Gallstones now giving problems.

Hi everyone, about a year ago I had a liver scan for various reasons, I've previously had cancer and I had an abnormal LFT result. Anyway my liver was a bit fatty, from being overweight which has been sorted.

The scan also showed small Gallstones in my gallbladder. I've now had two bouts of biliary colic a month or so apart. The doctor is talking about me having a cholecystectomy. I'm not keen to be honest, as I'm sick of having surgery.

My question is, do you think I should go with the surgery, or do I wait and see? Thanks.

[Sarahppp]

Morning. I can totally see where you are coming from when you are fed up of operations. Although, thankfully, I've never had cancer (hope all ok on that score?) but I had to have a total hysterectomy and also have a pacemaker which obviously needs changed every 10 years. I've also just been diagnosed with fatty liver and gallstones and it's really got me down wondering if i should go through with the op. I'm trying to read up on all info available but there is so much conflicting advice I just don't know. Good luck with your decision xxx

[Wass71]

Hi, I think it depends on the type of stones you have. If they are causing you pain that is likely to carry on unless you eat a virtually fat free diet. I had very gritty stones as well as formed ones, and sludge, which caused me to be hospitalised twice due to pancreatitis caused by infection from stones blocking the common bile duct. This occurred weeks after having my first child. A 29 hour labour, followed by emergency caesarean, none of that was even remotely as painful as pancreatitis. I think its the worst pain I have ever encountered, and it doesn't come and go like labour pain. It is also a very dangerous condition. I now have scarring on my pancreas, and one Dr suggested this could be the cause of my current pain, a chronic pancreatitis. Although I have no other diagnostic elements eg lack of amylase to digest food or problems with glucose tolerance.

Sorry I've gone off the point, I would suggest asking your Dr if you are at risk of any complications if you don't have surgery, what kind of stones are they, could they be dissolved with medication.

If they recommend surgery then be assured it is a simple op which is done very often. Its usually done laparoscopically, so minimal scarring. I felt much much better after, and have no problem with digesting fats or anything.

Good luck, I hope you have no further pain

Wishing you well.

E

[Hidden in reply to Wass71]

Thanks so much for the replies. I've seen the doctor again this morning. He said to go back in a month, when I'm feeling better, and he wants to refer me. I guess what will be will be. It's reassuring to know it's a simple op, which shouldn't leave me with too many problems.

There's always something, lol.

[rallyman1]

Hi I have had gallstones and tried all the potions to try and get rid of them to avoid the op but the pain was unbearable and I lost 5st in a year eating very small portion s even on the day I was admitted got to the ward door and turned back but was pushed back in had the op and wondered what I was so scared of thanks to family and the hospital I am now fine,I realise you have been on a long journey your health is very important have the op all the best do not worry like me it's a walk in the park compared to what have gone through all the best

[Hidden]

I have a date for my operation, 8th November! I've had several bouts of gallstone trouble, including jaundice, so I can't wait to have the surgery now.