Laparoscopic
Surgery A Breeze
"Mine
started acting up during my first pregnancy in '82 and it
didn't come out until after my last pregnancy (twins) in
'94. It bothered me with a dull pain. I had to sit a lot and
just ate less. I didn't have the major surgery (had lap.)
and it was a breeze. It was easier than going to the
dentist. I did turn yellow in my eyes so went to the doctor
and had an ultrasound. Tell the surgeon that you want him to
make sure to clean out the duct for stones. Some people have
had one left behind and had to return. Pull it out; it is
worth it. Make sure that they save your stones for you." -
GRAYDOWNEY Watch Your
Diet
"I
found that a diet low in fats, sodium, and red meat helped
with the attacks. Also drink lots of water. My experience
was different than most as my gall bladder had constricted
down onto the gallstone. This could be why mine were hard to
detect." -
MOMMYPLAYS
Gallstones At
17
"I'm
only 17, and about 5 months ago I got a horrible
stomachache, and it felt like my stomach was on fire. Then
it felt like I had sore stomach muscles on the inside- after
about 15 minutes it went away. Then about a month later, the
same thing happened, but it woke me up at 2 am and I was up
until 6 am. I was pale and fevered and I felt like I was
going to be sick to my stomach. Then it didn't happen for 2
months, and I had an attack on Oct. 10, then another on the
25th. By then I wanted to know what was going on. I went to
my doctor, he ordered an Ultrasound and an Upper GI with the
lower bowel follow through. Nothing was abnormal in either
except they found a mass beside my liver and my pancreas was
not visible. That was on Wednesday- on Friday I went in for
a CT scan to determine what the mass was and to try and
locate my pancreas, as well as the exact location of my
gallbladder. I went in for a meeting with a surgeon on
Tuesday of the next week, then that Friday I had my
gallbladder removed... So, old fashioned way it was. He
actually had to take my intestines out and separate scar
tissue before he could even find my gallbladder. I ended up
being in surgery for 2 hours. Now, although I don't have the
attacks- the week before I had surgery I lost 8 lbs and
threw up everything I ate- except crackers. To those of you
who are experiencing gallbladder attacks, I'd advise you to
get it removed before it causes any more problems. Oh, and I
got my gallstones- I had 20." -
TABIKAT01 Is This
Gallstones?
"I
think I might have gallstones. I'm still going through
tests. Has anyone had rashes or hives with this? I've had
stinging and itching for about a month and a half. Sometimes
I think I'm going to go crazy; the doctors don't seem to
understand why this is happening and I can't get any
answers. I'm losing weight and throwing up. My back hurts,
my stomach hurts and I get constipated. If anyone out there
can help me I would be so grateful." -
SMITH1279 Gallstones
Without Attacks?
"Can
you have gallbladder trouble without having attacks? I have
had pain in my side like a dull ache. But not severe
attacks. Can you have a diseased gallbladder without
gallstone?"-
GRAYCE1 Is This A Heart
Attack or Is My Gallbladder Going to Explode?
You lay
there in pain thinking 'Am I dying? Is this a heart attack
or is my gallbladder going to explode?' I have been having
them periodically for years and have had 2 tests that were
both 'non-conclusive.' Until I have a test that shows a
nonfunctioning gall bladder my insurance carrier won't pay
for surgery although my doctor says he is 99% sure that I
need one. I can't eat things like broccoli, cabbage or
lettuce. I have cut way back on greasy food too (my favorite
- I love fried chicken!). When I have one I drink some warm
Coke (let it flatten a bit) and lie perfectly still. I also
chews Tums. It helps a little but not a lot. They are indeed
awful and you may find that as time goes on you will start
feeling ill and nauseous right in the middle of a meal. I've
been going thru that also." -
TALLU1
