gallstone - Digestive Disorders Message Board

peckaroo · 01-27-2008, 12:30 PM

I have a 10mm(2 year ago ct scan)maybe be larger now--I haven't had any symton until about a month ago--intermittent sharp pain under right rib cage--not real often, however--what to do?

HasLPRD · 01-27-2008, 05:22 PM

See a gastroenterologist. They might be able to break it up without
surgery using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and ursodiol.

Mark.

LORILOVE · 01-27-2008, 06:13 PM

Gallbladder attackes typically only get worse. Your best course of action is going to be to have the gallbladder removed. There is not alot of success with other treatments and those are only pursued if there is a reason that gallbadder surgery is not an option.

Lori

Collector167 · 01-27-2008, 08:08 PM

Generally, gallbladder attacks become more frequent over time. While they were able to see one gallstone several years ago, there may also be crystals, aka "sludge" that they are unable to see with imaging.

While it is generally true that Ursodiol is used in gallbladder cases where surgery is high risk, I have been on a Ursodiol and fish oil regimen at the direction of my GI doc and it has substantially reduced the symptoms. I am not at high risk, however my GI doc is conservative when it comes sending folks to see a surgeon.

Time to see a GI doc.