a bit of good news

[momander]

well I had a long chat with my GP yesterday,well as long as it is possible now a days!!! Turns out I have gall stones!!! It's been nothing but bad news since 2021 when I had my first heart attack, then the second one in June of this year. Since then I have not been allowed to take Naproxen due to the risk of heart attack/stroke . I asked my GP if she would consider dihydracodeine instead if co codamol for my back pain! ?she said yes! !I'm still taking gabapentin so I will be in both!! I am hoping so much that it will.give me a better pain relief

[Jako999]

Hope it all helps and the pain is eased as soon as possible

[Hidden]

Hello

I hope both the medications you can now take will help with your pain

Thank you for letting us know how you got on x

[TMeditation]

Oh dearie me, gall stones 😱 I had a number of gall stone attacks before my gall bladder was removed some years ago. The pain from an attack was excruciating and worse than anything I’d ever experienced, even childbirth!! You poor old thing, I do sympathise. At the time of my attacks I wasn’t having to manage other health conditions at the same time, I do feel for you. What I’d say is, make a real fuss about what you’re going through and don’t let up until you get some relief. Good luck and take care. Sue 🙏

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I hope the new medication helps.

[Chinkoflight]

Hi Momander, What a pain! I had a severe stroke in March and have had various investigations since, starting with the monitoring of bloods for effectiveness of medication (Clopidogrel and Atorvastatin). Raised bilirubin levels were detected and failed to settle leading to a further scan and lo and behold, gallstones! GP at pain(!) to say unrelated to stroke but advised referral to a specialist. It does explain the pains I have had which I'd put down to indigestion. I've talked through the risks with GP and Consultant who firstly said "take 100 people randomly off the streets and 10 will have gallstones". But because I've had a stroke, my age 70, and my general health now as good as it's likely to be they both recommend removal of the gallbladder. If I did nothing but pain manage in the future I might be okay, but the consequences and risks for complications are greatly raised with a gallstone moving from the gallbladder. That would potentially require an emergency admission and management of the bleed risks if I was taking Clopidogrel at the time. I can manage the risks associated with stopping meds for 5 days before the planned operation while I am fit'ish. So although it is another worry, and I still don't have an explanation for the stroke I think I have to accept this is a transitional moment in my life and accept all the advice and help offered. Hope this helps. I did try and raise the question on this forum of understanding which came first, the raised bilirubin or the gallstones, each can cause the other, but no replies came which was a shame. Bilirubin levels can be a genetic cause, Gilbert's syndrome, and lead to bilirubin gallstones. High cholesterol levels lead to more 'normal' gallstones. As I have low cholesterol levels it may be the former. But apparently they cannot tell which you have until they are removed! Good luck and do consider general risks to your longer term health when making decisions and although the symptoms are a pain, don't become pre-occupied with the symptoms would be my advice.

[HHH2017]

Hi, Im so sorry to hear you are having all these problems.I am just coming yo the end of a susected gall stones flare up - started Tuesday - 3 days in bed in agony 2 on sofa! I have appt for blood test monday & GP has requested a scan. Have you had more than 1 flare up and confirmed diagnosis? 2 close friends have had their gall bladders removed and never looked back! Im just hoping I don't have them and it was a one off weird bug as its sooooo painful.

I hope your meds & treatment gets sorted soon and that things ease for you. GP did say I could take BUSCOPAN to help with the cramps and it has eased them a little.