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

[breezy1077]

Thank you, thank you, thank you OP for posting this thread. I've been wanting to post something similar, but I hardly ever go to the doctor let alone discuss with people.

Question: I have the same upper right quadrant "pain" - it's more like a pressure. It used to feel like something pushing against my lower rib cage, but it's recently moved down a little. Sometimes it's pressure, sometimes it hurts, doesn't burn and doesn't move to the back like y'all have mentioned. A year ago I had a CT scan and ultrasound, they thought gall bladder too, but everything looked ok. I also have bloodwork done every 6 mo for thyroid and nothing there.

So, is that what y'all are describing, or could it be liver or something else. Really, it's very frustrating and has been going on for a few years now. I don't have the connection with food either that y'all have mentioned.

Good luck OP with your tests and possible surgery.

 

[Aimee K]

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.

Sounds like me! I had attacks for years, starting in high school, and following me to college. It took 7 years for me too to have a diagnosis. I had ekg's, x-rays, blood work galore, because mine were all in my chest. My descriptions were all about chest pain, so I think the docs never even thought gall bladder. When all that came back normal, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I finally went back to my hometown doc who said, hmm, sounds like it might be gall bladder, and sent me for an ultrasound. After the surgery, I felt great! That was 13 years ago. I still have phantom attacks occasionally after I eat a fatty meal, but other than that, I feel great. It was a quick and easy surgery.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I had my gallbladder removed in Dec 06. I had the same horrible pain that everyone else had. It would wake me up in the middle of the night. I'm not one to complain of pain and this would kill me.

I didn't have stones. My gallbladder was functioning at only 20%. I had the HIDA test (or whatever they call it). They inject you with this nuclear dye (non-toxic - don't worry). They stick you on a bed and place a great big x-ray machine just over your chest. They put a monitor by my head so I could watch. The tech watches the dye move from through your gallbladder and into your small intestine (I think). Once it hits there, they inject you with this other dye to make your gallbladder function. It can take up to an hour but I was told it would only take roughly 30 minutes to get to this point. Nope, mine took the whole hour! I did feel a bit nauseous when they injected the second part but nothing that made me vomit or anything. My doc had the results in less then 36 hours.

Had my gallbladder removed on a Tuesday, was driving by Friday and dancing (not well) at my DD's Dance Christmas Party by Saturday. I think I took one pain pill. Oh yeah, and I was in the hospital for 6 hours TOTAL. Get yourself tested, find a good surgeon and have it taken care of. One of the best decisions I made. Good luck with everything.

 

[cherbear]

Thank you, thank you, thank you OP for posting this thread. I've been wanting to post something similar, but I hardly ever go to the doctor let alone discuss with people.

Question: I have the same upper right quadrant "pain" - it's more like a pressure. It used to feel like something pushing against my lower rib cage, but it's recently moved down a little. Sometimes it's pressure, sometimes it hurts, doesn't burn and doesn't move to the back like y'all have mentioned. A year ago I had a CT scan and ultrasound, they thought gall bladder too, but everything looked ok. I also have bloodwork done every 6 mo for thyroid and nothing there.

So, is that what y'all are describing, or could it be liver or something else. Really, it's very frustrating and has been going on for a few years now. I don't have the connection with food either that y'all have mentioned.

Good luck OP with your tests and possible surgery.

you are welcome! I was reluctant about posting, but then I thought that there had to be a TON of people on DISboards with the same problem or similar. Obviously I was right! It seems to be pretty common. More common than the doctors seem to think...obviously.

have you ever had your kidney's checked? That's what I thought it might be last year but it wasn't. I've also had my thyroid checked (my mom is hypothyroid) and mine is fine too. I'd ask for an ultrasound of your whole belly area. If it is your gallbladder they may see something there.

Hope that helps!

Thank you, I will keep y'all updated on this thread.

Sounds like me! I had attacks for years, starting in high school, and following me to college. It took 7 years for me too to have a diagnosis. I had ekg's, x-rays, blood work galore, because mine were all in my chest. My descriptions were all about chest pain, so I think the docs never even thought gall bladder. When all that came back normal, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I finally went back to my hometown doc who said, hmm, sounds like it might be gall bladder, and sent me for an ultrasound. After the surgery, I felt great! That was 13 years ago. I still have phantom attacks occasionally after I eat a fatty meal, but other than that, I feel great. It was a quick and easy surgery.

My old PCP kept giving me anxiety medicine saying it was 'for my stomach'---he claimed that another use of the medicine was for stomach upset. And when I'd read the possible side effects in the insert, it would say "side effects include...drowsiness, upset stomach, etc" I kept telling him it didn't make sense that a SIDE EFFECT was UPSET STOMACH when my PROBLEM was UPSET STOMACH.

I think he just thought I was nuts! Also he kept saying I had IBS. He was STUCK on that. I will tell you this...if I have gallstones in there, I'm going to ask them to save them all for me. And I'm going to bag a few up and take them over to my old PCP and say "here's your $%#^ IBS!"

 

[cherbear]

I had my gallbladder removed in Dec 06. I had the same horrible pain that everyone else had. It would wake me up in the middle of the night. I'm not one to complain of pain and this would kill me.

I didn't have stones. My gallbladder was functioning at only 20%. I had the HIDA test (or whatever they call it). They inject you with this nuclear dye (non-toxic - don't worry). They stick you on a bed and place a great big x-ray machine just over your chest. They put a monitor by my head so I could watch. The tech watches the dye move from through your gallbladder and into your small intestine (I think). Once it hits there, they inject you with this other dye to make your gallbladder function. It can take up to an hour but I was told it would only take roughly 30 minutes to get to this point. Nope, mine took the whole hour! I did feel a bit nauseous when they injected the second part but nothing that made me vomit or anything. My doc had the results in less then 36 hours.

Had my gallbladder removed on a Tuesday, was driving by Friday and dancing (not well) at my DD's Dance Christmas Party by Saturday. I think I took one pain pill. Oh yeah, and I was in the hospital for 6 hours TOTAL. Get yourself tested, find a good surgeon and have it taken care of. One of the best decisions I made. Good luck with everything.

Wow! Thanks for the post! It really helps to get different POVs. That doesn't sound too bad. Not as bad as the prep for the colonoscopy. I'm no stranger to nausea. I get that ALL the time. So I'm sure I can handle it for a little bit of time.
36 hours....not bad.

I kind of hope I have stones just so they will show up on an ultrasound. If not I will have to wait longer for a HIDA scan. I'm so ready for this to be over with!

Sounds like you had a quick recovery time. Thanks again!

I just wish this burping would stop. It's embarassing!

 

[cherbear]

anyone else?

 

[lovetoscrap]

I had mine out several months after the birth of my 1st child. I too had the sudden attacks with the massive stomach and chest pain. One night it lasted for hours and I think I drank an entire bottle of Maalox thinking it was just gas. There was no way I was going to the hospital because that would mean waking up the baby! I laid on the floor for hours with my knees pulled up to my chest just crying and moaning in agony. That was the worst attack.

I called my PCP the next day and he had me in immediately, then to the Ultrasound. The stones showed up so clearly you could count them! I was shocked when he said I had to have surgery--I thought it was like Kidney stones and they would pass or they could laser them or something! I was in the surgeons office the next day and the surgery was a few days later. They wanted to do it the next day but I had to make arrangements for my Mom to fly out to take care of the baby.

Surgery was fine. Loved the good pain meds for a few days! The biggest problem was the restriction on lifting since that meant not lifting DD who was about 6 monrths at the time. My mom stayed for a week and a half then MIL came for about a week and a half to help. I actually had a family reunion to go to and got on an airplane and travelled 2 weeks later.

If I eat a very rich, high fat meal I will get stomach cramping and bathroom issues. I just know that I have to accept the consequenses if I choose to eat like that.


Okay, the post script on this long story is that DH had been having gastro issues for over a year at the time all this happened to me. They never suspected his GB. He went to our Dr. after my surgery and said "you know, i am having a lot of the same symptoms as she was. How come you immediately sent her for the ultrasound and we have never checked mine?" Dr figured what th heck, we have tried everything else. DH went for the Ultrasound and his GB was in such bad shape the technician wouldn't let him leave the hospital until the Dr had been called and given the results and okad him to go home. He didn't have stones, but another condition that he described as like "sludge" and it was BAD. A few days later he had his out with the same surgeon. We asked if she gave a family discount for 2 GB removals in two weeks! She said she had never had a couple get them out 2 weeks apart! The hospital staff thought it was pretty funny.

And after a year of agony DH felt better immediately. He actually healed much faster than I did--yep, we had daily scar comparisons! But he is much stronger than me and I am a big wussy baby.

My advice--get it done and get it done quick. You will wonder why you ever even hesitated. to you and the others that are suffering.

 

[breezy1077]

Ok, I'm getting more and more convinced mine is not gall bladder . What is it? I don't have the gas thing, upset stomach or the severe pain. Just pressure or a little painful like I said above. Any thoughts? I think the OP mentioned kidney, but it's too high and not in the back at all.

Sorry OP, I don't mean to hijack - I've just been dealing with this for years now and I'd love someone to give some thoughts.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Ok, I'm getting more and more convinced mine is not gall bladder . What is it? I don't have the gas thing, upset stomach or the severe pain. Just pressure or a little painful like I said above. Any thoughts? I think the OP mentioned kidney, but it's too high and not in the back at all.

Sorry OP, I don't mean to hijack - I've just been dealing with this for years now and I'd love someone to give some thoughts.

I can't remember, did you say you have had an ultrasound? DH had the sludge in his GB which didn't have all the same symptoms of GB stones, less of the severe attack (which happens when a stone gets loose and stuck somewhere) and more just constant discomfort. And I had another friend that was having terrible stomach problems and ended up having the same condition as DH. You might have them at least check if they haven't already.

 

[GlendaO]

I've had mine out. For years and years I had issues with frequent nausea and vomitting. Lots of tests, but nothing conclusive.

Finally, when I was about 6 1/2 months pregnant with my first and sick,sick, sick everyday, my OB said she thought it might be the gallbladder. She was right! Had to eat very bland foods for the next 5 weeks and I was loosing weight rapidly (as well as DD, in utereo). So, C-section and 4 weeks later, laproscope for the GB. Felt soooo much better! Not a complicated procedure at all! HTH!

 

[2girlsmom]

OP, they may be gallstones and you may NOT have to have surgery, that has been my experience. I had my first gall bladder pain "attack" if you will in the hospital the day I delivered my first child, but the worst attack by far was 3 months later (so June 1998), I'd had dinner out of steak pizziola (fatty cheeses and mushrooms together are apparently a trigger for me). That time I ended up in the ER, I was in horrible pain and severe pain apparently triggers a vomit reflex for me too, they gave me phenergan for the nausea and vomiting, and demerol for the pain (actually nearly killed me with the demerol but that's a whole other story), and then did the ultrasound and x rays, and found the gallstones. They kept me hospitalized for 24 hours during which I was on an iv drip and could drink water, but no food. They talked about surgery, but because I had a 3 month old to care for, they agreed that I should hold off on having the surgery until I didn't need to be lifting her. They told me that if, when you feel the onset of symptoms, you cut all food and drink LOTS of water and take some pain killers immediately, the stones do dissolve to a point that I could pass them (only when there are smallish stones, though, my mother had one humongous stone, and it couldn't possibly have been passed). 10 years later, I still haven't had the surgery. I probably will have to eventually, but for the most part I don't have problems with it unless I eat my "trigger" foods. As you have had intermittent symptoms followed by periods without any, sounds like this may be the case with you as well. I also ALWAYS am very gassy when my gall bladder is acting up by the way!

Good luck to you!!

 

[breezy1077]

I can't remember, did you say you have had an ultrasound? DH had the sludge in his GB which didn't have all the same symptoms of GB stones, less of the severe attack (which happens when a stone gets loose and stuck somewhere) and more just constant discomfort. And I had another friend that was having terrible stomach problems and ended up having the same condition as DH. You might have them at least check if they haven't already.

Maybe that's it - I did have an ultrasound. Would the sludge show up in that? I also had a ct scan - again showed nothing. Trust me, I'd love for it to be gall bladder rather than any kind of liver something or other. Did your husband have his removed?

 

[krcit]

I had my gallbladder out about 3, maybe 4 years ago. It was a breeze.It really was. I was very lucky. I did have a 23 hour hospital stay(they do that so it's still considered ambulatory surgery ) I had it done laproscopically and was walking around the hospital hallway later that afternoon. I was so afraid of getting those wicked gas pains after surgery that I did lap after lap around that hall, lol. I really could have gone home that day but styed until the next morning. I came home and took a nap and then was in pretty good shape by evening. I don't think I ever took anything except a Tylenol or 2(I did have pain stuff in the hospital-I was very sore when I woke up) Anyway, I had had 3 bad attacks and luckliy my Dr knew it was my gb right away and I scheduled surgery for a few weeks later. By the week before my surgery, everything I ate was causing attacks. I feel great now. I do have to watch my fat intake and I do take more than my share of Immodium, but all in all, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Good luck. I hope you get some answers on Wed.

 

[cherbear]

I had mine out several months after the birth of my 1st child. I too had the sudden attacks with the massive stomach and chest pain. One night it lasted for hours and I think I drank an entire bottle of Maalox thinking it was just gas. There was no way I was going to the hospital because that would mean waking up the baby! I laid on the floor for hours with my knees pulled up to my chest just crying and moaning in agony. That was the worst attack.

I called my PCP the next day and he had me in immediately, then to the Ultrasound. The stones showed up so clearly you could count them! I was shocked when he said I had to have surgery--I thought it was like Kidney stones and they would pass or they could laser them or something! I was in the surgeons office the next day and the surgery was a few days later. They wanted to do it the next day but I had to make arrangements for my Mom to fly out to take care of the baby.

Surgery was fine. Loved the good pain meds for a few days! The biggest problem was the restriction on lifting since that meant not lifting DD who was about 6 monrths at the time. My mom stayed for a week and a half then MIL came for about a week and a half to help. I actually had a family reunion to go to and got on an airplane and travelled 2 weeks later.

If I eat a very rich, high fat meal I will get stomach cramping and bathroom issues. I just know that I have to accept the consequenses if I choose to eat like that.

Okay, the post script on this long story is that DH had been having gastro issues for over a year at the time all this happened to me. They never suspected his GB. He went to our Dr. after my surgery and said "you know, i am having a lot of the same symptoms as she was. How come you immediately sent her for the ultrasound and we have never checked mine?" Dr figured what th heck, we have tried everything else. DH went for the Ultrasound and his GB was in such bad shape the technician wouldn't let him leave the hospital until the Dr had been called and given the results and okad him to go home. He didn't have stones, but another condition that he described as like "sludge" and it was BAD. A few days later he had his out with the same surgeon. We asked if she gave a family discount for 2 GB removals in two weeks! She said she had never had a couple get them out 2 weeks apart! The hospital staff thought it was pretty funny.

And after a year of agony DH felt better immediately. He actually healed much faster than I did--yep, we had daily scar comparisons! But he is much stronger than me and I am a big wussy baby.

My advice--get it done and get it done quick. You will wonder why you ever even hesitated. to you and the others that are suffering.

Thank you for telling your story! Wow, your doc worked really fast! WTG! I wish my old PCP wasn't such an idiot. IBS my butt! (no pun intended )

That was great of your mom and MIL to come help with the baby. Good thing you got it done though. It's nothing to play with! Which is why I'm going to the GI doc tomorrow. I can't wait! This day is going by SO slow!

I was just talking to(emailing) a friend who said her FIL said he had "sludge" I was trying to determine what he meant by that. Then I came here and saw your DH had the same thing! It's a small world!

Again, thanks for the post!

 

[cherbear]

Ok, I'm getting more and more convinced mine is not gall bladder . What is it? I don't have the gas thing, upset stomach or the severe pain. Just pressure or a little painful like I said above. Any thoughts? I think the OP mentioned kidney, but it's too high and not in the back at all.

Sorry OP, I don't mean to hijack - I've just been dealing with this for years now and I'd love someone to give some thoughts.

I wish I could help. Maybe someone else here will know better than I would.

And it's NO problem...I know how you feel!

I can't remember, did you say you have had an ultrasound? DH had the sludge in his GB which didn't have all the same symptoms of GB stones, less of the severe attack (which happens when a stone gets loose and stuck somewhere) and more just constant discomfort. And I had another friend that was having terrible stomach problems and ended up having the same condition as DH. You might have them at least check if they haven't already.

maybe you have the "sludge" breezy?

Maybe that's it - I did have an ultrasound. Would the sludge show up in that? I also had a ct scan - again showed nothing. Trust me, I'd love for it to be gall bladder rather than any kind of liver something or other. Did your husband have his removed?

hmm....I don't know what to think about that. I thought that would show up in an ultrasound. I don't blame you for preferring a gall bladder disease over any liver problems. I hope you can get it figured out soon. I know how it feels to suffer, as to many others here on this thread (obviously). Good luck!

I've had mine out. For years and years I had issues with frequent nausea and vomitting. Lots of tests, but nothing conclusive.

Finally, when I was about 6 1/2 months pregnant with my first and sick,sick, sick everyday, my OB said she thought it might be the gallbladder. She was right! Had to eat very bland foods for the next 5 weeks and I was loosing weight rapidly (as well as DD, in utereo). So, C-section and 4 weeks later, laproscope for the GB. Felt soooo much better! Not a complicated procedure at all! HTH!

oh yeah, that nausea is HORRIBLE. At one point last year, I could not hold ANYTHING down. Not even medicine. Not even WATER! Now that I look back on it, I had to have been having an attack (right?)

Your OB is smart smart smart!! Glad it worked out for you. Yes, it helps. I really like reading about everyone's stories. It's helping me gain a LOT of insight to this, and see how truly common this issue is.

 

[cherbear]

OP, they may be gallstones and you may NOT have to have surgery, that has been my experience. I had my first gall bladder pain "attack" if you will in the hospital the day I delivered my first child, but the worst attack by far was 3 months later (so June 1998), I'd had dinner out of steak pizziola (fatty cheeses and mushrooms together are apparently a trigger for me). That time I ended up in the ER, I was in horrible pain and severe pain apparently triggers a vomit reflex for me too, they gave me phenergan for the nausea and vomiting, and demerol for the pain (actually nearly killed me with the demerol but that's a whole other story), and then did the ultrasound and x rays, and found the gallstones. They kept me hospitalized for 24 hours during which I was on an iv drip and could drink water, but no food. They talked about surgery, but because I had a 3 month old to care for, they agreed that I should hold off on having the surgery until I didn't need to be lifting her. They told me that if, when you feel the onset of symptoms, you cut all food and drink LOTS of water and take some pain killers immediately, the stones do dissolve to a point that I could pass them (only when there are smallish stones, though, my mother had one humongous stone, and it couldn't possibly have been passed). 10 years later, I still haven't had the surgery. I probably will have to eventually, but for the most part I don't have problems with it unless I eat my "trigger" foods. As you have had intermittent symptoms followed by periods without any, sounds like this may be the case with you as well. I also ALWAYS am very gassy when my gall bladder is acting up by the way!

Good luck to you!!

wow sounds like a lot of trouble! Thanks for posting! I don't think I could go that long without having it. I'm totally willing to have this...and I actually want to! I just want to get rid of it. I don't care if I have to watch the fatty foods I eat. I have 2 options: A) keeping it and feeling sick all the time, not digesting lettuce, having the attacks, nausea, etc. or B) having it out, and risking still having "trigger foods" but no nausea, vomiting, etc. I think I'll take B. And who knows, the doctor might be imperative about having it removed. Heck, I hope he is!

I had my gallbladder out about 3, maybe 4 years ago. It was a breeze.It really was. I was very lucky. I did have a 23 hour hospital stay(they do that so it's still considered ambulatory surgery ) I had it done laproscopically and was walking around the hospital hallway later that afternoon. I was so afraid of getting those wicked gas pains after surgery that I did lap after lap around that hall, lol. I really could have gone home that day but styed until the next morning. I came home and took a nap and then was in pretty good shape by evening. I don't think I ever took anything except a Tylenol or 2(I did have pain stuff in the hospital-I was very sore when I woke up) Anyway, I had had 3 bad attacks and luckliy my Dr knew it was my gb right away and I scheduled surgery for a few weeks later. By the week before my surgery, everything I ate was causing attacks. I feel great now. I do have to watch my fat intake and I do take more than my share of Immodium, but all in all, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Good luck. I hope you get some answers on Wed.

thanks for posting! That doesn't sound bad at ALL.

The part I've bolded seems like the common "thread" among everyone who has had theirs out! Thanks! Y'all make me feel so much better about it!

 

[breezy1077]

Thanks cherbear!

 

[cherbear]

Thanks cherbear!

well I don't know if I was much help, but you're welcome!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Maybe that's it - I did have an ultrasound. Would the sludge show up in that? I also had a ct scan - again showed nothing. Trust me, I'd love for it to be gall bladder rather than any kind of liver something or other. Did your husband have his removed?

DH's did show up on the ultrasound, but not like the stones did. I think it was just very shadowy and his GB was completely full of it. I am so sorry you are having so much trouble. Hopefully you get can get some answers.

Have you had a scoping procedure done to take a look in there?

 

[pixiechick]

I'm a little late to this party, but here's my story!

I had mine removed 4/22/08 after dealing with on and off discomfort for years. When it became chronic, and gradually worsened it was time to do something.

I went into surgery at 8 am, and was home by around 2 pm. I stayed out of work for the rest of that week, and the following week. I teach and it would have been hard to return before that. The doctor actually said he would have signed me out for another week if i wanted.

I wasn't allowed to drive for a week either. Recovery wasn't bad. I stopped the pain pills after about 2 days. I still have some bruising and soreness around the abdomen, but nothing too bad. My back still hurts somewhat, but I think that's because I've been moving differently as a result of the whole thing.

I was nervous about the whole thing, but I'm glad I decided to get it removed. Good luck!!