Gall Bladder not functioning

[jsiplon]

I recently had a HIDA scan that showed my GB ejection rate was 8%. My gastro dr. said take it out. My surgeon set up the surgery date before I left. Having said this my GB symptoms are very mild, on a scale of 1-10 = maybe a 3 or 4. More annoying than painful. I have mild pain under my right ribcage, bloating, gas, and mild nausea again nothing bad. I've been on reflux medicine for a while and diagnoised with IBS for years. I've had three abdominal surgeries in the past two years, c-section, appendix and scar tissue removal and worry about another surgery and the complications that could accompany it. I realize it's normal surgery but I feel like if it's not broke don't fix it??? or if it's not hurting don't take it out??!! Your words of wisdom to this newbie are welcomed. I'm scheduled for surgery on May 9th.

Thanks

[Dianek]

I had a nonfunctioning gallbladder also and had it removed. I never had a so called "attack", but I always felt pain in my right side for several months before we knew it was my gallbladder. It just progressively got worse as the weeks went by.

You certainly have had quite a bit of surgical procedures in a short time, I sympathize with you.

I had my gallbladder removed laproscopically and there were only 4 small incisions so there really isn't much cutting involved. Have you discussed your concerns with your doctor? That's about all you can do.

I've had a c-section also, and it hasn't affected me by having the gallbladder removed.

The only problem I forsee is that if you don't have it removed, you will become progressively worse and can have an attack which could put you in the hospital.

Maybe some others can give you some insight, but if it were me, I'd probably do it...you're just sore for a few days, and there are rarely any complications. Good luck!

[This message has been edited by Dianek (edited 04-29-2003).]