Lessons I’ve Learned from my Gallbladder

Three days before Christmas last year, I was sitting on the couch watching television after supper. Over the course of about an hour I developed what I took, at the time, to be the worst case of “heart burn” I’d ever had: a dull pain, very strong, centred under my rib cage. The pain was accompanied by tremendous gas that manifested in burps the likes I’d never knew myself capable of producing.

I figured the problem was simply related to something I’d eaten, and when it passed a few hours later, I forgot all about it.

Then, two days later, the same thing happened.

On and off for the next several weeks I developed a regular pattern of symptoms: about two or three hours after eating I would begin to feel a pain in my lower back, followed, over the next half hour, by increasing abdominal pain, the aforementioned burping and, at its worst, chills and irritability.

I had no idea what was happening to me, but it wasn’t pleasant.

The week after New Years, I made an appointment with my family doctor, and she diagnosed me as having a stomach ulcer. There are two types of peptic ulcers, those of the stomach and those of the duodenum. Mine was pegged a stomach ulcer because of the time of day, and because eating more, which sometimes makes duodenal ulcers feel better, made me feel worse.

Because I’d appeared to have some relief from Pepcid Complete, my doctor prescribed me Ranitidine 150, which is a genericized version of Zantac.

I dutifully took the Ranitidine twice daily for 30 days. It had no effect whatsoever, and my symptoms only got worse.

Starting from the first time I noticed the symptoms, I started to modify my diet to try and reduce them. I continued this, and broadened the foods I limited or eliminated, once the problem was diagnosed as a stomach ulcer. Following the sort of guidelines you can find many places, I eliminated citrus fruits, caffeine, chocolate, fried foods, milk, tomatoes and spicy foods. While I could easily identify foods I could say for certain would cause me problems, I had a more difficult time finding foods guaranteed not to cause problems.

About three weeks into this experience, in late January, I’d managed to stay symptom free for a week, and naively thought I was “cured.” Catherine and I went out to dinner at The Pilot House, and I had what, in an earlier time, would be considered a pretty non-spicy, innocuous meal. We went out to the movies afterwards, and when we got home I was descended on with the wraths of hell, and was up, with the worst symptoms to that point, until 6:00 a.m. It wasn’t fun.

With neither the Ranitidine nor my dramatic change in diet offering any reliable relief, I made another appointment with my family doctor for late January. At that appointment she did two things: schedule me for an ultrasound, and change my prescription to Nexium.

An interesting sidenote: I was sent to Summerside to the Prince County Hospital for my ultrasound because they could see me right away whereas my doctor characterized the wait at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown for an ultrasound to be “several months.” Thank goodness for Summerside!

I was on the Nexium for a week, and, like the Ranitidine, it offered no more relief than taking nothing offered.

I had the ultrasound the following Tuesday, and three days later I was in the office of a surgeon in Charlottetown talking about gallbladders.

The gallbladder, an organ I’d given no thought to before, ever, is a small organ located near the liver. Its function is to assist in the storage and pumping of bile (“A yellow, or greenish, viscid fluid, usually alkaline in reaction, secreted by the liver.”) from the liver, where it’s made, into the intestines, where it assists with digestion.

Gallstones are formed when “when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material.” When gallstones form, they can block the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder to the intestines, and when this happens, the result can be a “gallbladder attack.”

I learned all of this from the surgeon I was referred to because my ultrasound showed that I had something in my gallbladder that was causing problems.

When I read about the usual symptoms of a gallbladder attack, it was a pretty spot-on description of what I’d been going through.

The “cure” for gallbladder problems is to remove the gallbladder. There are other approaches that have been tried that involve trying to remove or dissolve the gallstones, but my surgeon advised that the reoccurrence of gallstones, assuming these methods are even successful, is high.

Fortunately, we mostly don’t need our gallbladders. I get the impression that it’s “mostly” because it seems that the gallbladder, while we can live happily and healthfully without it, hasn’t quite reached the stage that the appendix has reached in terms of being totally useless. The best description I’ve read says this:

Once the gallbladder is removed, bile flows out of the liver through the hepatic ducts into the common bile duct and goes directly into the small intestine, instead of being stored in the gallbladder. However, because the bile isn’t stored in the gallbladder, it flows into the small intestine more frequently, causing diarrhea in about 1 percent of people.

 

With things getting steadily worse — the frequency and severity of my attacks was increasing from “once or twice a week” to “once every couple of days” — I had to do something, and it was pretty clear that the gallbladder was the source of my problems. So I agreed with my surgeon that we should schedule its removal.

Easier said than done.

It’s all very well and good to listen to reports about the “health care crisis” and think of it as an abstract problem. In my case the problem was very concrete and clear: the wait for a “cholecystectomy” (aka gallbladder removal) in Charlottetown was six weeks.

Now, granted, I could live through the pain, and I wasn’t in imminent risk of more serious injury (gallbladders, it seems, don’t “rupture” like appendixes do). So I can understand more serious operations going ahead of me. But I’ll tell you, back on February 28th when my appointment was made, the first week in April seemed pretty close to “the end of time.”

But here we are: I’m scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy tomorrow morning at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The “laparoscopic” part means that the operation is done with a video camera and some lower-impact incisions; this in contrast to an “open cholecystectomy,” which, from descriptions I’ve read, sounds like what you see the surgeons doing on M*A*S*H every night. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is day surgery — you can leave the same day as the surgery — while an open cholecystectomy requires a week-long recovery in hospital.

What have I learned from this three month odyssey?

First is patience. I’ve basically been unable to eat a normal diet for three months. I’ve been subsisting on oatmeal, apple juice, rice, and toast. I’ve been able to function — not thrive, but at least function. I watched as “the end of time” receded into 5 weeks, 4 weeks, next week, and now it’s tomorrow. That’s been a good lesson in patience.

Second, I learned a lot about my diet. When you have to think seriously about whether or not to put something into your body, lest it cause you to hunch over in pain three hours later, you tend to take eating more seriously. I’ve gotten good at reading labels. I finally figured out the difference between protein, fat and carbohydrates. I know a lot about the relationship between what I eat and how I feel. I’ve learned a lot about the kind of foods I was used to eating, and how easy it is, relatively speaking, to do without them. I’ve shaken off an addiction to (or at least a predilection for) sugar, fat and fast food. My diet for the past three months has been abysmal, but at least I’ve been thinking. These are all lessons I hope will last.

Third, I’ve learned that one way to lose weight is to eat less. There’s nothing like threat of gallbladder attack to motivate, and because I’ve been averaging about 700 calories a day for three months, I’ve lost almost 40 pounds in the process as a pleasant side-effect. This fact alone has gone a long way to keeping my spirits up, as it’s just plain easier to live without an additional 40 pounds to carry around all the time.

Finally, I’ve had to come to grips, if not with my own mortality at least with my own fragility. Up until this point in my life, I’ve been pretty ignorant of any connection between my actions (or lack thereof) and my well-being. The “cheeseburger to body connection” has been an abstract ill, with effects in some nebulous future. I consider it a great gift from my body to alert me to this in such a determined but non-life-threatening way.

I’ve also learned the following very practical techniques for reducing the pain of a gallbladder attack; your mileage, obviously, may vary:

  • Take a hot bath. This is like wearing a hot water bottle. It’s a great pain reliever, and also takes the stress off the lower back, where gallbladder pain lasts longest.
  • Take Tylenol 3’s. This only worked some of the time for me, and only during the last couple of weeks. My surgeon prescribed these after the attacks increased to the point where they were going on for 6 or 7 hours. Rather than eliminating the symptoms, the Tylenols appear to shorten the attacks and make them easier to take. At least sometimes.
  • Go on a liquid diet. My surgeon recommended going on a liquid diet for 24 hours after an attack. When he initially suggested this, I thought he was insane, and I ignored his advice. When things got really bad, I followed his advice, and it helped. Often I found myself symptom free for 4 or 5 days after 24 to 48 hours of clear liquids alone.
  • Relax. I’ve found that if, at first sign of symptoms, I go upstairs and lie down, listen to the radio, and trying and just lie still, I can shorten attacks considerably. On the other hand, if I try and push through, or stay downstairs in the hubbub of family life, it’s amazing how the little stresses of everyday life can make things worse.

 

I’ve not written about any of this earlier because, frankly, writing about it would have made things worse by making it all appear more real and concrete. I was happier pretending it was all a sort of private dietary fantasy. But I thought it important to at least say a few words now, if only so that my experiences can go on the record and perhaps be of assistance to others.

I’ll be away from this space for the rest of the week. Talk to you all on the other side of the anaesthetic!

Comments

Sharon's picture
Sharon on March 24, 2012 - 05:57 Permalink

I had been having alot of pain & finally went to the Dr & told him I wanted to save my GB he said there was no treatment tosave the GB but I knew  there was. the Dr said he would schedule an ultrasound on the 29th of Feb so on the 22nd of Feb I decided to do a natural cleanse using  extra virgin olive (I was told by a family friend who is very knowledgeable in natural remedies) 4 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive oil  followed by  2-3 TBSP of  fresh squeezed lemon juice every 15 minutes  for 2 hours till you have finished the 2 cups of Olive oil & while doing the treatment make sure you lie on your right side with 2 pillows under your hips you so your hips are elevated so the oil will go towards the gall bladder. the next day I was nauseous did lots of poopng I guess my colon was cleansing out & then on the 24th of Feb @ 4:30 in the morning I was passing gallstones & its not painful passing the stones it just feels like you have to poop. I didn’t feel like eating anything for a couple days the body just needs a chance to heal itself I felt very tired & weak  So in  the following  days I started drinking carrot juice (5days) I ahd no desire to eat anything but was told I should just eat raw fruits & vegetables & in week 2 I started eating cooked spinach… I was also told to drink golden seal tea & red clover tea they help to cleanse the blood  dandelion tea is helpful also am also taking golden seal capsules with my meals & bio curcumin which aid the gall bladder in bile flow.And am also taking milk thistle between meals..

   So on the 29th of Feb I had my ultrasound & last week March 12th I went to the Dr & they said they COULD NOT see any stones….. the Dr did say something about some sludge???? but if I need to do the treatment again I will do whatever I can to keep my GB…. its quite possible that I will need to do the treatment again because I think there may be some residule sludge in there

 Hope this helps

 

Sharon's picture
Sharon on March 24, 2012 - 06:00 Permalink

I had been having alot of pain & finally went to the Dr & told him I wanted to save my GB he said there was no treatment to save the GB but I knew  there was. the Dr said he would schedule an ultrasound on the 29th of Feb so on the 22nd of Feb I decided to do a natural cleanse using  extra virgin olive (I was told by a family friend who is very knowledgeable in natural remedies) 4 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive oil  followed by  2-3 TBSP of  fresh squeezed lemon juice every 15 minutes  for 2 hours till you have finished the 2 cups of Olive oil & while doing the treatment make sure you lie on your right side with 2 pillows under your hips ….. so your hips are elevated so the oil will go towards the gall bladder. the next day I was nauseous did lots of poopng I guess my colon was cleansing out & then on the 24th of Feb @ 4:30 in the morning I was passing gallstones & its not painful passing the stones it just feels like you have to poop. I didn’t feel like eating anything for a couple days the body just needs a chance to heal itself I felt very tired & weak  So in  the following  days I started drinking carrot juice (5days) I had no desire to eat anything but was told I should just eat raw fruits & vegetables & in week 2 I started eating cooked spinach… I was also told to drink golden seal tea & red clover tea they help to cleanse the blood …. dandelion tea is helpful also am also taking golden seal capsules with my meals & bio curcumin which aid the gall bladder in bile flow.And am also taking milk thistle between meals..

   So on the 29th of Feb I had my ultrasound & last week March 12th I went to the Dr & they said they COULD NOT see any stones….. the Dr did say something about some sludge???? but if I need to do the treatment again I will do whatever I can to keep my GB…. its quite possible that I will need to do the treatment again because I think there may be some residule sludge in there

 Hope this helps

 

Janey's picture
Janey on March 25, 2012 - 02:01 Permalink

Sammig, my son had the same symptoms that u r having & I brought him to the ER & it was appendicitis…he had emergency surgery quickly that same night. Surgeon told me that if I would’ve waited 5 more minutes to bring him to the ER it would’ve ruptured. As soon as I got there I told them at the ER that Drs in the past had told me that he might b having problems w his appendix & they took him quickly…didn’t make him wait…thank God. I advise u to see a Dr ASAP & ask for a CT scan of your appendix or ultrasound…hopefully it’s not that. God bless u & I hope u feel better.

Kelly's picture
Kelly on March 25, 2012 - 06:31 Permalink

Hello. I am a 35 yr old female, with a history of chronic loose stools and often urgency when eating dairy, sugary or fatty foods. I have been previously told its irritable bowel syndrome, and I have coped with the symptoms since I was a teenager. The last few months I have been having increased urgency and intestinal pains as well as a feeling of “movement” in the upper abdomen. These symptoms increased further after I returned from a trip to Mexico a month ago, so I went my family doctor and was given a course of Ciprofloxacin. Within a few short days, I found myself constipated (which I am NEVER) and having more of these “movements” in the stomach and esophagus. A couple of more days later, after eating Caesar salad and ribs when I was put for dinner, I came home, took my Cipro, and went to bed only to be woken by extreme pain in my left upper abdomen a few hours later. The pain was  like something was clenching/biting/gripping/ripping at me from the inside. It was like it was coming from stomach, on the left side behind my heart, and something was trying to push its way out. It was unrelenting so I ended up going to the emergency room, and after doing bloodwork(liver panel and pancreatic enzymes normal), a 12lead, and an ultrasound, they diagnosed me with several gallstones 1 cm in diameter. The “extreme” pain which took me to hospital lasted 6 hours, and then subsided to a dull pressure and gnawing which is still with me over one week later. The most bothersome, however is the continued moving and writhing feeling in my stomach and esophagus. I am also constantly belching for comfort,which i never used to do. Also i feel like there is something in my throat/esophagus which i can’t swallow down. It makes it very difficult to sleep at night. I am propping myself up on pillows, taking gaviscon and famotidine as well as pepto bismol at times. I have cut out all dairy, bread products, and am mostly drinking fluids and eating banana or spinach or apple and vegetable juices. Right now I can feel tightness in the eaophagus and it is very disturbing and tonight I am feeling dull achey pain like a bladder infection in my lower back.  I am finally passing soft stools again, but was constipated for about 4 or 5 days. I have a Barium swallow this coming week. Do you think this all has to do with gallbladder or could it be something else? What is causing this upper abdominal and esophageal discomfort ? And if it IS the gallstones, isnt it odd to be paining me on the LEFT side? Does anyone else with gallstones experience this? 

Irene's picture
Irene on March 26, 2012 - 05:22 Permalink

I just tried (organic virgin)olive oil and lemon juice to do the gall blader flush and it’s really working. When I experienced the next pain, it was only 5-7 min. just like a stomach pain. Nothing severe I used to have for 5 hrs. which was radiating to my back too.I will try the flush again after a week, and if get anymore pain it means I don’t just have sludge build-up but some stones too. Then the next move is to take 3x6 Licithin a day from Shaklee for about 1-2 months to dissolve the stones and finish with one more flush with oil and lemon juice and I beleive it will do it. Many people tried this and they never had to have any surgery!

Irene's picture
Irene on March 26, 2012 - 05:27 Permalink

Hold on to your gall blader and don’t let them take it out!!! After gall blader surgery you might suffer from acid reflux and many other problems…

Sharon Briant's picture
Sharon Briant on March 27, 2012 - 00:02 Permalink

I had my gallbladder out and it took a long time due to terrible doctors. First, if anyone has sludge and attacks, I would get it out right away! The dangers are the following, it can burst and like appendicitis spread to your abdomen. It can become infected but intact and slowly send the infected mess through your intestines, ripping them up and spreading the infection into your system. Once infected, it becomes sticky and starts sticking to other organs and then when they do the surgery, they have to cut it from from your stomach or your liver. They may have to take a piece of your liver out! It can cause you a lot of heartache because so many doctors will tell you “sludge doesn’t mean anything.” This just means, they don’t know what it means! I will tell you that sludge is small stones. Don’t let anyone get in the way:get that sick thing out of your body. Find a surgeon who does a lot of gallbladder surgeries and he or she will be able to explain the whole thing including your individual experience to you and you will be clear, clear of pain, clear of worry, clear to live your life! Also, stay away from gastroenterologists! They don’t know gallbladders, the very best you’ll get from them is, “I think you may have a gallbladder problem, I’ll send you to a gallbladder surgeon for his opinion. Surgeons treat gallbladders! The path is short—excellent primary care doctor to gallbladder surgeon, to relief and life! Anything else is foolish! oh, go to healthgrades.com to check out doctors: patient surverys, education, experience, any sanctions, malpractice, etc. Also go to vitals.com that sight lets people actually comment on doctors so you can see the good ones from the bad ones! Good health to everyone! Sharon

Chris's picture
Chris on March 29, 2012 - 16:19 Permalink

Thank you for such a well written account. This is just the information I have been looking for. I went in last week because of possible heart issues (high blood pressure). Tomorrow I will be having a CT scan of my mid-section and the gallbladder is on the list of questions. The salad from last night is still screaming at me — I will be having rice for dinner tonight!

Geena's picture
Geena on March 30, 2012 - 05:37 Permalink

I am 33 and I just had mine out 6 months ago and I remember reading all these kinds of things on the internet before the surgery. There are a lot of horror stories on here. My surgeon said that 80 percent of people have this surgery and nothing bad happens. And I thought about it for a while and thought, if nothing bad happens after, the people probly forget they did it, never come on these sites to tell their stories of how everything went ok. I decided that if everything went ok, I would remember. So here I am. Everything went fine, I have slight heartburn everyday. But all my back pain and stomach aches that I never knew what it was for years is gone!!! I would have my kids walk on my back daily! I would get stomach aches and think, OH, I just ate too much. All of that is gone now. I still eat too much sometimes, but no stomach ache just heartburn. I can drink coffee and chocolate and pizza. I am very good now. I hope that somebody reads this and can sleep tonight knowing there is hope in surgery. Oh, and ALL of my back pain is gone.

Lynn's picture
Lynn on April 1, 2012 - 14:02 Permalink

I have a dry cough. The worse my gallbladder got the more I cough. After the gallbladder was removed the cough produced phlegm. No it is back to the same cough dry. Did your ever go away?

rob's picture
rob on April 3, 2012 - 19:53 Permalink

Recently had a ultrasound that revealed numerous stones.The doctor who wrote the script for this test sends me a voice mail at 11pm that say: your gallbladder has lots of stones i and is diseased. well my reaction to his comments on a VM was and still is as cold as his message.Back in 2007 i had 2 attacks bad ones !So bad they transferred me from the doctors to the hospital. checking my heart and found nothing. im to this day cannot believe they never checked my gallbladder. since that day i changed my diet to chicken and fish never fried! aqnd try to saty in balance. last week i had different symptoms a slight pain upper stomach that would last 3 hrs after a meal.30 Minutes after i ate it would start. that lasted 3 days .i AM going to stick with my diet now one thing i did change . I eat breakfest now never did before. i read that on the mayo clinc site that you need to do this. i guess breakfast is the most important meal of the day. i am 56 excersize i do not abuse anything my bp is 120/77 I am hoping to hang unto my organ since i believe it is there for a reason. That does not mean i wont proceed with caution. good luCK TO ALL.

Sharon's picture
Sharon on April 5, 2012 - 12:26 Permalink

Hi Mary,i had my Gallbladder removed 8 months ago and have never looked back I can eat everything i ate before the op without any problems.My problems started out just like everyone elses,discomfort under the rib cage that went right through to my back,plus terrible wind,after putting up with it for some time i mentioned it to my dr and told him if i took an antacid tab the symtoms would go away.His response was “well everyone gets wind,keep taking the antacids”.So thats what i did .Over time the pain got worse and the attacks more frequent,i mentioned it again to my Dr,keep taking the tabs he said,until one day the pain was so bad my husband took me to a different dr whom i’d never seen before.He straight away said, after me telling him my symtoms that he believed i had gallstones.I had an Ultrasound the next day,which showed multiple large stones.I saw a surgeon the following week who wanted to take my gallbladder out the following week.Because we were going overseas for 8 weeks,i decided to put it off till we came home…BIG BIG mistake.The day after we arrived in England i ended up in the ER in the most excruciating pain ever.One of the stones was stuck in the bile duct causing Panceatitas.Was in hospital for 8 days,and back home in Australia after 10 days away.My advise to anyone who has gallstones,DONT MUCK ABOUT,get it seen to,it can kill you,it nearly did me.Go get yourself seen to Mary and im sure u will be glad you did…Good luck

gigi's picture
gigi on April 6, 2012 - 10:39 Permalink

Hi. I had an emergency gall bladder removal in the emergency room way back in 2001, I never knew what it was but I ws in pain one night for many hours so it was bad, anyway I never had any pain before this night. Afterward I did gain weight, I did not have any diarreaha but I do get some heartburn every once in a while. The pain was awful. I remember it like it was yesterday, oh yea just to mention, I don’t drink or smoke. Thankfully will never feel THAT kind of pain again.

Debby's picture
Debby on April 8, 2012 - 08:58 Permalink

I am 23 and have been dealing with back pain and abdominal pain since i was 17. and thanks to this site i think ill be making an appt on monday with my family doctor. i just went to the doctor last week and he had given me tramadol (90 pills 50mgs), i normally do not like to take pain pills bc i dont like how they make me feel and i normally get pretty nauseated from them but this pain is unbelivable, i explain to my mother and husband that it feels like im in labor all over again but worse! what i can also suggest is to take a hot bath and try to have a bm. also a heating pad works wonders. and im using one right now. good luck to ya’ll

Sia's picture
Sia on April 11, 2012 - 15:57 Permalink

Great advice! I didn’t have any problems with mine until the night I woke having my first attack.
It lasted 8 hours before I want to the ER. I thought I could possibly having a heart attack at 37
Years of age. That was my birthday March 6, 2012 and after learning I had multiple stones, a
Polyp and sludge I had mine removed 3 days later and
Feel much better. Have it out, it’s much better than having an attack!

Chuck Fresco's picture
Chuck Fresco on April 14, 2012 - 12:22 Permalink

Hi — Great article/journal and tips! I started having gallbladder problems in Nov 2011, approx 2-3 am, sudden urge to go to the bathroom, which in minutes turned into a heavy sweat and severe pains and multiple vomit sessions. It took approx 4 hours in the beginning, and prior to my surgery, was an all day thing, which started at 2-3am. I’m a vet, I goto a VA hospital, I looked up in MedMD, all my symptoms, and started to write down exactly what hurt where and when, crosschecked on webMD and found allot of indicators pointing to the gallbladder.

January 2012, I made back to back emergency rm visits, first was the chest pain (was given antibiotic’s) and the second time was the severe vomiting and heavy sweating (was given shots and 4 IV’s). I had a few episodes in February, not too much. My doctor scheduled a Ultra Sound and a Scope to check my stomach. March came, on the 19th, I got up and was taking my daughter to school and it hit me, I was driving which made it soo bad, I had to stop and call my wife to come get me.

I remember going to the emergency room and having allot of IV’s again and meds for nausea and pain. After being in the emergency room 3 hours, the doctor was going to sent me home, when I got another attack. Needless to say, they admitted me and my gallbladder came out March 21st. Live has been more predictable, but not having the gallbladder means learning what you can cannot eat. So, that’s where I am— I take the following meds daily-Cholestyramine powder 2x a day, promethazine for nausea -as needed, docusate- to make sure of no constipation and last- omeprazole 2x a day. Easter was a day where I ate things off my gods food list, so I paid dearly the next 3 days…I hope this helps someone..Chuck

Meladee's picture
Meladee on April 15, 2012 - 19:32 Permalink

I have been reading all these post about gallbladder stones/disease. There are alot of pro’s and con’s about having your gallbladder removed. I would just like to be pain free, I hate feeling nauseated all the time, along with heartburn, indigestion, constipation, diahrrea, pain on right-side under rib cage (stabbing feeling all the time), tired, irritable, bulching and passing gass and now dizziness. Which I thought the dizziness was from my new glasses, it was not. I had an ultrasound done, a few months back it showed I have sludge in my gallbladder and my liver is slightly enlarged…I have tried alot of things to help with these symptoms, change in diet, slowing down with housework, not over eating, etc..Nothing has helped. I just want to feel normal again. I have a slight case of OCD, so its really hard for me to slow down, even when I’m in pain. I also don’t like to complain, not even to my husband or family. So basically I’ve been dealing with this behind close doors.

Mell's picture
Mell on April 17, 2012 - 03:25 Permalink

Did you ever find out if the heart palpitations, dizziness, and pain down your right arm had anything to do with your gallbladder? I have all these same symptoms as you! Today, my middle back is hurting extremely bad, and I have also been having right sided chest pain off and on for a while as well. I did not put all these symptoms together until I read your post…. Did you have your surgery? How do you feel now? Thanks for any help.

henry's picture
henry on April 22, 2012 - 08:01 Permalink

Been battling gall bladder issues for 3 years. After my first attack, doctor was trying to schedule surgeryd. The problem is, most western docs are programmed to operate or medicate. My aunt had her gall bladder out and has had problems for years. I do a cleanse every so often to purge the stones. Drink 32to ounces of organic, non filtered apple juice a day for six days to soften and shrink the stones, some people use malic acid pills… on the sixth day, stop eating at noon, that night at 6the pm drink 8 ounces of water mixed with a tablespoon of epson salts (they make the bile ducts expand and start the cleaning process. Drink another glass at 8pm. By ten pm, yer guts should be clears of food/fecal matter. Then i drink graperfruit juice olive oil mixture and go to sleep. I can feel the stones move into my stomach. At 6am and 8am, i take more epson salts/water mixture to keep the ducts expand dialated and wash the stones out of my guts. I will pass as many as a dozen pea sized stones and 20 bb sized stones, plus the sludge… i have to do this regularly as my body keeps producing stones… hey, i like a fatty diet. I am trying to changing my diet, because my gb builds the stones after i get rid of them, but if yer young… dont get yer gb out… it is not worth the risk…. a specialist told me i should wait if i can… and admitted the surgery is often recommended so a surgeon can make his money… it is an easy surgery and they make 12-15k. heal yerself ewith preventative medicien or at least try to. P.S. gall bladder attacks are the worst pain i have ever known. I sympathize with u guys… but u can treat yerself…

georgia leggett's picture
georgia leggett on April 23, 2012 - 03:16 Permalink

i had severe pain in my stomach also, i was nine months pregnant and thought i was finally going into labor. i went to the hospital just to hear i was just beginning. I finally went into labor 2 week later, having severe what i thought at the time third baby birthing pains, but less then a week later find out it was much more than that, it was my gull bladder. what i dont like now it where it was i have this lovely looking puffy pouch… oh well, i guess it could be worse.gull bladder pain is much much worse than labor, and i am one that can take major pain, e.r. drs asked if i wanted pain meds, at first i said i said no, then i changed my mind.

georgia leggett's picture
georgia leggett on April 23, 2012 - 03:17 Permalink

i had severe pain in my stomach also, i was nine months pregnant and thought i was finally going into labor. i went to the hospital just to hear i was just beginning. I finally went into labor 2 week later, having severe what i thought at the time third baby birthing pains, but less then a week later find out it was much more than that, it was my gull bladder. what i dont like now it where it was i have this lovely looking puffy pouch… oh well, i guess it could be worse.gull bladder pain is much much worse than labor, and i am one that can take major pain, e.r. drs asked if i wanted pain meds, at first i said i said no, then i changed my mind.

Suzanne's picture
Suzanne on April 23, 2012 - 15:57 Permalink

I came home from work Fridaý evening started the coffee pot and went to the restroom.I came out doubled over unable to breath trying to make my husband get my 9 yr old daughter out of our room. I swore I was having a heart attack. All I could think was to keep moving keep the blood circulating to the brain. EMS got here and decided it was not my heart and took me to the nearest ER. They found gallstones blocking the opening to the stomach and the intestine and alot of swelling. I was given pain meds and an antibiotic and iv fluid. By next morning I was pain free. The Dr. came and talked with me and gave me some ideas on what to do next. I never want that pain again.So I decided to have the galblader removed When he spoke with me at discharge yesterday, he said it was definitely the right desionthe bladder had many more stones in it and one of the ducts had a tear the next one out could have caused major problems. I am already on the mend just worried about what and how to eat. I never thought I had unhealthy eating habits.

Kelsey's picture
Kelsey on April 26, 2012 - 01:11 Permalink

Hi my name is Kelsey and I have been having some severe health problems for the past year and a half. It began pretty suddenly and has gotten progressively worse since then. I have seen 4 different gastroenterologists and had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, an ultrasound and a CT scan. None of these tests found anything except for 2 small gallbladder polyps that I was told wouldn’t cause any visible symptoms. My symptoms are dead on symptoms of gallbladder issues. I get chronic pain in my upper right abdomen that radiates to my back. It’s extremely tender and painful when I gently press on the area. I get extremely bloated and distended and am CONSTANTLY burping, even first thing in the morning before I’ve eaten. I can’t even stress how much I burp; it never stops and they are loud low sounding burps that don’t do much to relieve the pressure in my abdomen. I get a bitter taste in my mouth, especially after eating. When the attacks are really bad I get chills and sometimes nausea. The symptoms are much worse if I eat anything with fat, but since I’ve had these problems I rarely ever do, and the symptoms are present even when I don’t. I am 22 years old, female and I have always been in good health and maintained a healthy diet, but could indulge in high fat foods without issue before the problems started. Now my diet is so limited I am down to 90 pounds. I get attacks, sometimes after eating and sometimes just out of nowhere, where the pain is so severe that there’s nothing I can do to ease it and no medication (even prescriptions for abdominal pain) does anything. I eat extremely healthy, exercise regularly and drink a lot of water. I take excellent care of my body and I’m not overly stressed about anything aside from this. As I said I just had an ultrasound and a CT scan done that showed nothing of interest, but based on everything I’ve read, my symptoms are so specific that I’m convinced it still has to do with my gallbladder. My Dr. thinks that it is just severe IBS but I disagree. Has anyone had known gallbladder issues that weren’t detected from an ultrasound or a CT scan? And if so how was it detected and treated? I would appreciate any advice I can get so much, I’m getting increasingly desperate for answers. These symptoms are controlling my life and I know that there is something much more to it than just IBS. Thanks

Helen Spilatro's picture
Helen Spilatro on May 2, 2012 - 04:16 Permalink

I pray to God someone can help me and tell me what the heck i might have…i have read all this stories and i dont even know what to say about my gallbladder cuz all i have constant pain on the right..no attacks that come and go..but pain that is always there ..burning pain. Went to ER they checked my liver and my blood and said its all good but that i proly have gallbladder ..they did not make an ultra sound but i am going for one tomorrow. you guys all have more or less similar symptoms and all i have pain under my ribs,such annoying that i cant tolerate it any more…and by the way the food i eat does not seem to matter for pain level…hm..it also started weird..it started 2 weeks ago on wed,same constant pain and was gone by friday nite.Came back again next wed was better by sa..and came back again on mo…and today is tue:-(….anyone please help what is it ???????no pain in my back or chest no fever no nothing just annoying pain that sometimes becomes severe…anyone has the same? im 28 years old, very athletic, eat very well ….please anyone who can give me some answers…..thank you so much and God bless

To.y's picture
To.y on May 4, 2012 - 01:45 Permalink

Being a canadian, and an employer, our healthcare is free to allour citizens, but not totally free! It is funded by the employers and the employees, and government picking up the difference. The US approach under OBAMA is flawed in many areas. If a employer hires part-timers they are forced to pay 100% medical coverage for them. This will forcee thousands of companies to let go millions of part-time workers if this law is paased. I can go on and on….

Marg's picture
Marg on May 8, 2012 - 20:36 Permalink

On Friday, May 4th I experienced the worst pain ever in my life. Wasn’t sure what was happening and called 911. I actually thought I was having a heart attack. Took me to the emerg (Winnipeg) and the Dr who examined me agreed it could be my gall bladder. (That’s what the paramedic told me it sounded like to him.) Went back to the ER on Monday, May 7th for more blood work (enzymes in my liver were elevated on Friday so they wanted to retest) and had an ultrasound. Hopefully will get results back this Friday. If it turns out to be my gall bladder I will insist they remove it. I never, ever want to go through such horrific pain again. So glad I was able to get an ultrasound as quick as I did. Good luck to everyone else out there. Don’t put up with the pain if you don’t have to. Thank goodness for healthcare here in Manitoba.

angie's picture
angie on May 12, 2012 - 16:00 Permalink

Have you had your thyroid checked? I have similiar symptoms since I gave birth to my 3rd child and it took a trip to an endo doctor to verify that my thyroid was out of whack. My regular doc just kept saying that my numbers were in normal range. The specialist said there is no normal for everyone and started me on synthroid and wow I feel so much better!

Liz's picture
Liz on July 4, 2012 - 08:28 Permalink

Had my gall bladder removed 5 weeks ago. Had 3 gall bladder attacks. Ultrasound showed 1 large gall stone. My Mom died of a ruptured gall bladder years ago.Doctor sent me to a surgeon when he heard of Mom’s history. My stone was size of a golf ball. Best advice is get the gall bladder removed. I had scope surgery and came home same day and in a little discomfort for 4 days and now I am fine and feel wonderful. Diet will not cure gall bladder disease. Surgery will end your attacks and pain and I eat everything now and no problem.

Angel's picture
Angel on July 22, 2012 - 15:55 Permalink

while I appreciate the advice please know that some people suffer from acalculous cholecystitis….meaning no stones so there are some that the only option is to remove the gallbladder but there is a risk that it could actually be sphincter of oddi dysfuntion. For some the pain continues after removing the gallbladder and this is called post-choly syndrome. So the Ursodiol treatment would be of no use for those that suffer from malfunctioning or diseased gallbladder

jackie's picture
jackie on August 2, 2012 - 05:18 Permalink

My pain started two weeks ago. It was so bad that it made me go to the ER for the first time in 12 years. The pain felt like a knife in my solar plexus and radiated along both sides of my lower ribcage. After waiting for 4 hours in the er in incredible pain I left without seeing a dr and went home to lie down and wait it out. To make a long story shorter I was diagnosed with H pylori bacteria years ago and this was reminiscent of the same symptoms (gassy, severe pain, 15lb weight loss in 2 weeks etc) It turned out that I have a disease of the gallbladder called chronic cholecystitis. This has led to my gallbladder being riddled with stones and becoming hard and shrinking in size. Besides the aforementioned side effects heart palpitations are quite common with this disorder. Now I am scheduled for the radioactive dye scan ( can’t remember the name) and most likely removal of the offending organ(Im mad at it so I won’t dignify it with a name lol) Anyway I have been living off of water, mashed potatoes and lunch meat for the last three weeks. I have missed two weeks of work. Yadda Yadda. Has anyone else had experience with this disease and if so what was the outcome?

Shannon's picture
Shannon on August 22, 2012 - 05:23 Permalink

Thank you for writing this! I meet with my surgeon tomorrow to remove my gall bladder. I’m 23 and never thought any of this would happen to me. I am now a big label reader and agree that it is better to go without than have an attack. I rather give everything up an have an attack again. I had to brushed to the emergency room for my attack thinking I was dying! Sounds silly, but the pain is horrible. I’m looking forward to the long term benefits of revamping my diet so I never have any kind of health problem ever again from being “fat”. Wish me luck on my surgery!

Audra's picture
Audra on September 10, 2012 - 12:47 Permalink

It is good to see some people on here that are going through similar things. I have been going through bouts of pain after eating for about three weeks now and they keep getting worse. Ihad a gallbladder ultrasound last tuesday and am still waiting for the results. I also have a colonoscopy and endoscopy this Friday. I want so badly for the pain to stop and to get some energy back.
Does anyone have tips? I have found that I can eat toast, boost shakes (been mainly living on them) and a little tilapia…but last night i tried grilled tilapia with a little broccoli and woke up at two in the morning in severe pain…. it took 5 hours to subside a little. I am hoping for some answers soon.

duville's picture
duville on November 11, 2012 - 10:38 Permalink

You are dead on with the hot water!!
I am having VERY severe attacks. But they are only every few months so I am waiting out any type of hospital stay.

First Tylenol does help with the pain. Take 2 of those right away. If the pain starts to escalate get in the shower ASAP and turn the hot water on as hot as you can stand it the hotter the better just short or burning you, and direct the water to the middle of your chest. If you already have the shoulder pain turn around and let the hot water hit that area too.
It is amazing how this will help you endure a severe attack. After the hot water treatment I then place a reusable hot pad that you micro and place that on my chest and lay down with that in place.

I can take a severe attack that used to last for hours to stopping the pain within 35 minutes or less. It’s amazing!

duville's picture
duville on November 11, 2012 - 10:40 Permalink

I am having VERY severe attacks. But they are only every few months so I am waiting out any type of hospital stay.

First Tylenol does help with the pain. Take 2 of those right away. If the pain starts to escalate get in the shower ASAP and turn the hot water on as hot as you can stand it the hotter the better just short or burning you, and direct the water to the middle of your chest. If you already have the shoulder pain turn around and let the hot water hit that area too.
It is amazing how this will help you endure a severe attack. After the hot water treatment I then place a reusable hot pad that you micro and place that on my chest and lay down with that in place.

I can take a severe attack that used to last for hours to stopping the pain within 35 minutes or less. It’s amazing!

CL's picture
CL on December 17, 2012 - 05:47 Permalink

Thanks for sharing.
I’m fighting to keep mine. I’m going to try the olive oil and lemon tip.

I’ve been taking BileMin and it’s been helping. I take it everyday one or two tablets and two tablets if I eat anything fatty.

Lillith's picture
Lillith on February 28, 2013 - 10:19 Permalink

I have confirmed gallstones and my pain is always on the left or in the center — I think my gallbladder is just being perverse.

Cathi's picture
Cathi on March 1, 2013 - 05:34 Permalink

I started having gallbladder pain when I was only 10 years old. I had gallbladder attacks on and off for 21 years. I went to the doctor many times, and a few times a doctor would bring up my gallbladder, but said I didn’t fit the profile for gallbladder disease (fair, fat and over 40). At one point, a doctor told me I had a peptic ulcer, and Zantac helped a few days after the gallbladder attack, but when I had a gallbladder attack, I had to go onto an all liquid diet for at least 24 hours. My stomach contents would not empty into my intestine, if I didn’t do this.
Here is the VERY VALUABLE information. I had many tests done, and a sonogram ultimately showed that my gallbladder was diseased and filled with ulcers. But when I went to the specialist, he did one very simple test. It’s called the “Murphy test”. After so many years of suffering, the doctor did this one 20 second test, and was able to see right away that I needed my gallbladder removed. It is very simple. the patient is asked to inhale while the examiner’s fingers are hooked under the liver border at the bottom of the rib cage. The inspiration causes the gallbladder to descend onto the fingers, producing pain if the gallbladder is inflamed. While the doctor did this test on me, he also had me move my legs up into the fetal position. I couldn’t believe how severe the pain was when he did the test. But, after that, he knew that my problem was my gallbladder.
After I got my gallbladder removed, it took a few months for my body to adjust, but it was totally worth it.
In short, if you feel like you may have a gallbladder problem, ask the doctor to do the Murphy test (also called Murphy sign).

Mark's picture
Mark on March 7, 2013 - 15:55 Permalink

OMG — Here’s my problem! Since I’m a 40 (almost 41 yr old male) and not over weight. About 5’11 160 lbs…A few years ago I would get these spells that would be like a burp that was stuck!!! Like no matter what you did, you could NOT burp and when you finally did, it was such a RELIEF!!!!!! Then, about ten minutes later, same thing, Need to burp again! And you have this pain in your upper right back shoulder blade area and it almost feels like it’s from the trapped air because when you burp, that pain goes away……but it comes back when you need to burp again. Exercise makes it worse. The weird thing is I’m not sick to my stomach and I totally have an appetite, I don’t have diarrhea or constipation but I eat lots of fiber…..It used to only happen about twice per year but now it’s all the time (some good days and some where I just constantly belch…..

Taking OX gile and enzymes helps somewhat but not a lot. It’s the most frustrating feeling not to be able to burp. I have had people tell me that sounds like gallbladder but so many people that have gallbladder problems are sick and in horrible pain and that’s not me, it’s just the critical feeling of wanting to burp and the pain in the back.

Josh F's picture
Josh F on May 4, 2013 - 16:33 Permalink

Just so you know if your state has the Medicaid program which I’m pretty sure they all do, your state will actually pay for the surgery in an emergency removal instance. I didn’t have insurance, but I had a severe attack as well as throwing up everything I ate. I went to the ER told them of my gallstone history and that I was puking they removed my gallbladder the very next day free of charge! Thank you Michigan Medicaid. ;-)

Christiana's picture
Christiana on May 24, 2013 - 06:05 Permalink

I hope you get this message. I have the same symptoms. My ultrasound and blood work came back normal. No gallstones. I had a HIDA scan yesterday and I am waiting on the results. I have put myself on a strict diet for the last 4 years. When I indulge in fatty foods, I get Ill for at ast a week. Same pain you describe.

If you have been successfully treated, please let me know what treatments helped you. I don’t mind the healthy whole foods diet. I miss eating an occasional ribeye steak and a homemade hamburger. But if I give in and eat fatty meat, I get Sick.

Alethea's picture
Alethea on May 25, 2013 - 15:16 Permalink

Thank you so much I think you just figured out for me what’s been going on since Feb. I have a HIP (something test) on 6 June, but what you have described sounds like what’s going on. Your blog has made we feel so much better and not as scared about it all. Thank you, thank you.

Amy's picture
Amy on June 8, 2013 - 02:16 Permalink

When I have an attack, I have to force myself to vomit once, and then I generally have to poop a few times. Then later I vomit again, and I don’t have to force it that time. Then I may poop again. The pain lessens after the first vomiting, but it doesn’t seem to stop until after the stomach is completely empty. It’s usually a 2-4 hour ordeal, though last night I had the worst one I’ve had so far. Today I’m on a liquid diet, and my gallbladder feels swollen. Like a lot of other people on here, I don’t have insurance right now.

Victoria's picture
Victoria on July 15, 2013 - 22:06 Permalink

Hi, It is amazing that your story is so similar to my own. My pains started around Christmas. when I saw my family doctor they treated me for ulcer and seven months later of pain and tests they found i had gallstones and I am now on my last few weeks of waiting for the same surgery as you waited for. hope the best and thank you for telling your story.

Alexandra's picture
Alexandra on November 19, 2013 - 21:32 Permalink

I have gallstones too. I am skinny and young, 25. I used to do a lot of Ketamine recreationally. I have a theory that the ketamine is a causing factor for young women who aren’t overweight but have gallstones. Anyone else think this rings true?
The attacks are mostly mild and don’t happen frequently. The first one I had was the worst but it hasn’t happened that bad again. I would hate to be pregnant and have to deal with severe attacks so I’m thinking of getting the gallbladder out to prevent this from happening. For me my hormones set them off (had to go off the pill). But I also hate the idea of invasive surgery with significant complication statistics.

Leesy's picture
Leesy on March 16, 2014 - 13:59 Permalink

Hi, I have experienced exactly what you have described. I began waking during the night with terrible pain in my upper abdomen, I was sent for am ultrasound where they discovered polyps in my gallbladder. One year on I’m still experiencing the symptoms so I had another ultrasound the other say and not only do I have the polyps still they have now also discovered sludge in my gallbladder as well which is basically gallbladder disease. I believe the polyps do have something to do with the initial pain and discomfort, I would suggest having another ultrasound to see if there’s been any change in the polyps or you may have sludge like I do which must have developed inbetween my last ultrasound so a small space of 6 months. Booked in to see surgeon now.

Leesy's picture
Leesy on March 16, 2014 - 14:01 Permalink

Hi, I have experienced exactly what you have described. I began waking during the night with terrible pain in my upper abdomen, I was sent for am ultrasound where they discovered polyps in my gallbladder. One year on I’m still experiencing the symptoms so I had another ultrasound the other say and not only do I have the polyps still they have now also discovered sludge in my gallbladder as well which is basically gallbladder disease. I believe the polyps do have something to do with the initial pain and discomfort, I would suggest having another ultrasound to see if there’s been any change in the polyps or you may have sludge like I do which must have developed inbetween my last ultrasound so a small space of 6 months. Booked in to see surgeon now.

ismail's picture
ismail on January 4, 2015 - 23:00 Permalink

Dear gallstoners, I'm 33, I had a gallstone attack in may 2014. I ended up in ER with $1700.00 copay/coinsurance or whatever you call it, that I had to pay from my own pocket. The doctor advised me not to eat fatty foods (he said 0% saturated fat food is the best to avoid any gallstone attack), and he was right. Since May of '14 I've been living on fat-free foods. I quit eating fast food in a jiff. I had to, otherwise the pain was unbelievable. I lost over 25 lbs since. I'm gonna write down some foods that I eat and I don't get any gallstone attack at all: for breakfast I eat bowl of oatmeal(0%saturated fat) with slice of banana and honey topped in fat free milk. Brunch I eat a jelly (0% saturated fat) sandwich. For lunch I eat 95% fat free beef Bologna sandwich ( 2 slices) on French baguette with slice of fat free Borden yellow american cheese. Dinner I either eat spaghetti with red sauce (fat free) or a veggie burger and 99% fat free fries which I bake them in owen. I use ketchup, pickle, 0% saturated fat mayonnaise from Kraft. I also eat Hebrew hot dogs with green labeling which have 0% saturated fat. What else: I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. I eat broccoli sprinkled with salt and little black pepper. I eat fat free pizza ( I use red sauce and fat free mozzarella cheese) I eat graham crackers with honey, I eat skinny cow swiss cheese triangles ( 1 triangle has 3% of daily value saturated fat ) , I eat Newton's fat free strudels. I drink coffe with fat free milk in it, I use brown sugar. I eat a lot of salads with red wine vinegar only. No cheeses oils or meats on them. I stay away from soda, I drink ginger ale occasionally when I crave Dr. Pepper. I also quit smoking real cigarettes after a lot of years. I only smoke electronic cigarette now.
I hope this helps for you that have gallstones and try to live attack-free....
It works for me....

besty's picture
besty on May 20, 2015 - 05:43 Permalink

If you are searching the internet for every damn option in order to avoid the surgery: don't do that! There is no alternative and the surgery is more than just fine. Don't do any liver flush cause you might disloged a stone and make more complications. You can live without the gallbladder very well. I know that is hard to accept the surgery. I've been there. I know how you feel about the surgery and how desperately you try to find other alternatives but believe me: the surgery is the only option. In the end, you will do it. I am still worried for side effects but I will deal with them one by one if I will have them. I have no other choice than to wait. Don't prolonged your agony and make the surgery before developing any other complications.

Cody Linneberg's picture
Cody Linneberg on August 21, 2016 - 07:14 Permalink

Just an update since my last post on this blog in 2010: It's been almost seven years since my last gallstone attack. According to my most recent ultrasound, I still have "several small stones," but I discontinued Ursodiol treatment in 2011, and in any case, they are asymptomatic.

The way I "cured" my gallstones was by severely limiting my fat intake, particularly saturated fats, and especially trans fats. It may have been years since my last attack, but I still read nutritional information labels (the pain from an attack is a memory that will last you a lifetime) and I won't eat any meal that has more than 20 grams of fat in it. And that's only for special treats. Usually 15 is my limit.

If I could summarize the last ten years into one single sentence of advice to those who are hoping to avoid a gallstone attack, or avoiding gallstones altogether: Keep each meal under 20 grams of fat, and of those grams, no more than 6 of them should be saturated.

Be safe out there!

Gray Fredrick's picture
Gray Fredrick on August 25, 2016 - 08:22 Permalink

Thank you for this post. You have decribed my experience perfectly. I'm going to take some of your advice to heart. I have tests scheduled today to check my gallbladder and according to my GI Doctor it is likely that a few weeks hence I will have nothing but the memory of the foul little bugger. I'm in The States, so surgery will cost me a gallbladder, an arm and a leg but at least it will be done in a few days instead of weeks. Best of luck to you and everyone who suffers so.

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