Gallbladder, anyone?

[LBTC]

When your stomach receives fat, it signals the gallbladder to contract to squoosh out bile that emulsifies it. The more fat, the bigger the squoosh, and the more it hurts.

This is an especially good reason to not do a gallbladder flush when it is in such poor shape. Real lemon juice can produce the same function, as can ginger, and I think onions. Unfortunately, you'll need to keep a pretty low-key bland diet until the surgery, but I'm sure you can handle that!

I have heard and read many stories where patients have had numerous vague gastro intestinal complaints (not unlike what I've experienced over the last year or so). Doctors have found stones in the GB and removed it. Unfortunately, in lots of cases the GB stones are not actually causing any problems so the symptoms don't go away.

It doesn't sound like this is your experience, Lise. So don't feel like you're doing the wrong thing! I sure as heck wished I could have just had a little surgery 10 months ago, but the docs wouldn't do it, and I was left to my own devices. Turns out that for me, this was the right thing. We all walk this journey on a little different path.

Still sending calm refreshing butterflies your way...and hugs,
~T~

[sbctwin]

Had mine out several years ago. I was experiencing extreme pain for several years, but the episodes were so far apart. I then told my doc and she ordered an ultrasound...the next week I had my gall bladder removed. It had been months since the last attack, but apparantly I had a stone that was starting to block the duct and the surgeon said I needed it out immediately before it went into the duct. I haven't had the pain since. Be careful on your trip, Lise...

[marycarrell]

I'm getting mine out soon so I totally feel your pain. Also, my dog looks just like yours. I love finding other dachshund nerds

[Domas]

Sometimes the interrupted pain (colic) in the gallbladder area in the abdominal cavity can occur after operative removal of gall bladder, and such pain can be caused by gall stones in the common bile or pancreatic duct. With such problems it is best that the patient visit the doctor that will determine the matter.

[schnitzle]

Although gallbladder disease is widely discussed by docs as a product of Three F syndrome (Female, Forty, and Fat), weight loss can trigger it, too. Gallstones are basically little calcified wads of cholesterol. If your body is transporting to much cholesterol in either direction it can start forming stones. In the case of weight loss, you are "reversing" the normal flow of cholesterol in your body - repackaging it from cells that no longer need it.
Maintain a moderately lowfat diet until your surgery, and especially avoid sudden big influxes of fat. When your stomach receives fat, it signals the gallbladder to contract to squoosh out bile that emulsifies it. The more fat, the bigger the squoosh, and the more it hurts.

This ^

I had an inkling that something was going on with my gallbladder but it was Thanksgiving dinner that pushed me over the edge into horrible pain! I had been dieting and lost a good bit of weight before this occurred.

I had a laparoscopic gallbladder removal with 3 incisions. After surgery I was in a lot of pain for about 10 days, couldn't really stand up straight. It's nice to have someone around who can help you out the first few days.

Once I healed up I didn't notice any problems with my digestive system, and for better or worse I can still eat fatty foods without a problem.

[texascampgal]

I still have my gall bladder but occasionally suffer from painful episodes. My cure is.... baking soda. I desolve about 2-3 teaspoons in a cup or so of water and gulp. It's kind of like drinking sandy, salt water, but within 10 minutes the pain stops... completely.

I know this is only a temporary fix and eventually, I'll also have to have the surgery. For now though, no meds and no talk of surgery.