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Contemplating NOT having suggested gallbladder surgery!
It is interesting reading the experience of others. I must remind myself we all are of "unknown" reliability. However, here goes: It has been suggested I have gallbladder removal due to surprising symptoms (attack?) that started 5 months ago: tremendous tightness in upper right quadrant, no warnings, "almost" some shortness of breath and vague pressure traveling upward in back/chest/arms (hard to describe), brief cold sweat. Distressing but not SUPER painful. I have only had a few of these "big" episodes; maybe weekly I have a milder version of the above. Ultrasound showed gallstones. I AM ADAMANT about trying not to lose this organ. I just had 3 elective surgeries in 3 years - all successful (2 total knee replacements and 1 dental bridge). I have always been quite healthy and will go to extremes to avoid surgery. Sorry, I am leary of doctors. I am seeking a great gastroenterologist or alternative medicine Dr. as I am determined to not follow doctors' advice. I have read about gallstones that can cause fatal damage if they pass into pancreas, etc. But I am trying to figure out how to manage. Have discovered smaller meals seem to help, choosing proper foods for this condition, eating slower (I think). But, I still cannot predict when an attack will occur. I am fearful of infections because of my 2 knee replacements. I do not get infections actually; am quite healthy, very active physically, intellectually engaged in volunteer projects and teaching. So far I REFUSE TO CONSIDER SURGERY. Please do not stereotype me when I reveal chronological age (78 yr. old female). I consider myself more like 60-65. My attitude is one of shock and annoyance that this problem arose and that surgery has (possibly) been suggested. People say "it is easy"; not a big deal. Shall I wait for more disturbing symptoms? See if I can handle this myself? Get multiple opinions? Thank you for your comments (I realize there is no definite answer.)
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I'm so sorry, Jake. And a good word of warning.
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1 ReactionHad gallbladder removed exactly two years ago next month due to large stone . No history of problems from stone, GI doc being proactive. Never experienced any issues following cholecystectomy, in fact I never knew the difference. My GI doctor was concerned of the stone moving out of the gallbladder and blocking the pancreatic duct causing severe pain/pancreatitus. I had a family member that experienced the blockage and described the pain as excruciating. Every person is different no two alike, my only comment would be, try getting a second opinion before proceeding with the surgery! Good luck & God Bless!
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8 ReactionsI had my gallbladder removed 2 years ago because of pain. We didn't know if that was the issue or not. My surgeon said he was 75% sure that wasn't why I had pain. My gastro Dr thought it was for sure the issue. I had it removed, but that wasn't the problem. But the biopsy came back that it was chronically inflamed. My surgeon said it was a good thing we took it out. I would have had issues down the road. I don't know if this helps you or not, but I'm glad it's gone. I've had no issues with no having it.
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4 ReactionsYes, there can be lots of foot dragging befor gall bladder removal. But with laparoscopic approach it is a much more tolerable surgery than old open way. Use a surgeon with lots of laparoscopic cases under their belt
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8 ReactionsI would cancel the op and take some time to research it. God doesn't give us spare parts. The gallbladder has a purpose so don't listen to the docs who say you don't need it. You do need it. If you have no gallbladder, there is nowhere for the bile to be stored and so it will drip 24/7 into your stomach, which can cause cancer. You will have to take bile salts for life because eating any fats will have you running to the bathroom, multiple times a day. The only reason to take a gallbladder out is if it turns porcelain or goes gangrene. Then take it out but I would not do so right now if I were you. They wanted to take mine but I decided to wait and see and change my diet and I still have it many years now.
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6 ReactionsHmm, I am not sure of the source of your information about bile salts and cholycystectomy, but my daughter and I have never used them after our surgeries several years ago.
Our gallbladders were both removed due to HIDA scans showing efficiency under 25%, and pathology showed evidence of chronic inflammation and necrosis - in other words, even without gallstones, they needed to come out or there would have been bigger issues "down the road."
It took about a year for my body to adjust to living without a gall bladder, but I am doing fine now. I understand there may be a higher risk of some cancers, but without surgery, untreated gallstones or chronic inflammation carries its own risk of cancer. Here is an article discussing known and potential risks:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9099388/
So, @wisewoman10 as with every procedure, there are risks and benefits. As far as I know, gallstones do not "go away" by themselves, carry risks of bile duct blockage, pancreatitis, rupture, and major surgery.
You do have time to decide, and to seek a second (medical) opinion. My surgeon recommended surgery based on symptoms and scan, but left the decision up to me and even offered the opportunity to consult someone else. I relied on his excellent reputation in our clinical care system, and opted for surgery (after 3 ER visits for pain & symptoms. Surgery relieved four years of intermittent pain and misery - I wish I had known about the HIDA scan earlier!
Have you decided what you might do?
Sue
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7 ReactionsIt's probably not necessary. My wife had it done and still suffers with pain in that area. Surgeons will tell you it needs to come out, but I would get a second opinion.
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5 ReactionsI have sever IBS and it has taken 3 doctors and many years to finally feel I have some control. Has anyone had adverse effects from the eyedrops prescribed after cataract surgery? I am scheduled for surgery in a month and read somewhere that the NSAIDs in the eyedrops can trigger IBS symptoms.
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1 Reactionso sorry for your loss.
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2 Reactionsi had gallbladder removal five years ago...i didn't even know i needed it, however, i was having attacks of my pancreas and the doctor found that they were caused by my gallbladder.....well, he was right........Thank God no attacks from my pancreas in 5 years shortly after my surgery....and to beat everything, the surgery was easy peasy......i hope yours is as well....God bless and watch over you through the surgery and after.
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