Who here has had gallstones and/or gallbladder removal? UPDATE:FINALLY GOT THE HIDA!

[cherbear]

I am going to the doctor Wednesday for gallbladder tests. I've been dealing with stomach problems for a couple of years now and finally think I know what it is. I cannot digest lettuce, I get stomach cramps, and specifically--pain in my upper right side below my ribs---back and front.

One time, the stomach pain was accompanied by horrible chest pain; I nearly went to the ER but didn't have a vehicle at that very time, and by the time I was able to be brought there the chest pain had subsided. I am now reading on WebMD that it is a symptom of gallbladder dysfunction (or stones).

I know there's a large network of people here, so I wanted to start a little discussion of people who have experienced anything like this. I'm also concerned about the tests (especially HIDA) and the surgery---I will most likely need my gallbladder removed.


UPDATE: Finally got a HIDA ordered and scheduled! 2 days away!

 

[duckfan78]

I am going through the same thing. I have been having pains in the upper right side of my abdomen. I also have a spot that gets swollen in that area.

They did a ultra sound and everything came out normal. However my Dr. had me do a HIDA scan. It was pretty simple...basically you lay under this camera just up to your stomach. and they inject chemicals in that are harmless. then they see how it looks. I had mine with injection fraction which makes the galbladder contract to see how it works. Its based on a percentage. above 50% is ok. Mine was 30. Usually 25 and under they want you to remove the gal bladder

My next step is to visit with a surgeon and get their opinion. My doc says they usually don't get any better. The other thing I can do is wait a few months then have the test again. good luck to you

 

[cherbear]

I forgot to say I have been burping excessively, too. Sorry, I know that's gross.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Sounds like a gallbladder problem to me. Trust me - yes, it's surgery, but it's not a big deal. You'll be fine.

 

[NJMomma]

I had my gallbladder out about a month ago. I was having some right sided upper abdominal pain, which would last for days at a time. An ultrasound showed stones. The ultrasound was quick, easy and painless. I didn't have an HISA test. I had some trouble with fats, lettuce and assorted other foods before the surgery. I had the laproscopic surgery and was home just a few hours afterwards. The surgery is not quite as easy as the doctors make it out to be, but it is not the worst thing ever either. I was seriously incapicated for about 4 days after surgery (love those percocets ). After a week I was driving again, and pretty much back on a light/normal routine. Now at about 4 weeks post surgery, I still have some occasional pain where the stitches are, but that's it. My weight restrictions (what I can pick up) have not yet been lifted, but I expect that this week. I can eat whatever I like. Some people have digestive issues post surgery, but I can't speak about that because I haven't had that kind of trouble. There was a thread discussing this on the Disney Family forum, you might want to look for that. I hope all goes well for you.

 

[cabanafrau]

DH had his gallbladder taken out arthroscopicly almost 15 years ago, well if that's even an actual word. He had sporadic trouble which particularly spiked when he ate oranges or drank orange juice, which his surgeon told him often causes trouble for some reason. The surgery went very well & he bounced back quickly.

He still does have problems w/ certain fatty-type foods, but other than that, he's much happier without the gallbladder.

 

[deno2]

I had my gallbladder and a couple of giant stones removed a few years back. Do yourself a favor and do as little as possible for 3 straight days, then all will be good. Since I had my gallbladder out, I cannot eat raw oinions or green peppers. I have also been on Nexium ever since - I've tried to go off of it but it's impossible. My surgeon told me that it's pretty common to end up on Nexium after having your gallbladder removed.

Good luck!

deno

 

[KyraS]

I had mine removed October 15th and let me tell you I have NEVER felt so good in my life. I had three attacks. The first one I went to the E.R. and they gave me a Gastro Cocktail which eased the pain. The second one is when they found the HUGE Gallstone I had. They set up surgery for about 3 weeks later and the Saturday night right before I was to have the surgery on Tuesday I had the worst attack by far. It was worse than labor pains. I honestly thought I was going to die.

I went in Tuesday morning at around 6a.m. They checked me in and then soon after started an I.V. They gave me some meds to make me relax. Around 12 they came to get me. I was out in 5 seconds flat. I think I woke up good about 1:15 or so. THen by 5 I was on my way home. I took it easy for a few days and now I feel awesome!!!!!!!

Actually I have had no problems at all. I have burped less, I'm more regular than I've ever been. It is awesome!!!!!

Oh and I was terrified of the surgery but am so thankful I went through with it.

 

[4greatboys]

I had my gallbladder removed Laproscopically 17 years ago. The only symptom I ever had was when I passed a gallstone. Very, very painful!! Plus I had no clue at the time what was going on.

After it was out my stomach would get upset sometimes after I had eaten. It was no certain foods. I could eat a certain food one time and be fine but eat that same item another time and it was not good. That has cleared up a lot over the years.

 

[Nutsy]

Yup, had my gallbladder surgery 4 weeks ago today. Not fully recovered as yet, but am getting there. At least I no longer need to avoid certain foods and am pain free in that area.

 

[Nutsy]

I am going to the doctor Wednesday for gallbladder tests. I've been dealing with stomach problems for a couple of years now and finally think I know what it is. I cannot digest lettuce, I get stomach cramps, and specifically--pain in my upper right side below my ribs---back and front.

One time, the stomach pain was accompanied by horrible chest pain; I nearly went to the ER but didn't have a vehicle at that very time, and by the time I was able to be brought there the chest pain had subsided. I am now reading on WebMD that it is a symptom of gallbladder dysfunction (or stones).

I know there's a large network of people here, so I wanted to start a little discussion of people who have experienced anything like this. I'm also concerned about the tests (especially HIDA) and the surgery---I will most likely need my gallbladder removed.

I did end up in the ER with chest pain. I'd had it all day and was really worried it could be heart related as it was on both sides. However, it turned out it was all gallbladder related.

I didn't burp, I passed wind a heck of a lot. Foods now are pretty ok, just have to be a little careful with some things. Esp oily things.. Dr said it's the stomach that can't handle it.

I'm still sore around the navel area and one of my incisions on the right hand side is still tender, not tried driving as yet and have only just (today) started doing things like sweeping and mopping. Tried sweeping a couple of weeks ago and it hurt like hell, so that was the end of that.

I go back to the doc next week for the final check up and hopefully it weill be all ok to go back to normal duties.

As for pain.. I had it under the right breast, through to the shoulder blade and in the shoulder itself. Mine was a real burning kind of pain most of the time too.

 

[cherbear]

I am going through the same thing. I have been having pains in the upper right side of my abdomen. I also have a spot that gets swollen in that area.

They did a ultra sound and everything came out normal. However my Dr. had me do a HIDA scan. It was pretty simple...basically you lay under this camera just up to your stomach. and they inject chemicals in that are harmless. then they see how it looks. I had mine with injection fraction which makes the galbladder contract to see how it works. Its based on a percentage. above 50% is ok. Mine was 30. Usually 25 and under they want you to remove the gal bladder

My next step is to visit with a surgeon and get their opinion. My doc says they usually don't get any better. The other thing I can do is wait a few months then have the test again. good luck to you

Thanks so much for the reply! I have heard that ultrasounds are 95% effective in finding problems (mainly gallstones) but that the HIDA is the second test if the ultrasound finds nothing. So you've just confirmed that.

Glad to hear that procedure is not too bad. May I ask what that percentage exactly is measuring?

Sounds like a gallbladder problem to me. Trust me - yes, it's surgery, but it's not a big deal. You'll be fine.

that's what I was thinking. It's as if I've just had this huge epiphany! I've asked my mom to come with me to the doctor Wednesday so that I don't tank under the pressure. Those doctors can be SO intimidating, and as assertive as I PLAN on being sometimes I just cower back and don't say what I really want to say.
She will be there and that should help a lot.

Thanks for posting!

BTW I've NEVER gone under the knife before. But somehow I am not all that nervous---I'm just ready to be done with all the pain!

I had my gallbladder out about a month ago. I was having some right sided upper abdominal pain, which would last for days at a time. An ultrasound showed stones. The ultrasound was quick, easy and painless. I didn't have an HISA test. I had some trouble with fats, lettuce and assorted other foods before the surgery. I had the laproscopic surgery and was home just a few hours afterwards. The surgery is not quite as easy as the doctors make it out to be, but it is not the worst thing ever either. I was seriously incapicated for about 4 days after surgery (love those percocets ). After a week I was driving again, and pretty much back on a light/normal routine. Now at about 4 weeks post surgery, I still have some occasional pain where the stitches are, but that's it. My weight restrictions (what I can pick up) have not yet been lifted, but I expect that this week. I can eat whatever I like. Some people have digestive issues post surgery, but I can't speak about that because I haven't had that kind of trouble. There was a thread discussing this on the Disney Family forum, you might want to look for that. I hope all goes well for you.

tnank you SO much for the info!
4 days is not bad. So do you think it's possible I could be back at work by day 5 or 6? I do office work, so I pretty much sit all day.

I've got to time this right because my boss is going on vacation (to WDW) from the 22nd to the 27th and I can't miss work while she is out. Unless they determine something this Wednesday, decide it's an emergency situation, and do it ASAP, I'll have to wait until the 28th to do the surgery. (At this point, I'm going on the assumption that I've got to have the surgery)

DH had his gallbladder taken out arthroscopicly almost 15 years ago, well if that's even an actual word. He had sporadic trouble which particularly spiked when he ate oranges or drank orange juice, which his surgeon told him often causes trouble for some reason. The surgery went very well & he bounced back quickly.

He still does have problems w/ certain fatty-type foods, but other than that, he's much happier without the gallbladder.

thank you for posting!!

laproscopically? Or did they not have that back then?

I haven't noticed anything with oranges, of course I haven't been paying attention to when I eat oranges either. I'll have to make note (or just steer clear of them altogether for now) Thanks again!

I had my gallbladder and a couple of giant stones removed a few years back. Do yourself a favor and do as little as possible for 3 straight days, then all will be good. Since I had my gallbladder out, I cannot eat raw oinions or green peppers. I have also been on Nexium ever since - I've tried to go off of it but it's impossible. My surgeon told me that it's pretty common to end up on Nexium after having your gallbladder removed.

Good luck!

deno

3 days...sounds alright. I can sit on my butt and take pain pills for 3 days. I wouldn't mind taking Nexium. I've been taking Miralax when I need it because the doctor I saw last year about this off and on kept writing me off and saying I had IBS (but not doing any tests except an x-ray and bloodwork, til I had a blockage in my intestine and I ended up in the hospital in pain--did a colonoscopy and they found nothing but inflammation)
That's a long story but the condensed version is that the doctor was a big butt-hole and kept saying I was too young to have any "real" problems.
Never tested my GB.

thanks for posting!

I had mine removed October 15th and let me tell you I have NEVER felt so good in my life. I had three attacks. The first one I went to the E.R. and they gave me a Gastro Cocktail which eased the pain. The second one is when they found the HUGE Gallstone I had. They set up surgery for about 3 weeks later and the Saturday night right before I was to have the surgery on Tuesday I had the worst attack by far. It was worse than labor pains. I honestly thought I was going to die.

I went in Tuesday morning at around 6a.m. They checked me in and then soon after started an I.V. They gave me some meds to make me relax. Around 12 they came to get me. I was out in 5 seconds flat. I think I woke up good about 1:15 or so. THen by 5 I was on my way home. I took it easy for a few days and now I feel awesome!!!!!!!

Actually I have had no problems at all. I have burped less, I'm more regular than I've ever been. It is awesome!!!!!

Oh and I was terrified of the surgery but am so thankful I went through with it.

thanks for posting your story! Did you ever have chest pains? I thought I was having a heart attack that day...it was so crazy! I really should have gone to the ER but I probably would have ended up spending a lot of money I don't have and I'll bet they still wouldn't have checked my GB.

Your story gives me SO much hope!! thank you!

I had my gallbladder removed Laproscopically 17 years ago. The only symptom I ever had was when I passed a gallstone. Very, very painful!! Plus I had no clue at the time what was going on.

After it was out my stomach would get upset sometimes after I had eaten. It was no certain foods. I could eat a certain food one time and be fine but eat that same item another time and it was not good. That has cleared up a lot over the years.

I am guessing you can't see gallstones when they pass? Chances are I've probably passed some in all this time that I've been having problems. Glad to hear you are better! Thank you for posting!

Yup, had my gallbladder surgery 4 weeks ago today. Not fully recovered as yet, but am getting there. At least I no longer need to avoid certain foods and am pain free in that area.

Sounds great!! Sign me up!

thank you all! And by all means, keep 'em coming! Maybe someone who is having these same symptoms and is undiagnosed will come to read this and have an epiphany like me! I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of you! I just knew I could count on the DIS!!!

 

[cherbear]

I did end up in the ER with chest pain. I'd had it all day and was really worried it could be heart related as it was on both sides. However, it turned out it was all gallbladder related.

I didn't burp, I passed wind a heck of a lot. Foods now are pretty ok, just have to be a little careful with some things. Esp oily things.. Dr said it's the stomach that can't handle it.

I'm still sore around the navel area and one of my incisions on the right hand side is still tender, not tried driving as yet and have only just (today) started doing things like sweeping and mopping. Tried sweeping a couple of weeks ago and it hurt like hell, so that was the end of that.

I go back to the doc next week for the final check up and hopefully it weill be all ok to go back to normal duties.

As for pain.. I had it under the right breast, through to the shoulder blade and in the shoulder itself. Mine was a real burning kind of pain most of the time too.

wow...I think you are really helping to confirm this for me. I wish I had connected the chest pain. I tried using WebMD that day and their symptom checker, and never did read about gall bladder. I think the flaw in their symptom checker is that it does not add all symptoms together and bring up only diseases/conditions that have ALL of your symptoms associated with it. It just gives a list of every single condition for every symptom you list---and if they overlap, you're just lucky. They really need to fix that. At least add an option to include only conditions that have "all symptoms" as a check box or something.

If I can't do housework for a while I think I can live with that. My hubby will have to start doing laundry.

I hope your road to recovery continues and the Dr. gives you a healthy release.

Thanks once again!!

 

[NJMomma]

4 days is not bad. So do you think it's possible I could be back at work by day 5 or 6? I do office work, so I pretty much sit all day.


Well, maybe? (some help I am!)...Day 6, probably. I wasn't supposed to drive for a week after the surgery (I did after 6 days, I'm a rebel ) If you still need the pain pills you won't be able to drive. How long do you drive to work? I was uncomfortable sitting in a car for more than 20 minutes at that point. Can you get up and move around a bit at work? Sitting is OK, but I found too much of that wasn't great either. I think it also depends on how your ahem, digestive track is handling things. I have heard tales of frequent bathroom trips after eating, but I had no problems that way. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have (if I can!). Keep us updated after you see the doctor

 

[cherbear]

Well, maybe? (some help I am!)...Day 6, probably. I wasn't supposed to drive for a week after the surgery (I did after 6 days, I'm a rebel ) If you still need the pain pills you won't be able to drive. How long do you drive to work? I was uncomfortable sitting in a car for more than 20 minutes at that point. Can you get up and move around a bit at work? Sitting is OK, but I found too much of that wasn't great either. I think it also depends on how your ahem, digestive track is handling things. I have heard tales of frequent bathroom trips after eating, but I had no problems that way. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have (if I can!). Keep us updated after you see the doctor

Day 6 would be okay I think. If I could be released back to work and could work on mild pain pills I could probably work it out so my husband could drive me. I only work about 15-20 minutes away. Luckily, I am not glued to my desk either. I do get up to go to the printer behind me, and I can get up whenever I want except for one little 20 minute period in the morning. And if I had to make a "run" one of my coworkers would be understanding and take up the slack for me. Speaking of that...tonight hasn't been so great. I'm back and forth. I hope I am like you then...I'd rather just have the problems all go "poof" immediately.

Thank you so much. I'm sure I will have more of them(questions I mean). For now I need to get my butt to bed (probably will be getting up and down through the night though ) I have to be at work for 7 am.

I will surely keep y'all updated. I might even call tomorrow morning to see if they have any cancellations for tom. afternoon. I hope I can make it one more day! Maybe the rest tonight will calm my stomach down a bit.

for now...it's goodnight. Thanks again to everyone who replied!

 

[Nutsy]

Well, as for the ahem side of things.. the very next morning I was back to normal.

I was actually in hospital overnight and I'm usually all panicky when it comes to having surgery. For some reason this time I was quite cool, calm and collected. I was lucky to be first cab off the rank for the day and honestly I don't remember anything after the canunla went in. Next I knew I was in recovery and needing a pan Surgery Lap is only 20-40mins and I was done at around 8am and was awake in recovery at 9.30 a.m.

I'm still tender in a few places, sleeping was the worst for me as I normally sleep on my tummy and of course that was out of the question. Had to sleep on my back and then I'd wake up with a sore back, from lying in the one position for so long.

I'm glad it's out... I suffered for 2 yrs until the GP finally decided to refer me. Even then it took some convincing.

Oh and my gallstones were discovered quite by accident, when I was having an ultrasound for another matter.

Good luck. If you do get to have the surgery, hope all goes well for you.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I've been "loaded" with stones for years, but my gallbladder is healthy. I only have trouble with certain foods-fatty or spicey, and raw garlic. I haven't gotten mine removed because I'm afraid of one of the complications. Many people still have trouble with certain foods after surgery, and many people have "urgent" bathroom issues following a meal. My mom was one of them. Its' a common enough side effect that I decided I won't get it removed unless it's an emergency.

I just avoid fatty and spicey foods, if I got it removed and started eating fatty foods, I might gain weight. I like that I've been able to stay slender, and the threat of a gallbladder attack keeps me eating fairly healthily.

 

[gshumaker]

I had many gallstones for about 10+ years and never had any problems with them until last year.

But then a couple of the attacks sent me to bed in agonizing pain. The first one was when I was 300 miles from home for work and not very fun at all!!

Went to see my doc and he ran an upper GI to make sure it was not acid reflux but I knew it was my gallbladder since I knew I had all those stones for all those years and knew what the symptoms were.

Surgeon removed it lyposcopically and I walked out of the hospital 30 minutes after surgery and was able to go to work the next day.

Recover time varies based on age. I'm 44 and was able to walk out of the hospital that day and go back to work immediately. My dad is 76 and he had his removed the same day that I did and spent the night in the hospital and was in a lot of pain for several days.

I avoided eating large meals and greasy foods for a couple of weeks and now have not had any issues since.

On a side note - I used to snore really loudly but since the surgery my wife says that I no longer do so?? I'm not sure how the 2 are related but I'll take that side effect.

 

[MareQ]

I've had it done. May 8th 1998 to be exact. One of the best days of my life - lol! I had gone undiagnosed for over 7 YEARS!! I had regular attacks - I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I went to the ER and EVERY time they didn't believe me and gave me Maalox and when I felt better 10 hours later they'd tell me it was gas @@ They never did an ultrasound while I was in a full blown attack.

 

[cherbear]

Well, as for the ahem side of things.. the very next morning I was back to normal.

I was actually in hospital overnight and I'm usually all panicky when it comes to having surgery. For some reason this time I was quite cool, calm and collected. I was lucky to be first cab off the rank for the day and honestly I don't remember anything after the canunla went in. Next I knew I was in recovery and needing a pan Surgery Lap is only 20-40mins and I was done at around 8am and was awake in recovery at 9.30 a.m.

I'm still tender in a few places, sleeping was the worst for me as I normally sleep on my tummy and of course that was out of the question. Had to sleep on my back and then I'd wake up with a sore back, from lying in the one position for so long.

I'm glad it's out... I suffered for 2 yrs until the GP finally decided to refer me. Even then it took some convincing.

Oh and my gallstones were discovered quite by accident, when I was having an ultrasound for another matter.

Good luck. If you do get to have the surgery, hope all goes well for you.

canunla?

that's pretty quick. Luckily I already sleep on my back.

I bet you are! I am going straight to the GI doctor, so hopefully I will get some quick results.

I have heard of a lot of people having their gallstones discovered by ultrasound when they weren't there for gallstones.

thank you!

I've been "loaded" with stones for years, but my gallbladder is healthy. I only have trouble with certain foods-fatty or spicey, and raw garlic. I haven't gotten mine removed because I'm afraid of one of the complications. Many people still have trouble with certain foods after surgery, and many people have "urgent" bathroom issues following a meal. My mom was one of them. Its' a common enough side effect that I decided I won't get it removed unless it's an emergency.

I just avoid fatty and spicey foods, if I got it removed and started eating fatty foods, I might gain weight. I like that I've been able to stay slender, and the threat of a gallbladder attack keeps me eating fairly healthily.

I'm not afraid of that, because I already have had SO many problems I am willing to take the risk! Especially after seeing so many happy people post on here that they are so glad they had the surgery and haven't had any complications.

Lucky you! I'm not slender. I keep getting bloated so that's not helping my situation at all! When I'm strictly dieting, I usually end up eating lots of SALAD instead of bread, and tuna as my protein. But I can't do that with this faulty GB inside me. I don't know if I'll be able to eat lettuce afterwards, but either way it doesn't matter because I can't eat it NOW without getting sick.

I had many gallstones for about 10+ years and never had any problems with them until last year.

But then a couple of the attacks sent me to bed in agonizing pain. The first one was when I was 300 miles from home for work and not very fun at all!!

Went to see my doc and he ran an upper GI to make sure it was not acid reflux but I knew it was my gallbladder since I knew I had all those stones for all those years and knew what the symptoms were.

Surgeon removed it lyposcopically and I walked out of the hospital 30 minutes after surgery and was able to go to work the next day.

Recover time varies based on age. I'm 44 and was able to walk out of the hospital that day and go back to work immediately. My dad is 76 and he had his removed the same day that I did and spent the night in the hospital and was in a lot of pain for several days.

I avoided eating large meals and greasy foods for a couple of weeks and now have not had any issues since.

On a side note - I used to snore really loudly but since the surgery my wife says that I no longer do so?? I'm not sure how the 2 are related but I'll take that side effect.

Wow, that does NOT sound fun. Working the next day?! I'll bet your doctor advised against that You little rebel, you!

I'm 25 by the way (well 26 in June )

no snoring!

I've had it done. May 8th 1998 to be exact. One of the best days of my life - lol! I had gone undiagnosed for over 7 YEARS!! I had regular attacks - I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I went to the ER and EVERY time they didn't believe me and gave me Maalox and when I felt better 10 hours later they'd tell me it was gas @@ They never did an ultrasound while I was in a full blown attack.

Gosh, I have tried to stay away from the ER because I just knew they wouldn't fix the problem and I would only run up very high BILLS! When I was admitted into the hospital last year, I went to my doctor and he admitted me. I practically had to break his arm to get him to do so. I was laying there in dire pain and I think he thought I was faking for some reason.
Don't you hate hospitals?! I can't believe they didn't do an ultrasound on you. I've never had one done either.

I would LOVE to have one done tomorrow but I'm sure they will have to "schedule" me for one and I'll have to pay $200 for them to just TALK to me tomorrow.