Gallbladder(?) Concerns

Hi @abopp2022 those symptoms must be so scary.

I wanted to introduce you to fellow Connect members @claytamos @missdraggunn @maryschaffler @msb18 @christina315 @jelmo @woodsiechris and @psepski as they have all had gallbladder issues and may be able to offer you support and help you decipher your symptoms.

Back to you @abopp2022, what gallbladder problems has your family had?

Hi @abopp2022 - Family history does mean quite a bit when it comes to gallbladder disease. I didn't have gallstones, though often that is the underlying cause of gallbladder problems. Instead, mine didn't function properly. That was diagnosed via a HIDA Scan. To look for gallstones, a sonogram is done when you've fasted.

In addition to family history, gallbladder problems can be triggered by rapid weight loss, substantial weight loss, pregnancy or being on hormone birth control. Given your family history, you should be seen by a gastroenterologist. Be specific with the doctor the way you are here - the kind of pain, the location, who in your family had gallbladder problems. If a sonogram is negative and you aren't improving, the HIDA Scan is next. With regards to my family, my dad and 3 of my 4 grandparents had theirs removed so it was just a matter of time for me to have a problem.

I hope you feel better ASAP. Document everything - keep a journal or use your cell phone calendar to track symptoms and what you've eaten prior to pain. If you run a fever, make sure you are seen as quickly as possible.

Try a liquid only diet for 24 - 36 hrs. This helped me get relief from the pain in the short term. Ease into an almost zero fat diet and small portion sizes. Do this if it helps you while you wait for your diagnosis. My symptoms weren't as severe as yours but the moment you get feverish go to the ER and refuse to leave until they diagnose you and help you.

Hi, um not sure about everyones history but i know for sure my grandmother ended up having pancreatitis on top of gallbladder infection. She was sick in the hospital for days. Tomorrow May 1st im supposed to get a phone call about getting a special ultrasound. Im really scared as ive never been this sick before.

@abopp2022 - can someone go with you to your doctor's appointments and the sonogram? Also, when the results come in, request a copy of the radiology results. This would prove helpful for you to have on hand if you need to see a specialist.
Does anything at all help mitigate the symptoms such as going on a fat free diet? I can imagine how fearful you are. Not knowing why you feel terrible is really scary. But, you're setting up the sonogram - confirm with them that you are to fast for 12 hours prior to the test. Keep track of everything - if and when you vomit, what you can eat that doesn't trigger symptoms, where the pain is, if it's full or sharp, non-stop or intermittent, if it takes your breath away. Does any activity make it worse? Can you sleep the way you normally do or do you have tender abdominal and/or back spots which make it difficult to sleep. Be sure to note any OTC and/or prescription medications you take including any vitamins, herbs or supplements. The goal is to provide as much information as possible to hopefully speed the time to obtain diagnosis. I hope you feel much better very soon.

@woodsiechris Excellent advice, especially the part about immediately seeking help if a fever occurs. Most people think of gallstones as the gallbladder problem but, infections can also occur and any sign of infection - like a fever, extra warmth emanating from the abdomen, tenderness or reflexive guarding when the area is palpated are all signs that help has to be sought immediately.

I've been in and out of the ER. Here's my full list of symptoms since my first post. Chest pain
Chest heaviness
Coming and going sharp pain under right ribs and occasional on my left side.
Lower and middle back pain
Headaches
Earaches
Panic Attacks
Not feeling like myself
Exhaustion
Feeling like I’m gonna pass out
Chills
Sweating
Hot flashes
Dizziness
Gas
Bloating
Not feeling right

I had a fever and was vomiting so i went to the er last night, where they did a urine test and a blood test which both came back negative for anything. I dont know whats going on and im scared. im supposed to get a phone call about getting an ultrasound test but these people are driving me crazy being so slow with their results. My dad's about to have a cow with Medicaid.

You went to the ER with fever and they didn't do an emergency ultrasound? That is strange. I would demand one next time in. Unless it's because of financial constraints they should have done one. Make sure you go back and demand it and document everything. Good luck and I hope you get some relief.

@abopp2022 I'm not a doctor and don't know your medical history but, the panic attacks could be because you feel awful and you're scared not knowing what's wrong. Again, it could be gallbladder and there are specific tests for it. I would hate for a doctor to chalk this up as a panic attack so do concentrate on the physical symptoms. No, you shouldn't have to exclude it from the symptoms list but, reality is that you don't want an improper diagnosis. You'll need to deal with anxiety obviously and most people with either acute or chronic illness develop anxiety from the fear of the unknown or fear of the next attack. It's good you had blood work and urine analysis to rule out infection. And you'll have the sonogram. It's easier said than done but, try to focus on the fact that you'll get the sonogram and that other tests exist to get to the root of the problem. I know when you're sick that it's hard to focus but, you're at the beginning of trying to figure out the cause. That means someone is likely to run a test to nail a diagnosis.

I've never been this sick before. And I'm scared that something is really wrong. But Medicaid(Summit) is being a dick and being slow about getting my referral/permission for an ultrasound. Its ticking me off and not meaning to i went off on the nurses. I work at Dollar Tree and my customers see me grab my side and they ask me whats wrong. I tell them and all of them said that they refuse to go to the hospital that I went to because the hospital didnt do anything right. A nurse from another hospital said that this is my gallbladder and i need to get it checked right away. But again waiting on insurance for "permission"