I did post a similar request on another forum as well but looking for help.
Gallbladder advice and help please.... For anyone who has had their gallbladder removed or know they have stones can you please share your experience?
I am not having acute attacks like with stones but having constant RUQ pain and pain into my back between shoulder blades. As well I feel pain and pressure a couple of inches below my sternum and to the right. Also in the pit of my stomach and to the right.
I am HOT, but not running a fever. I had a Hida scan 1 year ago showing 26% ejection fraction but ultra sound did not show stones. Pain went away so no further action was taken. My stomach gurgles after I eat and feel bad after a bowel movement. I have been really constipated. I have had some nausea but not a lot. I am having strange hunger type feelings though.
I had a CT Scan on Friday last week to rule out other things prior to seeing a surgeon on Jan 2nd for removal of gallbladder. Waiting for results.
Can someone please share their experience or advice? Thanks.
Posted by didogs (Member # 40101) on :
Hi I know that pain! I had the same symptoms as you. This was all pre lyme diagnosis. All of my bloodwork, scans, etc were always normal despite my losing weight and worsening pain.
Eventually, the decision was made to remove my gall bladder. The pathology showed that it was full of sludge and showed evidence of "swelling". I have felt so much better since having it removed.
Good luck to you
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
Well, I went to the ER after having 3 'stomach attacks' in 1 week, my stomach attacks being dead ringers for a
gallbladder attack- on the floor, can't move, pain shoots up right shoulder blade. Absolutely convinced it was gallbladder,
despite having it checked 1 1\2 years ago- turns out it was constipation- which yes, like you mentioned, you have, too.
I thought I was managing the constipation, I was not. Had to do a radical diet change, and realized I had a major yeast/ fungal issue.
One thing- the stomach attacks can be relieved by evacuation- should have been a clue, I missed it. I think you can be pretty constipated and still have bowel movements....
But they should be able to see from your CT scan.
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
Wini- I went through all of this. I waited and suffered and then had to do a second HIDA scan the went down to 5% function. I did not have an ultrasound. I just said, "take it out".
As it turns out, I had stones stuck in the bile duct. I did the laparascopic procedure and am so glad I got that thing out.
No more pain like that anymore. I can eat everything.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by surprise:
I thought I was managing the constipation, I was not. Had to do a radical diet change, and realized I had a major yeast/ fungal issue.
- Try that first, Winnie!
Posted by Winesnob81 (Member # 42355) on :
I had all kinds of GI and discomfort like you described. Had Ultra sounds, CT scans, Hida Scan (26% also).
Saw several surgeons who gave me both opinions: Take it out, don't take it out. No one could figure out what could be causing all my issues.
Came on very suddenly so the Dr.'s convinced me it must be gallbladder. Had it removed.
No stones, no obstructions.
Problems and pain continued for 10 months after and they blamed it on my having it removed and my body was "adjusting."
Three months later I was diagnosed with Lyme. Positive WB and culture.
If I had it to do over, I wouldn't have had it removed because it was not the issue. Lyme was the issue.
But I did not know that at the time. I would not have it out unless there was a blockage and you were in severe pain.
But that is just me with 20/20 hindsight.
Posted by Winni (Member # 36772) on :
I thought I would update you all. The results of the CT Scan were clear. No findings. Liver, pancreas, gallbladder etc. All within normal limits. No tumors etc. So now I guess I wait to meet with the surgeon on Jan 2nd.
Thanks for your insight I appreciate it.
Merry Christmas!!!!
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
I have a sludgy gb, and have managed to keep it under control with large daily doses of milk thistle - 375mg at least twice a day. Without it, within 3 days I know I'd be a mess.
Posted by Suebear (Member # 42596) on :
I had the same issues with my gall bladder. I had 2 hide a scans which showed nothing. Eventually had my gall bladder removed,it was double enlarged and filled with polyps. Apparently polyps did not show up on scans.
This was before being diagnosed with lyme Posted by elainer97 (Member # 33917) on :
I am managing my gallbladder issues with chanca piedra, sunflower lecithin with meals and very recently started coffee enemas (which my LLMD said he would do if he had gallbladder probs).
I do not want to have to get my gallbladder removed if there's any way at all that I can keep it.
Posted by Littlesprout (Member # 7406) on :
I had abnormal hida scan at ER showed slug, slow response Had trouble for yrs, mother had GB out in 70s I am so glad it was removedm was enlarged, elongated, sign of chronic stress....don't miss my GB at all!
Posted by Winni (Member # 36772) on :
Thanks all. Today has been the worst pain. Not double over pain but constant aching from my right side into the pit of my stomach. I am taking RX antacids, ginger tea, gas pills, you name it... Did any of you have this type of pain??? And my back between shoulder blades is aching.
Anyone with this type of pain?
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Look into doing a castor oil pack over your gall bladder and liver area. This may reduce inflammation and pain.
Elainer97 mentioned chanca piedra. You can look it up at iHerb.com to read reviews and see how it helped others.
Lymeinhell mentioned milk thistle. This can be helpful for liver problems, and again, you can look for reviews and studies.
In my experience, using farinfrared light or pulsed magnetic energy can reduce inflammation and pain. You can buy machines for this, and although they aren't as powerful as the professional models, they are effective.
If you want more info about any of this, just ask.
Posted by fourwinds (Member # 14114) on :
I am experiencing the exact same issues right now.. I just had a gallbladder ultrasound..
I think mine gets out of whack when I get constipated, then my perastaltic gets to spasming.. throwing my whole digestive system out of whack.
Is a HIDA scan a non-eventful experience?
I would prefer to keep my gallbladder..
Carol could you pls PM me the info on devices you mentioned? Will be trying the castor oil packs..
Posted by jwick25 (Member # 15190) on :
I've been having issues that might be GB related.
As soon as I sit up in bed in the morning, I feel this pressure....like a combination of gas and a feeling like an organ is expanding and making me feel fullness right under my chest.
Is this in line with what you have been feeling?
I did have an acute pain that lasted a short time twice now, but tests showed no inflammation....only elevated lipase levels.
What type of doctor do you see about this?
LLMD? Gastro?
Posted by Winni (Member # 36772) on :
Thanks for responding all. I am in panic mode right now as I go to see a surgeon in an hour. Yes, I have pressure, bloating and fullness. fourwinds I agree with you, my pain is much much worse when I am constipated which unfortunately is my norm.
jwick25, I do have that feeling but not quite like you. My pressure seems to build.
Ironically today the pain is now moving to the left side as well.
I am so frustrated and scared to say the least. I have not had surgery before and now questioning everything.
The only proof I have is a low ejection fraction result from the Hida Scan but who knows if it causes all these symptoms..
Lyme & Co cause so many things it is hard to tell.
I will let you all know what the surgeon says.
Thanks again for your replies.. XOXOXO!!!!!
Posted by Winni (Member # 36772) on :
Jwick25, sorry, meant to tell you, I have been seeing a GI doc, however he does not handle Gallbladder issues. My GP is.
GI seems to be a good start but if you have an understanding GP it may be better.
Posted by jwick25 (Member # 15190) on :
Thanks, Winni! I actually called my husband's Gastro, and he directed me to a general surgeon who helps get to the bottom of these things.
Best of luck to you! I hope you had a good appointment with the surgeon!
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