Not sure if this is liver or gallstones...

[Sarahppp]

Hi all. Just a bit of advice please. I've been diagnosed with gallstones and a fatty liver. I see the consultant on the 20th July. I am in pain every day but I'm confused as to if its really the gallstones causing this as I've read that people get diarrhoea. I don't. I REALLY constipated. Could this be a symptom of gallstones/fatty liver? I don't drink much - perhaps a bottle of wine a week which I think is within the boundaries. I eat a low fat diet too. Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thank you so much

[Hidden]

I'm not a doctor but I didn't get diarrhoea when I had gallstones. I did get a lot of pain which went right through to my back between my shoulder blades.

[Sarahppp in reply to Hidden]

Ahhhh that's good to know that I'm not the only one. Hope you are ok now though xxx

[Jeaniep in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I didn't have diarrhoea either, more the other way,but all the awful pain in back and shoulders and groin, I also have Coeliac desease I was told a long time ago that my gallbladder would need to be removed, but since then have had many awful pain attacks,and taken in to A& E and had Morphine to relieve pain, also had Endosacopy on one accasion , ..while waiting for this result, was again taken into hospital with Jaundice,more tests and had ERCP last week to have gallstone removed as this was blocking the bile duct, back home now, just waiting to see Dr tomorrow. bit confused with all this, as to why they have not taken my gallbladder out before all these other problems have had time to devlope.

I am also great believer in having a warm glass of water with lemon first thing in morning. Hope you will feel a lot better very soon take care.

[OniPepii in reply to Jeaniep]

Sounds horrible Jeanie P I hope everything is clearing these days without these ordeals. I would agree through my problems that the warm glass of water with lemon in the morining seems to do something to settle the stomach more than any other doctor med has

[Abiman]

Hi,Regarding gallstones, gallstones were detected according to a scan when I went for hernia, and a date was earmarked to undergo an operation, but the surgeon decided to confirm it by sending me for an MRI,which turned out to be negative.

I was thrilled not to be subjected to another operation following that of hernia.

What I suggest to you is to have a warm glass of water with half a lemon squeezed and a spoonful of apple cider vinegar;drink it first before your breakfast,which I had been drinking for quite a while before the scan, and I learned that any gallstones might have exited.

Mind you ,I did not have any pain as you seemed to be.

Try to put it into practice and see whether any progress.

Abi

[Catfishjumpin in reply to Abiman]

I use your remedy, its a great way to keep the digestive system more easily managed.

[Ph77-65twz in reply to Abiman]

Anybody heard of fernet branca, the Italians use it in coffee after a meal , it is 40% alchohol liqueur , my mrs suffered horrendous pain diagnosed with Gall Bladder and when she had an attack she had a tiny drop in v small cup with warm water and this brought her relief from the pain. My step mum suffered with ulcers and when on holiday Austria was told to take fernet branca to help her and hence she passed the information on. It's actually used to cure a hangover believe it or not.

[Sarahppp in reply to Ph77-65twz]

Can we get it in this country and if so where? Xx

[Ph77-65twz in reply to Sarahppp]

I get mine online through Amazon but you can ask off licences to order it for you , I m awaiting a current order for the stuff, it tastes horrible but in small amounts really sort helps with when you have a painful episode, I ve never seen my Mrs in such pain, and this was the only thing that helped her diagnosed Gall bladder problem. I use it too especially if you have diarrea or sickness it really helps as I say it's worth having in your cupboard.

[Ph77-65twz in reply to Ph77-65twz]

Just found uk address I ordered some from The Fareham Wine Cellar, 55 High Street, Fareham Hampshire PO16 7BG. Telephone [phone] [e-mail] or farehamwinecellar.co.uk hope that helps normally you have to ring them to order it for you, but in my experience it's cheaper online, albeit £20-25 roughly but believe me it's worth having.

[Sarahppp in reply to Ph77-65twz]

Thank you so much. You are really kind xxx

[Ph77-65twz in reply to Sarahppp]

If your not sure what you ve got then apple cider is a good choice I reckon, anyway hope you get the right diagnosis and get better soon

[Sarahppp in reply to Abiman]

It's weird. I've been reading about apple juice and apple cider vinegar. I'll give it s go. Thank you xxx

[Trev8124952]

Hi I suffer the same symptoms, not great pain but constant in the gallbladder area. Ultra sound shown a fatty liver and enlarged spleen, but did not spot any gallstones.

Similarly I suffer enough wind to fly a kite and get constipation for a couple of days then go for Britain.

Had a ct scan just waiting for results.

[Sarahppp in reply to Trev8124952]

Hahahaha I'm not looking forward to that part. Hope the ct scan gets the results you want xxx

[Westie-love]

I have had my gall bladder out, it was done as an emergency 4 years ago, I now have fatty liver, I often have pain on the right hand side just at bottom of rib cage, I know, it comes and goes ,

[Sarahppp in reply to Westie-love]

It all seems so hit and miss if you get pain afterwards of not. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I hope your pain isn't too bad xxx

[Jeaniep in reply to Westie-love]

Hi,

You said you had your gallbladder removed 4yrs ago, were you in a lot more pain than you are now?, and do you have more complications due to having it removed would you say?, as I have same problem but one Dr has surgested I don't have mine removed While other seem to think I should, I am really confused as to what to think or do. Any advice?

[Westie-love in reply to Jeaniep]

I had my gall bladder removed as an emergency, I was unaware I had a problem, I thought I had bad heartburn, the pain was unbearable when I went in, a scan showed I had one large stone taking up my entire gall bladder as well as 2 small ones, it was one of the small ones that was causing the problem as it had moved down the duct, since having it out I have had problems eating, foods with high fat content are the worst. I was told about my liver last year after routine blood tests, I was sent for a scan which showed my liver was enlarged, I have had problems controlling my weight, since gall bladder was removed, I get a lot of pain in liver area now if I had to score it out of ten it would be about six. I think you have to look at the pro's and con's to having it removed I guess everyone will react differently to the op talk it over with Dr and go over would it help, or not. Hope this makes sense.

[Jeaniep in reply to Westie-love]

Hi

Thank you for your reply.

Saw Dr today and he has adviced me to try and let things settle down and to get myself stronger, as I still feel that I could be knocked over with feather. ! Dr said they really do not like removing the gallbladder

Unless it becomes dangerous, as in your case it had to be, which I'm sorry about.

So I'm hoping and praying that all this will not flare up again, and am taking day by day.

And also hoping your health will improve, take care and stay strong

I find just talking about these things really helps do you? you don't feel totally alone.

Take care Westie. L

kind regards

[Westie-love in reply to Jeaniep]

Talking most definetly helps, my health issues , I know, aren't going to disappear, anytime soon, I have learned to live with the aches and pains, as well as various medications, I am so glad of this forum, at least we know we are not alone, fingers crossed you don't need Gall Bladder taken away as it is not a pleasant procedure.

[vulnerable in reply to Westie-love]

Hi looking advice really-

October this year I had excruciating pain right side & into my back. Went to a&e admitted with pancreatitis my hepatologist said no to surgery for removal of gallbladder due to me having PBC & am waiting to go onto Transplant list. I have had 2 further episodes of excruciating pain most recent bring Thursday last. The pain is still horrendous don’t know if gallstones or Liver??? Almost feels like I’ve broken ribs & right shoulder pain any helpful comments please

[grace111 in reply to vulnerable]

HI ITS ME AGAIN i feel as if i never replied about your pain but i dont know what it is if its gallstones or liver. so sorry i left you another post. did you know that there is a pbc part to this forum where im sure you could get lets of advice from people in the same boat as yourself. here is the link to it i just hope it works. sending you much love and warm hugs love grace xoxoxo

healthunlocked.com/pbcers

[Westie-love]

It has got worse lately, almost had me in tears the other day, but I have so much going on health wise that I just accept pain as part of my life now

[grace111 in reply to Westie-love]

I know what you mean westie don't give up. Iv just had my operation to remove gallbladder and stone in bile duct 24 mm and reconstructed bile duct. Been in pain so long .but able to enjoy great tasty food again after boring boiled fish and rice cakes.had 5 hours operation 9 days ago huge scar is aching and bile drain into the stomach,now dealing with burning nerve pain like electric shock. Where does it end.so I just accept pain as way of life now. I keep praying for strength to accept whatever comes my way but I'm going to try to have more hope. I understand what your saying hugs to you.love grace xoxoxp🙏❤️

[vulnerable in reply to grace111]

Grace just read your post from a year ago- that is exactly how I feel. I wish I was dead feel so hopeless how are you now

[grace111 in reply to vulnerable]

hi vulnerable sorry i did not reply earlier i was so tired i had to go for a little sleep. i have lost my sleep routine this week. its strange looking back at this post a year ago as i was quite depressed today and had a bit of a rubbish week but after i saw this it did cheer me up a bit seeing how far i have come from this horrible time i had. im so sad to read about all the things you have to deal with as i had a look at your post above and it sounds as if your suffering with so much and also waiting on a liver transplant too. this is such a lot to deal with. i hate to hear or people in pain as i know what its like and im so glad im not in that sort of pain now. its 4.31am how are you managing have you got a family or someone with you to support you? Maybe things will get much better when you get your liver transplant i really pray that it does get better for you i feel quite helpless in the fact there is not much i can do to help you everything does change nothing stays the same. 8 years ago i met someone i had not seen since childhood and she was telling me that she had breast cancer and then i met her in the supermarket the other day and she was looking so much better. you need to have some hope vulnerable as that will keep you going. that post was last year but 10 years before that i was seriously ill with hep c and a secondary illness called cryoglobulinemia and it was agony as it also caused that illness where your joints all swell up and are purple and dark red i also had cellulitis in both legs. i was in such sever agony its been one thing after another for me. anyway once i got the treatment for the hep c the other illness's cleared up. please feel free to contanct me anytime you want, keep your chin up. your in my prayers. i dont know if you pray but it does help. i live on my own and i have to pray a little the minute i open my eyes as i do suffer from depression and when i go to bed i just say the lords prayer as i feel that god keeps me company and its such a huge comfort to me. all the very best vulnerable i am going to watch out for you on the forum as i do care about people , all my love. grace xoxoxoxo 🙏 ❤️

[vulnerable in reply to grace111]

Thankyou Grace for your reply. I live with my husband & have great family support. But it can be so lonely at times. I’m afraid so scared of dying!!! I do have a faith and pray daily it is the one thing I hang onto for comfort. I’m glad you are in a better place now with your health and I empathise with you in the sleeplessness I was awake all last night. But comfort from your reply I’m getting up. Onwards & upwards talk soon Maggie xx

[LAJ123]

Sorry to contradict one of the above postings. You said as well as gallstones you have a fatty liver. The posting suggested a 40% alcohol liqueur which should not be taken in any amount if you already have liver disease. Sadly that includes your weekly bottle of wine. A fatty liver is a sign that its beginning to fail and alcohol will not exactly help it to recover.

[Sarahppp in reply to LAJ123]

😟 thank you. So are you saying I should give up alcohol all together? I really don't want to but if I can reverse the effects I will. What if it is not caused by alcohol? Just diet? Thing is I wasn't expecting the doc to say this so I had no questions ready. I have no idea how bad it us xx

[LAJ123 in reply to Sarahppp]

It isn't for me to tell you to stop drinking I'm saying it might be a good idea if you are experiencing liver problems. Best thing for you to do is ask the consultant for advice but I'm fairly certain s/he will suggest strongly you stop all alcohol. I'm not suggesting for a second that alcohol caused your fatty liver as it was in my case. But your now in a damage limitation situation.

Jim

[Sarahppp]

Oki doki I'll speak to consultant but in the meantime will drastically cut down. I hope you are well now though. Thank you for the advice. Xxx

[Trev8124952]

Originally went to GP who thought I had gall stones. Fatty liver and enlarged spleen showed up on scan but no gall stones, seems pain was from acid and fatty liver.

GP then said change to a Mediterranean diet, lots of fish etc and aim to slowly lose 10 per cent of my weight but in all try and get into green on BMI scale for me that was just shy of 29 kilos. But definitely no alcohol aim at healing liver.

2 months on lost 10kg just by eating smaller meals and no take aways etc liver pain etc is decreasing somewhat, seems to come and go.

In the meantime I was referred to a haematologist for the enlarged spleen, 3 sets of blood tests ok, and a ct scan that came back ad OK as well. Doc just wants to check my bone marrow as a final tick of the box now. Fingers crossed that will be alright as well.

Not that I ever was big on drink was only occasional with meals etc, it appears mostly to be down to modern processed foods which I now avoid.

[waterlady]

Hi,Sarah,I had my Gallbladder out 3 weeks ago after having a CT scan showing a full bladder of stones and sludge and a very fatty liver.The operation (keyhole) took 4 hours normally 90 minutes.because they found my Gallbladder had caused an infection in my Liver and they had to clean it up.for over a year i had aches and pains.i stopped drinking alcohol when i heard 9 months ago and still don't drink.I also went on a low fat diet and lost 2 stone which now makes me look older(sad) the symptoms in my Liver area went away and have not come back so i put that down to not drinking at all.I have had further tests which show my Liver is in a much better condition as a result.I eat lots of fruit and fresh veg and have done for quiet a while.The operation is pain free apart from a few days after but with painkillers and antibiotics is manageable. I am now back to driving again and doing normal things. Don't know if i will ever drink alcohol again but i just have the ocassional non alc lager and non alc wine (Eisberg from Tesco)

I eat what i like i had some cheese for the first time in a year and a chinese and am ok.Really pleased i had the op as the surgeon said it was the largest Gallbladder they had seen.Trust me to be different.

I am looking to put some more weight on so it fills the holes in.Ha,Ha.

[Sarahppp in reply to waterlady]

Thank you soooo much for your message. I'm really glad you are doing so well. I shall think of you when I have my consultants appointment next week and think positively xxx many thanks again xxxx

[Esmerelda62]

I, too have been diagnosed with non alcohol related fatty liver disease and felt very unwell for over a year but since I have been taking Refaxamin tablets, I feel that I have control over my life again.

I expect we all have good days and better days but I have found that walking and tai chi have helped improve my general feeling of well being ( no ,I am not one of those weirdo types ! Just a 62 year old lady who does not want to be defined by an illness 😊 ) and I do not like the terms " battling with" or " stay positive " I prefer to think that I am living with an illness on a day to day basis and being " positive " is not part of my vocabulary 🌹

[vulnerable in reply to Esmerelda62]

Totally agree but it is so difficult