and look back and think - why did i mess myself up worrying so much? It only makes you feel worse. For now, pinch yourself if you start to get anxious over it, and find something to distract you! Also try doing relaxation exercises, or meditation. You WILL feel better, just be a little patient and everything will turn out ok.
I have similar symptoms, but have no idea what it is yet yet. like you I am suffering with anxiety attacks an depression becasue of it. Last night i couldnt sleep because i was having a majoy panic attack and thought i was having a stroke or something. all due to the worry and sickness i feel every day.
I guess i dont have much to offer except my support - i truly know how rough being ill can be.
One practical thing to try if you havent already. have you tried an experiment with diet changes? I cut out fatty foods and airy for a few days and felt a bit better. its worth a try at least to see what happens. Also take milk thistle which supports the liver and gallbladder, eat raw foods and drink peppermint teas.
As for your head space (and i need to take my own advice here too), remember that at some point in the future, you will feel better, and look back and think - why did i mess myself up worrying so much? It only makes you feel worse. For now, pinch yourself if you start to get anxious over it, and find something to distract you! Also try doing relaxation exercises, or meditation. You WILL feel better, just be a little patient and everything will turn out ok.
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