Just found out I have a 1.5 cm gallstone

@linda82 I'm glad you have an appointment! I had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1998. It was done as outpatient and was, if I remember correctly, about a 2 week recovery. I had had a lot of other abdominal surgery before that, so I was prepared for it to have to be an open surgery.

I'd say talk to the doctor about pain control (I didn't have good pain control) and do take adequate time off work. I had no paid sick leave so I went back to work way too early, and that wasn't great.

What concerns are you having?

@susanf8 I want to discuss with the Dr. tomorrow of my options.
Is this urgent to have surgery? I am now having anxiety due to my past with the diverticulitis about traveling. I already have scheduled my 2nd vacation this year (1st one went fine) and trying to get back to feeling comfortable.
What kind of diet to keep this at bay?
What are the options besides surgery. My last one was supposed to be laparoscopy, and they had to end up opening me up from belly button down.
Now I will have anxiety over this.
I am retired and have the time to heal.

Hi @linda82 - I had gallbladder removal, and it was absolutely clear when it had to come out. I had no knowledge of a gallstone, but started having pain I thought was menstrual at a hair color appointment.

Someone's kind donation of OTC pain reliever had no impact, and it was getting worse and worse. I remember sinking down some in the salon chair with my hair in foils. Of course, I couldn't really leave with foils in my hair or cut the process short.

I ended up in really horrible pain by the time I got home, such that I asked my husband to take me to urgent care. I was in so much pain at the waiting room there that I could not sit in a regular seat. I ended up lying on the carpet in the waiting room, cause I hurt so bad and for some reason that gave me the only relief available. It sure got me taken back fast - guess it's poor PR to have a patient lying on the floor. 😉

It truly hurt worse than childbirth. No question I had to have surgery.

They examined me in urgent care, confirmed I had a gallbladder issue and needed gallbladder removal, which they scheduled for the next morning. Then they admitted me, gave me plenty of pain meds and made me as comfortable as possible.

I think I did have to be out of normal activity for maybe 2 weeks. Not terrible at all, but I did have to have some pain control for a short while and had lifting and activity restrictions. My scar that was supposed to be nothing with the laparoscopic surgery - it's only an inch and a half or so, but still pinkish and obvious 15 or so years later. So, not invisible, but not horrible.

A friend of my husband and mine had gallbladder surgery and requested to bring his stone home in a jar. I thought that was ew, but I guess he thought it was cool.

I doubt I could have staved off surgery by any means - when this happened, it was a fast and furious train toward getting the stone causing so much pain out of my body.

I cannot speak to your past experience with surgery, but I would not say this particular surgery warrants anxiety. Pretty quickly done and over.

Why was your family doctor setting you up with a surgeon at this time? Was the doctor thinking of proactive removal?

WoW, thanks for this. Great comment's 😊
She had said I have a big gallstone, and I am finding you a surgeon to get it out.
I will just meet with him and go over everything. Trying to learn the most I can before tomorrow.
Since it is just 1 maybe they can just remove it and not my gallbladder!

@linda82
Maybe the stone is causing an issue and maybe you need your gallbladder out. I can’t speak to your specific case but don’t hesitate to get a second opinion because you do not have to automatically remove a gallstone.

When I had diverticulitis the first time in 1999, I had a CT scan with an incidental finding of multiple small gallstones. They’ve been noted on many, many scans in the past 27 years with the latest one stating there are multiple large gallstones now around 2.5 cm each. So far there has never been any hint of infection or blockage. No doctor has ever suggested doing anything with them. I always pray that day won’t come because I don’t do well with abdominal surgeries. I hope your stone is just happy where it is and doesn’t need to come out. Best of luck!!!

Gallstones are not fun. That was the smallest one I had with my gallbladder. The surgery isn't bad, just watch the fats after surgery. You may experience more diarrhea.

@linda82 To be honest, its not urgent until its suddenly urgent, If you are not having gallbladder attacks then its probably not something you have to do right away, but *please* talk to your doctor about it.

Gallstones are pretty common, and not everyone has gallbladder attacks if they have gallstones. The problem is that if the gallstone blocks the bile duct, and bile backs up into the liver and/or pancreas you can be extremely sick.

I don't think you can stop gallstones from forming, but if since you have a large gallstone, I would avoid fatty foods. When you eat fat your gallbladder contracts and adds bile (an emulsifier) to your gut. If you have a gallstone it may block the bile duct and then you have the intense pain and risk of complications. I would avoid the "olive oil and grapefruit juice" thing - that's going to call your gallbladder into action and perhaps cause an attack.

I was able to have laproscopic surgery despite multiple prior abdominal surgeries including a total colectomy and j-pouch construction. The surgeon was concerned I would have too much scaring and adhesions, but this turned out not to be the case.

@susanf8 Thanks for this info.
I did see the surgeon today. He explained that there may be more and mine was elongated.
I love olive oil. LOL

He wants to do surgery next Wednesday! (I just received my Autho approved form insurance) He said I would heal quickly and go on my vacation in the next 3 weeks. I really need the weekend to decide.
My last surgery was supposed to be robotic, and they had to cut me belly button done.
Good on your scarring! I did ask that and he said he would be in a totally different area and was not concerned about that.

How long did it take for you to heal?
I have heard people saying they now have GI issues.

@linda82 - for what it's worth, I've had zero issues once I healed up in 2 weeks or so after my gallbladder attack and surgery.

@linda82 honestly, it was in 1997 (or 98), so not really sure, but it was pretty quick. I think I had it on a Friday and went back to work on Wednesday, or the following Monday.

Some people need to take bile acid binders after their cholecystectomy, because without a gallbladder, bile is just constantly dribbles into the intestine. I've never needed them.

I think if the surgeon wants to get you in that fast there is probably a reason!