Gall Bladder info/stories/advice wanted

Gall Bladder info/stories/advice wanted

Meggieprice

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 07:22 pm
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Thank you Dra! I laughed at your stubborness- and that you drove yourself home.

Lyn

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 11:41 pm
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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....

Misslibra

Saturday, October 26, 2002 - 12:18 am
Yes it was about to rupture and poisoned my whole system. And if I had of waited until the test came back and not went to emergency I'm sure I would of been a very very sick person. They had to do emergency surgery on me right away. The doctor said there was a lot of infection, which is why I was in so much pain and felt like I was about to leave here. I was taking pain meds to but, when that attack happen the meds I was taking wasn't helping. My stay in the hospital was a week.

Biloxibelle

Saturday, October 26, 2002 - 08:03 am
Hi Meggie, Had my appointment yesterday and am going to have my Gallbladder out Tues morning at 7:00 am. They are going to do the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (laser). According to the surgeon he will make the first incision then x-ray the bile duct to make sure there are no stone there, then if not he will continue with the other 3 very small incisions and remove the GB. He said even though the ultrasound showed no stones it is not unheard to find them during the removal of the GB, but in my case he really didn't expect to. It seems my GB just quit working right. When I asked him why he said cause I was a woman in my 40's and it was time for it to quit.

Anyway it is a day surgery type deal. The nurse said I will come home with 4 band-aids that I can remove after 24 hours but under that are steri-strips I have to leave on until they fall off. Can shower after 48 hours. No work for a week and no heavy lifting for 2 weeks. The anesthesiolodist said that this surgery does tend to make people sick but before they wake me back up they will pump me full of meds to help with that. Said they most complaints they get are about the sore throat from the breathing tube.

Not sure I'll make it back on here on Tues but will post Wed and let you know how it went. Let us know how your ultrasound comes out. Talk to you then.

Meggieprice

Saturday, October 26, 2002 - 10:46 am
Good luck to you Biloxibelle! That's exactly the time I am having my ultrasound. I will wait to hear your story and I am so glad you found out what was wrong. I'll send prayers and good vubrations your way.

Misslibra-I'll keep a close eye on this- I wont delay going to ER if it gets any worse,

Thank you so much all of you!

Go Giants!!!

Sia

Sunday, October 27, 2002 - 10:58 pm
Good luck, Meggie and Biloxibelle!! I'll be thinking of you as you undergo surgery, Bbelle, and you, Meggie, as you get your test on Tuesday! smileylove

Babyruth

Monday, October 28, 2002 - 03:59 pm
Yeah, what Sia said! ((((Bbelle)))) ((((Meggie))))

Biloxibelle

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 10:37 am
Thank you for the good wishes & Prayers. All went fine. And here I am gallbladderless. Got there at 6;15 and they preped me took me in and I was awake (dopey) and leaving by 9:00. I am swelled up and sore with moments of pain at the belly button incision but it is manageable with the pain meds. Yesterday was bed all day but was very doped up. I can say that this GB had to come out I can tell that already.
Meggie how did your test go? Let us know. Again thanks to ((((all))))

Meggieprice

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 10:59 am
Biloxibelle-I am so happy all went well!

My test was a lot more uncomfortable than I thought it would be as my gallbladder was "shy" and the tech really had to work to try to see it. They did all my other organs while they were at it...

Anxiously awaiting the results and will keep you all posted!

Lucy

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 08:39 pm
Meggie,
I hope all goes well for you!!

Misslibra

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 08:53 pm
Biloxibelle, good to hear all went well for you. Now you wont have to worry about another gallbladder attack again. :)

my gallbladder was "shy" and the tech really had to work to try to see it.
Meggieprice I think your gallbladder have a feeling it's days are numbered. :)

Meggieprice

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 10:07 pm
Misslibra- truly LOL!

Northstar

Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 12:23 pm
Hooray for you guys. I'll keep my fingers crossed everything turns out in your favor. I saw my cardiologist Tuesday and my GP today. My heart looks great, such a relief. My GP ordered a gall bladder ultrasound and an upper GI scan. She's leaning toward gastroesophegial reflux disease (GERD) at this point. Changing my diet is a must and I'm mourning the losses already. On the list of no nos are things I consume on almost a daily basis; coffee, tea, oranges, and tomatoes. Bummer. Chocolate is not allowed as well and even though I don't induldge everyday, those little Hershey kisses will be missed. But hey, if that's all I have to do, I'll take it. So, my tests are scheduled for Nov. 8th, and I'll be relieved to get the results.

Happy recovery Biloxibelle, and good luck with the results Meggieprice.

Meggieprice

Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 03:41 pm
ARGHHHH- Not coffee!!!!

Seriously, Northstar, GERD is very treatable. I am so glad your heart tests were all normal! I have GERD and what scares you so much when you first have symptoms and have not been diagnosed is that the acid stimulates the same nerves that are stimulated by heart problems so it mimics that. I found that a big trigger for me is bell peppers and garlic. Mylanta is my friend!

Meanwhile I am going to follow this ultra low fat diet until I at least have the results so that means no candy for me tonight!

Jmm

Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 06:21 pm
Northstar, I also suffer from GERD and although I am not a coffee drinker I do love my tea. Ask your doctor if you can drink decaf tea. I tried all of them and the best around is Luzianne, it will take a few days to get used to not having the caffeine and you will probably get a few headaches but I've been drinking it for years now and love it.

Draheid

Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 07:00 pm
Northstar: To add to Jmm's post. I have been making the tea for the family for a while now. I found a really nice dispenser at Wal-Mart that holds 1.25 Gallons. We are able to put two of these containers into the refridgerator side-by-side as they are only about 3" wide. They have a dispensing spout on the 'front' that hangs over the edge of the shelf to serve from.

We also use the liquid-filled 'freezer' mugs from Wal-Mart. We keep several frozen at all times. (Be sure to freeze them upside down!) This eliminates the need for ice. They keep the drink cold while not watering it down!

I use a Mr. Coffee to make the tea. I use 2 of the family sized tea bags per pot of tea. When it's finished brewing, I pour it into a 1/2 gallon pitcher with 1/2 cup of sugar. Then fill the pitcher to the top, cover it and let it cool while brewing the 2nd pot of tea. When the 2nd pot is finished brewing, I pour the pitcher into the container and then put in another 1/2 cup of sugar, pour the pot of freshly brewed tea in, then top it again with water. I then pour the 2nd pitcher into the container and top it off with water.

I hope this helps. (BTW: I usually make a container per day as that's what most of the family drinks.)

Edit to add: We also have a faucet-mounted Pur water filter that we use for all our drinking and cooking.
It's easy to use and makes the water very palatable. Click here for their website

Boberg

Sunday, November 03, 2002 - 06:54 pm
Meggieprice I had my gallbladder removed 2 years ago...laprascopic procedure...up walking the halls with very little discomfort that night and home the next morning. I was off work for 3 weeks because my job requires lifting and pulling. The only aftereffects I had were what they call the "Dumping Syndrome" All of a sudden shortly after eating you get horrible abdonminal cramping and you had better get to the restroom quickly (Diarrhea) once I left the restroom I felt fine..this only happened 6-7 times and only in the first 6 months..since then I have not had any side effects of having my gallbladder removed. Word of advice...be sure your surgeon has lots of experience with laprascopic surgery because the other way (incision to remove the gallbladder) is more painful and takes longer to recover and there are lots of surgeons out there who are very good doing laproscopic surgery..Good Luck

Meggieprice

Sunday, November 03, 2002 - 08:15 pm
Thanks Boberg! I appreciate hearing everyone's experience. Basically, I have "Dumping Syndrome" NOW- one of the things that led me to investigate.
Still don't have the results...

Biloxibelle

Monday, November 04, 2002 - 07:17 am
Good Morning still here alive and well. I can say as of this morning almost all the soreness is gone. I have had all kinds of crazy food cravings though. I think it is from having to almost stop eating before surgery. Meggie I would call the Dr. today you should have your results by now.
I do have one question for y'all that have had this done. How long before the swelling goes down and bruising goes away? I want to put on clothes!!
I have been wearing this moomoo type thing and I am sick of it.
Oh and FYI just in case you haven't seen it, hubby took me to the movies Sat. night I begged to get out of the house and I wanted to see "The Ring" so we did. That movie was more painful then my surgery lol.

Misslibra

Monday, November 04, 2002 - 08:05 am
Oh and FYI just in case you haven't seen it, hubby took me to the movies Sat. night I begged to get out of the house and I wanted to see "The Ring" so we did. That movie was more painful then my surgery lol.

Biloxibelle, then I take by your review of the movie it hurt to watch. Good to hear your doing well. My swelling went down in about 2 weeks, maybe a little more. And lose fitting clothes is better. You know, no tight fitting pants.

Babyruth

Monday, November 04, 2002 - 08:23 am
((((Meggie)))) ((((BBelle))))
Thinking of you both and sending more good vibes for a continued good recovery. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Sorry to hear about the dumping and about the swelling. I hope you're feeling better soon!

Kstme

Monday, November 04, 2002 - 10:02 am
Belle...I was told not to wear tight-fitting clothing for about 6 weeks. Of course, my gb surgery was back in the caveman age. My surgery last year, almost a complete stomach reconstruction (inside) took almost three months to heal. Ask your dr. or call the nurse. Meanwhile...HANG IN THERE!

Meggie...I agree, you should have, at least, some of the results back by now. Call the dr!

Meggieprice

Monday, November 04, 2002 - 05:03 pm
ARGHHH- I finally found an advice nurse willing to read the results to me- they had been in for some time but noone bothered to call me. No stones were seen. I have seen on the web that it is not uncommon for the problem to be that your gall bladder is not functioning rather than stones- you need another test for that that measures level of function. Have any of you had that experience? I hate to have another expensive test if I do not need it.

Meggieprice

Monday, November 04, 2002 - 05:09 pm
Biloxi- now I remember that you did not have stones either....sorry to have forgotten! Did they happen to find some when they got it out?

Biloxibelle

Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 05:10 am
Hi Maggie, no my first ultrasound showed no stones. The next test I took was the fatty meal ultrasound. That is the test I warned you about taking someone with you in case it makes you sick. Same deal as the ultrasound but after they do the test you have to drink something that almost tastes like ensure. Then 45 minutes to an hour they do another ultrasound to see if your GB compresses to process the fat. I believe she told me 40% and below is considered normal anything over that is not. Mine was in the 60's so it was still working some but failing that is why no "attack". The Dr. told me it was only a matter of time and it does not improve only gets worse.

I can already tell that I feel better with it out. I go back to the Dr. Monday so will let you know what he says about the GB they took out. He did say it they do tend to find stones even when tests say no. But more likely they will find a sand like substance that does not show up the ultrasound.

I highly recommend that you have the fatty meal done. I will bet that is where they find your trouble. Just remember to take someone with you and tuck a few pieces of bread or some crackers in your purse for after the test to soak it up.

Tashakinz

Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 11:29 am
I had mine removed almost two years ago. It turned out that I had been having attacks since my mid-20s which my doctor told me was "reflux." (Which is why I'm posting this - don't make my mistake and take a reflux diagnosis as gospel).

It took a trip to the ER with doubled-over abdominal pain for them to finally figure it out. I went to the ER on a Tues., they said it was a kidney stone; on Weds., they said it was my appendix; and finally on Thursday they found the gall stones. This was after the x-rays for the kidney stones and the CT for my appendix that the ultrasound finally revealed the stones. Finally had the surgery on Friday.

Because of the previous attacks, my gallbladder had adhesed itself up onto my ribs and the surgery took almost twice as long as it should have. Fortunately they were able to extract it without having to give me "the big scar." lol

Unfortunately for my hubby, the poor guy got the you know what scared out of him. I went in for the procedure at 9:00 a.m. and the doc told him it should only take 75-90 mins. (They didn't know about the adhesions/scarring until they got in). 11:00 came and went and he was getting worried. At 11:10, two men (one carrying a bible) showed up in the OR waiting room asking for my husband. Needless to say he got REALLY worried. My mom (who was out of town on business) had called her church to put me on their prayer list and two of the ministers just happened to be in the area that morning and stopped in to see me. Finding out that I was in surgery, they stopped by to see my hubby. I could literally count the new white hairs my hubby picked up from the fright they gave him before they explained who they were and why they were there.

The only complication from the surgery was the tremendous pain in my right shoulder from the gas they used to blow up my abdomen. Because I was under for twice as long as normal, the gas really irritated a particular nerve. It hurt worse than my incisions (which didn't really hurt at all). I was off work for a week and haven't had any problems since.

Oh, the ultimate adding insult to injury to all this...besides the fact that my hubby had ten years taken off his life...all of this happened the week of my fifth anniversary. Instead of having my hair done, going out to dinner and spending the night at the Ritz like we had planned, I got to come home from the hospital, lay on the couch, and have my mom (who got home that morning) force feed me soup. Sometimes life just deals you #$#$%(*).

Long story short - unless you're positive you have reflux, follow-up and make the doctors make sure.

Meggieprice

Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 10:11 am
Tash- what were the attacks like that were dxed as reflux? I have had the same dx but my ultrasound shows no stones...

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.