Archive through October 25, 2002
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TV ClubHouse: Archives: 2003 January: Gall Bladder info/stories/advice wanted: Archive through October 25, 2002

Meggieprice

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 07:22 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I started having symptoms this past year and happened to see a chinese medicine dr. this summer who suggested I see a western doctor as he felt I have a problem with my gall bladder. My main symptoms were that I get pain and diarrhea after I eat a rich meal. Then, as many of you know, I was struck down by three torn discs so I put that on the back burner. Now I am scheduled for an ultrasound next week since my dh did not want me to delay it any longer after I got sick after my first meal out in two months ...and have been troubled this week with very sharp pain in my right shoulder. Experimenting, it made it much much worse when I ate peanut butter at one point, and spare ribs at another. So I am following a very lowfat diet while I wait for the ultrasound as I do not want to end up in ER...

has anyone else had these symptoms and had it be gall bladder? Is having it removed the only recourse if I do have stones or an obstruction? Any and all feedback, anecdotes, advice...etc. welcome!

Draheid

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 07:39 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie, several years ago, I was experiencing lower-back pain eminating from the very base of my spine. I thought for a while that it might be kidney trouble because it was close to that area, only more centered on my back then directly in the kidney area. I went to see an old family physician who was very quick to prescribe an ultrasound which discovered that I had gallstones. I had my gall bladder removed shortly thereafter.

I also have a good friend that has had this procedure and we have shared 'stories' about the after-effects of the surgery. However, we never really talked much about the symptoms my friend experienced prior to the surgery. I will try to get some details tomorrow and post them here for you.

I hope this helps a little. If you are interested in the procedure and/or the after effects, let me know and I'll be happy to talk about it with you.

Please do get it taken care of if this is in fact the problem. I hope not, that there is another explanation, but if it is stones, you do need to get it dealt with.

Take care. You are in my thoughts! {{{{{Meggieprice}}}}}

Abbynormal

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 07:48 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie, I haven't had this myself but have an aunt and a cousin that I looked after when they had their surgeries. From what I understand when it is acute just about anything you eat will hurt. I am probably wrong but I think it's pretty standard to have it removed.

Both my aunt and cousin's were removed by laser, which meant just 2 tiny incisions. I think that is wonderful. My cousin had her's removed the Wed. before Thanksgiving last year and it was out-patient surgery! She was eating leftovers that Friday and went back to work Monday. She has had no problems at all.

My aunt stayed in the hospital 2 nights but she is in her seventies and lives alone. I think it was more to keep an eye on her more than anything and make sure she was doing well. She is doing great also.

Sorry for telling my family history, but I just wanted you to know, at least from the little experience I know, that it was not a bad thing to go through and the relief was immediate.

Good luck to you and I hope you feel better soon. :)

Joyful

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 07:55 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Gallstones. My symptoms because they vary. Excruciating pain in midright side can go thru to back. Comes on suddenly and usually after eating high fat or foods that are hard to digest, such as beans, popcorn etc. The attacks can cause nausea, I've never heard of diarreah with them. The attacks come on very suddenly and can go away just as sudden. Then they start becoming more frequent. I had mine removed 6 years ago and am doing fine. Symptom free. Until your tested a bland diet should help. Applesauce, boiled chicken, canned fruit jello etc. Broccolli and cabbage are hard to digest as are apples etc. For me it wasn't the rich foods as much as bulky foods.

Babyruth

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 08:17 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Sounds most likely to be a gall bladder problem, but you never know. Good thing you are getting it checked out. The ultrasound will show what's going on.
Here are two websites with lots of info for you to check out:

Laurushealth.com

About.com

Gallbladders that need to be removed are most often done laparoscopically these days (they make 2-4 small incisions in your abdomen, send in their little instuments, snip, laser and remove it). Some of these procedures are done in an outpatient setting, some places have you spend one night but less than 24 hours total in the hospital. Recovery is usually very quick, and most people seem to go right back to eating whatever they want.
Good luck, Meggie, and keep us updated!
(((((Meggie)))))

Meggieprice

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 08:46 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I actually have tears in my eyes coming back to see your messages and reflecting on the caring and knowledge I see in this TVCH community.

Draheid- is there anything you don't know? LOL. Yes, any feedback or info about recovery, etc. would be appreciated.

Abbynormal-thank you too as I would like to hear any and all stories.

Joyful- you helped me understand why I keep getting pain when I am eating almost no fat right now- I was virtuously eating a little boiled chicken, rice...and BROCCOLI! I have had a lot of nausea, also. I also noticed that pain is worse lying down than sitting.

Thank you so much Babyruth for the links!

You all just absolutely rock- I feel surrounded by your collective hugs and I can't even form words for how much this place means to me. It seems a little unfair (whine whine) that I am facing more tests and this problem when I am still not even fully up and around with my disc problems but I have the worlds most wonderful husband taking care of me and I have you guys looking out for me too.I welcome all information as you know how hungry you can be for info about something like this. Not to mention how hungry you can be period eating this way, LOL! My u/s is next Tuesday....

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

p.s. GO GIANTS!!!!!

Tess

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 09:04 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie, I never suspected gall bladder until I ended up in the ER one holiday afternoon. Since I had a fever and side pain with nausea the doctors really thought it was appendicitis. An xray in the ER and ultra-sound the next day showed many gall stones.

Apparently, I had gall bladder problems for quite some time and had been ignoring the symptoms (yes, I tend to do that) as some of the stones had gone on a little trip down the bile duct blocking it off. My liver became infected and my surgery ended up not being the in and out snip snip kind. Recovery was several months instead of days and it wasn't pleasant.

I wasn't going to post here because I don't like being gruesome or melodramatic, however, if this convinces you to follow through and pay attention to your doctor and dh's advice, then it's worth it. People may think that gall bladder is no big deal, but it can lead to a big deal if ignored as I did.

On the more cheery side, both my mom and several friends (who are less hard-headed than I am) had the out-patient surgery and it went very well. They were up and around in no time, some taking care of small children.

Good luck. I'll be thinking of you and praying for your speedy recovery.

P.S. Yay Giants!!

Zachsmom

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 09:09 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie (((((((((HUG)))))))))))))

I have never had problem with my gallbladder but I do have Crohns disease so I deal with nausea,vomiting and diarrhea almost on a daily basis. See if your doctor will prescribe some compazine. It really helps with the symtoms until you get checked out. I don't know if it will interact with any other meds you are taking but it could help! I take it right after I eat right when the nausea starts and it really helps it subside.

p.s. GO LITTLE PEOPLE!!!!!

Twinkie

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 09:11 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie, you are very lucky you are having the problem now instead of 25 years ago when i had my gallbladder removed. I had been having lots of pain after eating and this went on for about 2 years. I was young and didn't like doctors. One night i awoke in the middle of the night thinking i was having a heart attack the pain was so severe. I was rushed to the hospital and went immediately in the OR where they removed the gallbladder. They said it was so full of stones it was ready to burst. Very unusual in someone so young. I was about 25. Back then it was major surgery. I have a scar about 7 inches long and was in the hospital a week and then in bed for about a month. Now days its considered minor surgery. So don't worry but also don't let it go.

Meggieprice

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 09:26 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I promise! I will have the u/s-they couldn't move it sooner so I am being very careful about eating. I honestly would not have waited these months except I have been bedridden with this other problem. Twinkie- I am so sorry you had to go through that!

Tess-don't worry about scaring me-it is nice to be informed.

Zachsmom-thank you and also LOL...little people...

Any thoughts on how life is without a gall bladder? Do you notice a difference in digestion? Problems with certain foods? Are there things you can do to make it easier?

Draheid

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 10:27 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ok, Meggie, you wanted to know about the procedure itself. Well, here's how mine went. Mind you, I am a stubborn sort as you will see:

Thusrday (Don't even remember the date now, but about 9 years ago)
7:15AM Scheduled to arrive @ hospital for procedure.
8:00AM Arrived at hospital to check in. (They were NOT happy with me! LOL)
9:00AMish Procedure started. I had 3 incisions initially, however because the 'gallstones' were too large, they had to make a 4th incision at my navel to remove the entire gallbladder.
<don't know everything in this time period as I was out>
5:00PMish Woke up groggy. I was informed by the nurse that my surgeon suggested I stay the night. Being groggy, I said yeah, whatever.
6:00PMish More awake, less groggy. Buzzed to see when i could go home. I was told they'd have to check w/Dr.
7:00PMish Wide awake, no grogginess at all. A little sore, but otherwise ok. I was informed that *IF* I could walk the floor 3 times in a row, I *might* be released.
7:30PM 4 laps around the entire floor. Stopped by nursing station to inform them that I was ready to go. They promised to call the Dr. to confirm.
8:15PM I checked out and drove myself home. :O

The only complication I suffered wasn't directly related to the procedure. I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive they used to cover the largest incision across my navel. Seems my skin doesn't like adhesives. I just never knew how much it didn't like them! LOL

I was back to work on Monday. Yes, I was moving a tad slower than usual only because of the extra incision on my navel. Otherwise, I was fine.

I'll try to put together some post-surgical information for you later.

I hope this helps.

Meggieprice

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 10:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thank you Dra! I laughed at your stubborness- and that you drove yourself home.

Lyn

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 11:41 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Six weeks after I had my son I started throwing up. Every night without fail I'd be in the bathroom from midnight until around 6am. It got to the point where I'd bring son's cradle into the bathroom with me (hubby worked nights) so that I could breastfeed him when he woke up. As for me, I'd fall asleep on the floor in between bouts until I started feeling better. After three months of that I went to the dr for tests and found out it was my gallbladder.

NOTE: Drs said it is very common for women to have their gallbladder removed after giving birth to a boy. my picture

Sia

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 04:45 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie, I'm sorry you're having pain from gallstones in addition to the back trouble you've been experiencing! Hugs are nearly all I can offer you since I've no familiarity with gallbladder trouble.
I would offer a teensy bit of advice about your hospital stay, Draheid's heroics notwithstanding. If your insurance will pay for you to stay overnight, definitely stay the night in hospital. You will need the rest and it's good to be there should any complications develop. I wish now I'd stayed the extra night that was offered to me following my hysterectomy; I didn't (because I thought my two small children couldn't get along without me for another day), and was in the E.R. about three or four days later.

Draheid, you're one tough guy! If/when I have to go back to hospital again, I'm staying as long as they will keep me! I actually enjoyed being there the three times I've been hopsitalized (two births, one surgery). There was just something restful about being in a sparsely-furnished room that didn't "need anything" cleaned up or moved around. At home I look around and see so much that I should do, and it isn't easy to rest while fretting about the housework.

Kstme

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 07:25 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie...I was one of the lucky ones. I never had any pain. I'd been to my hairdresser and when she tilted me back I almost lost my cookies. Being anorexic/bulimic at this stage in my life, throwing up over food was on my daily agenda, but this was different. I was 28. Like Twinkie, the docs thought I was too young!

Five days after seeing the surgeon, my gallbladder and apendicts were removed. I even had my ears pierced at the same time!

This was back in 1975. I have the beautimous 7 inch scar too! It's so much easier now!!

Meggie, is there anyone else in your family who has had gallbladder problems? They've found it's sometimes genetic. Mine came from my father's side.

<please excuse any typo's or word usuage...still on first cup of coffee>

Heyltslori

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 07:31 am EditMoveDeleteIP
6 weeks ago my sister had a baby girl by c-section. All went well and I have a beautiful healthy niece. :) One week ago in the middle of the night my sister woke up with severe back and abdomen pain. She went to the ER and was admitted to the hospital with gallstones. Late the following day they removed her gallbladder. It sounds like the procedure was similar to what Draheid described...they made 4 small incisions in her stomach area...and one in her navel where they actually removed the gallbladder. She was able to come home the next morning...and other than being a bit sore she is recovering nicely. Her doctor did tell her that for a few weeks she should not eat foods that have a lot of fat or sugar content as that might cause diarrhea.

Good luck Meggie...I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Northstar

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 12:41 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
This board is astounding at times. Meggieprice, I've been dealing with a similar situation since the beginning of the month. My presenting problems were pain between my shoulder blades, middle/lower breastbone, and fleeting tenderness under my right shoulder blade. I'd wake in the middle of the night with major pain. Most of the time it would last anywhere from 1/2 to 2 hours and then disappear completely. There's a history of heart problems on my mom's side so that was my first reaction. Then I thought maybe it could be panic attacks. I have a fairly calm demeanor, but life was super intense the first two weeks of the month and I was a mess. So, after worrying a couple days, I picked up the phone and made an appointment with my GP and then one with a cardiologist. The nurse in the cardio's office said it sounded like gall bladder problems but we made the appt. anyway.

I got on the Net and looked around. I'm classic for the "Fours": female, fair, fat, forty. I read about having a high fat diet so I eliminated them as much as possible. It's was amazing, after a few days my symptoms decreased. I'd also been graduating from coffee to green tea and I read that studies in men have shown caffine actually helped decrease pain. So, I've had a few Bingo moments about this whole gall bladder matter. I'm still planning to see the Dr.s, but I'm feeling much better in every way.

Here's a side note. I have a neighbor (50ish male) who was diagnosed with something (don't know what) that had to do with his gall bladder. All I know is that instead of removing it, he chose to follow a no fat diet. He's lost about 30 bls and feels great. Of course I don't know details on his problems, but it's possible for some to live with the organ and change lifestyle.

Anyway, I sincerely hope the best for you Meggieprice, and thank you so much for starting this discussion. I haven't logged on for a few days and when I saw this post I had to smile. Life's funny that way sometimes. Thanks Meggieprice and everyone who's shared their info.

Meggieprice

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 02:12 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thank you all so much for your input and stories. I never feel alone when I hear about others. Kstme- you cracked me up about your ear piercing. Your anorexia at the time was probably related, btw- extremes are apparently hard on the gall bladder. Lyn and HeyItsLori- it also seems to be quite common to form gallstones during pregnancy, or so I have read.

Isn't life like that, Northstar?

I did a lot of net reading in the last week myself- read 380 posts on the women's health board at About, etc. (sounds like you may have been there yourself.)

I find myself hoping it is my gall bladder, not the best way to think but yet I would hate to have to have an ever widening cycle of tests to figure out what is wrong....meanwhile facing some injections into my torn discs next week and the pain from that...

Yet, life is good- I have the most wonderful husband ever created (though I have a feeling Dra may be in that league! )-see the Best Date thread for our story.... and you guys are always here rain, shine, pain, party, to advise, confide, hug.

Having spent this week on as low a fat diet as I could muster I don't see how your neighbor does it, NS. No cooking with oil...and not much else either! I thought my dry toast would fill the bill but each slice had 5 grams of fat... I think I will stick to oatmeal until the u/s.

I would really love some feedback about life after gall bladder removal- does it change your digestion forever? Pain gone? Can you eat normally?

{{{{{{{{{Everyone}}}}}}}}}

Joyful

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 08:19 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie? For some reason should they not be able to do the laproscopic surgery, The other isn't so bad. I had also waited too long and the Dr. did it the old fashioned way. I was back to work in 2 weeks and I teach preschool. I just didn't lift the children and rested when I got home. I think even the old fashioned procedure is now easier than before.

Twinkie

Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 08:35 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie, I eat anything i want now and don't remember being restricted after about 2 weeks after surgery. Makes life so much better!! <maybe eating anything isn't so good on the scales> LOL

Biloxibelle

Friday, October 25, 2002 - 07:22 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie Hi I am going through the exact same thing right now. I have been "sick" for about 5 weeks now. I have had pain but not just from fried or fatty foods but all foods. Only thing is most of the pain I have heard people say they had was an attack that sent them to the ER. Mine hasn't been like that more like a tooth ache kind of pain but I am always sore and tender, been running a low grade fever, just feeling really run down and on bad days just sleeping a lot.

I had one ultrasound that showed no stones. Then Dr. sent me for what they call a Fatty meal ultrasound. Let me tell you this about that and this might not happen to you, but, if they have you take that test have someone go with you. I didn't and that test made me sick as a dog. It was no food or drink after midnight thing then when I got there the tech did another ultrasound after which I had to drink 2 cups of something that tasted like Ensure. I had to "return" in 45 to have another ultrasound and after about 30 minutes of sitting in the waiting room I got so sick I wanted to just die. She came back and got me and did the test and it showed my gall bladder is not working and I have a "slight obstruction of the bile duct. Anyway she told me to eat crackers or bread to soak up the "fatty meal". I have no idea how I made it home and had no business driving but I did. So you might want to pack some bread or crackers to have with you.

Anyway I go to the surgeon today at 2:00. I'll post back and let you know what is up after that.

Kstme

Friday, October 25, 2002 - 09:42 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Meggie, I eat and drink ANYTHING I want. I've had ulcers for as long as I can remember so I don't conect that with the gallbladder being gone.

Meggieprice

Friday, October 25, 2002 - 12:48 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thank you all for continuing to post here- very reassuring to hear about life post removal...

Biloxibelle- please do let me know how it goes- I have heard about the other test you mentioned.

Yesterday I found my food choices so dismal I basically skipped eating. I'll do better today!


GO GIANTS!!!!!!!

Misslibra

Friday, October 25, 2002 - 10:37 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I have not read through this thread but wanted to share what I went through. My gallbladder nightmare story... I had been having stomach pain on and off for about a month. And had just taken test to see what the problem was. But before the test came back, I woke up one morning getting ready to go to work when pains started hitting me all I could do was double over and hold my stomach in pain. My pains had gotten so bad I literally thought I was about to die, and wanted to so that I could be taken out of my misery.

It was worst then labor pains, and on top of that I was vomiting at the same time. It was the worst experience I ever had in my life. My Doctor had waited to long to take the test and to diagnose the problem. The Doctor(A laser surgeon) who performed my surgery afterward told me that if I had waited a day of two before going to the ER there was a good chance I wouldn't be here. That is how bad it had gotten for me.

I was lucky that I had the laser surgery done where the gallbladder is removed through the navel. It only left two small marks on my stomach. My advice to anyone who is experiencing gallbladder problems, get tested right away to see how bad the problem has gotten. And if you have to get it removed, get it done ASAP. I say that because of what I went through. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Good luck to all of you who may have this problem, it is definitely nothing to play with.

Meggieprice

Friday, October 25, 2002 - 10:57 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
MissLibra- thank you for your story- but my question- what could have happened? Does a gall bladder rupture? Infection?I have been in quite a bit of pain all week, non fat diet or not... it is sharp and very uncomfortable but I have been able to get through it.(I have pain meds already for my disc problems) Nausea, etc., but no vomiting at this point. They could not fit me in for ultrasound until Tuesday though of course if I go to ER it would be different....