Gall Bladder info/stories/advice wanted
TV ClubHouse: Archives: 2003 January:
Gall Bladder info/stories/advice wanted
Tashakinz | Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 10:23 am     Meggie: When I was younger (early 20s) it was right-sided lower abdominal cramping. Then (mid-late 20s), I was having severe right-sided upper abdominal cramping. It wasn't continuous, it came and went. The first doc told me it was pancreatitis (when it was lower pain) and gave me a scrip. The second doc (when it was upper pain) told me it was reflux and gave me a scrip. (They sure love to pat you on the head and tell you to "take this".) I was young & didn't know any better. They found the stones 4 years after the reflux diagnosis when the ER/hospital docs ordered the ultrasound. (I had changed docs again by this time). Turned out the reason the pain ended up so high up on my abdomen because my gb adhesed itself to my ribs due to the prior attacks. Hope the info helps. |
Bigd | Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 10:50 am     What is your status Meggieprice? I have been watching this thread for your result. I know you must be frustrated. I had gallbladder removed in 1982, 6 months after the birth of my second boy child. I was only 25 years old. I laid in the bed with a complete blockage for 4 days before my mom got me to the emergency room. I had jaundice and was full of infection. They had to treat me for a week before they could do the surgery. I had 22 stones all about the size of a beebee. I had no real problems with the surgery itself, but I had a horrific scare with the anesthesia. I have a rather pronounced 6 inch diagonal scar across my abdomen, however. I don't know how long I had felt the symptoms, but the one I vividly remember was the nausia and belching what seemed like rotten eggs. I have been fine ever since. I have no dietary restrictions or problems and am very glad to be rid of my gallbladder. (I am also minus some other internal organs that I do not miss, but I guess that is another thread, hehe). |
Earthmother | Friday, December 13, 2002 - 08:35 am     My friend just had the same kind of laser surgery to have her gall bladder removed. She was up and around in about a week. Boy I think you guys are lucky with the medical advancement that has been made over the years it's a snap. I had mine out when I was 27 and they only knew how to put yout to sleep forever, cut you wide open and make you stay in the hospital for a week. The only real after effects I've noticed over the years is some MILD acid reflux..with nowhere for the acid to dump it is quite normal...TUMS ARE MY FRIENDS.. |
Willwillbee | Monday, December 16, 2002 - 10:04 am     I've known a couple of folks who've had their gallbladder removed, & both noted that MANY misc. problems that they didn't associate with the gallbladder went away with removal. I've never known anyone who thought removal was a mistake. |
Sadiesmom | Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 12:03 pm     HI, After many mis-diagnosis, I had an ultra scan which found a ton of gallstones. I went to see a doctor who treated me disrespectfully and, when I asked questions, gave me the 'happy gall bladder sad gall bladder' comic coloring book. He told me I would have to have the slashing surgery and, when I saked about the band-aid surgery of today. I had read about advances and he said it was not in general practice and I should be satisfied to follow what he ordered. I was so upset after seeing him, I went on the lemonade and excercise diet and the pain subsided. About a week after meeting him, I read in the paper about how he was a the forefront of the laprascopic procedure. I never looked back even though this was 15 years ago. Once a year I might get a twinge, but I have never had pain again and just never did anything. My current doctor freaked out when I told her this story, but she said as long as I dont have pain, it is my business. |
Meggieprice | Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 01:09 pm     Hi all! Sorry Bigd and others not to have let everyone know my outcome- basically because I am still so frustrated. My scan showed nothing. I am in the middle of having six months or so of prolotherapy for my back problem- injections of fluid to stimulate inflammation and the resulting bulding of new ligaments and tendons- so have deferred further digestive investigations. One interesting thing- Michael and I have been eating oatmeal almost every day and I have had lots fewer episodes of pain. |
Sadiesmom | Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 02:39 pm     diet does affect the symptoms. I have one friend that was sickly all her life, doctors could never find anything wrong with her. One day a doctor suggested removing her gall baldder, I personally told her that was crazy, but she did it anyway. Ever since she feels great and it has been over one year. They think is was a chronic low level problem that just was not visible with tests. This is like the 'ulcers are cuased by bacteria' story. Everyone laughed, but it turned out to be true. Go figure |
Denecee | Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 11:20 am     My co-worker has had these pains in his side for about two years, the doc couldn't figure it out, finally he seen another doc who told him it was gallstones. Back to his doc, who agreed with 2nd doc and set up the appt. to do surgery. He was only suppose to do the two little insecions but they couldn't find my co-worker's gall bladder so they cut him open and still didn't find the gall bladder. The doc told him that he has heard of people being born without a gall bladder. OMG! So now he is not only going to miss work for 6 to 8 weeks but he won't feel any better because they didn't do anything except cut him open and look around for the missing gall bladder. Has anybody else ever heard of such a thing? |
Sadiesmom | Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 07:01 pm     OH MY GOD! That is a horrible story. Did they ever find what caused his pain? Didn't these people ever hear of an ultra sound. You might not get that worker back. Sounds like a good lawsuit for at least the lost salary. |
Denecee | Friday, January 03, 2003 - 08:14 am     Sadie- He's still in the hospital, had the surgery on 12/30/02. They do not know what caused his almost constant pain, they are saying maybe a pulled muscle. Uh, that would have been nice to know before they cut an 8 inch slice in him, plus they did do an ultrasound before the surgery and told him that his gallbladder is full of little stones! He is suppose to go home tomorrow and has already set up a meeting with a lawyer. |
|