GB finally diagnosed

04-14-2017, 09:09 AM

For well over the past 2-3 years I've been having what seemed like increasing Gallbladder issue problems (my wife had hers removed and having same symptoms). Nauseous after eating, pain in right upper abdomen and through to back, weird headaches, light-colored stools, slight fever or chills, etc. Initially ER and then my doctor did ultrasounds of my GB, but never showed any stones, issues, etc. Last fall I had a number of painful attacks that seemed to be getting worse. The doctor did a third ultrasound and saw nothing but said if I didn't get better we would do a HIDA scan.

Fast forward to a month ago and the attacks started getting painful again. Finally had my HIDA scan done a few days ago and it turns out my EF is at 9%!! I was immediately referred to a surgeon, who I am meeting with today to schedule a surgery date next week and get this thing out of me!! I'm 63 and a little scared about having surgery, but at this point not scared enough to not get it done. I just want my life back and to feel good again. :-)

Just thought I would share, if you feel like you need a specific test, be aggressive with your doctor. If I had taken my own advice, I would probably be feeling a whole lot better now...

Thanks to all and thanks for all the good info I've received from the posts here!!

04-15-2017, 03:48 AM

Northshore,
Thank you for the post! I am in a similar situation; having lived with unexplainable pain for so many years, which no one ever took seriously. Because I am allergic to contrast, I could not get a HIDA scan and until last week, my UltraSounds and CT scans showed very little...

Finally after an especially brutal attack my GI doctor ordered them again and they showed allot of inflammation in my GB! He referred me to a surgeon, who said YES, lets take it out. Im scheduled for Friday.

Im afraid too. I dont do well with anesthesia, but thats the least of my problems, I am more afraid of post op complications like bile duct leaks or consistent diarrhea.

Would you please keep your recovery posted? Id be very interested in hearing how it goes and wish you a speedy recovery!

Best to you!
MSnik

04-17-2017, 03:48 PM

I was having pain for decades before I was diagnosed. Since I didn't have stones they misdiagnosed me with everything under the sun. I finally had an MRI which showed sludge. I had my gallbladder out last month. I was not afraid of the actual surgery but the aftermath. I worried about bile duct leaks, diarrhea and recurrent pain. But luckily I had none of those. My pain is gone, I don't have symptoms of bile duct leak and I have no diarrhea, just normal BMs. The surgery itself wasn't bad, just about 5 days of soreness and bloating. I couldn't wear jeans for about a month because my belly button was too sore, but now I'm pretty much back to normal. The first 3 weeks I stuck to low fat foods, but now I'm eating a normal diet. All that worry for nothing. Good luck to you.

05-01-2017, 12:07 PM

Thanks for your replies Mary 57 and MSNik. My surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning. Ready to get this thing done!!

All the best,
Northshore1

05-01-2017, 05:21 PM

Mary, you were lucky that you had none of the side effects. Ive had some of them, but not too bad and its only 12 days in. They seem to get better each day.

Northshore, I was scared to death of the surgery AND the aftermath! I literally had myself in a frenzy the night before...but it really wasnt that bad. 2 days post op, I was getting around the house with no problem and up and down the stairs. By day 3 I was out walking around the neighborhood. Day 5 included a short drive...the worst part is not knowing what to eat or not eat..but trial and error seems to be the best way to find out.

I wish you the best Thursday. Youll be fine. Be sure to let us know when its over how you are doing!

MSNik

05-02-2017, 11:48 AM

Was scheduled for gb surgery close to 20 years ago but was told about gb flush with olive oil and lemon juice. Have my liver today and no pain. Still flush gb every few months.

06-01-2017, 11:55 AM

My surgery was two weeks ago to the day. Into the hospital at 6:00am and home by 10:30am. A couple of days of soreness, but pretty much healed up without any internal pain or incision pain in about a week. Back to my normal activity and have not had any issues exercising or working physically. My GI tract is adjusting a little but overall feeling 100% better than I had in sometime!!
Glad to be well!!

06-01-2017, 02:01 PM

Glad to hear it Northshore! You seem to be recovering really quickly! I am 5 weeks post op and still having some soreness when I exercise along with pain when I eat the wrong things. I havent had butter or pizza (cheese) yet without pain!

So glad to hear all went well and that you are on the mend!

MSNik

GB finally diagnosed

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