Is gallbladder removal scheduled for next week premature?

I have a bad gallbladder, had a hida scan and was told its only working at17%, but I have minor pain, Dr ordered test because I was having some minor pain and nausea , Dr told me to take gallbladder out, I refused since I have minor pain sometimes, and nausea if I eat something bad, I'm also afraid the cure is worse than the disease. For now I wait and see.

@wisewoman10
A close friend of mine passed at 1:15am this morning after going into kidney failure from having gallbladder surgery. I'd think very carefully about any elective surgery.
Take care,
Jake

I'm so sorry, Jake. And a good word of warning.

Had 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!

I 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.

Yes, 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

I 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.

Hmm, 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

It'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.

I 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.