Gallbladder pain - left side?

[girlinabox]

Hi everyone. New here.

Recently had a diagnosis of gallstones following 2 months of central and right sided abdominal pain and going back and forth to the GP who kept querying indigestion. It finally took the pain getting so bad, and me calling 111 to get an appointment with an OOH GP who suggested it right away. 2 days later I had an ultrasound and saw a surgeon who confirmed it and put me on the waiting list. "multiple mobile calculi". The ultrasound report also said "pancreas appears normal however a small lesión cannot be excluded" I'm not deemed an emergency for the surgery as bloods, including liver function, were normal. I have been told to seek urgent attention if the pain gets really bad though.

In the middle of all this, I developed left sided abdominal pain, to the left of my belly button, my waist, and my back. The surgeon was very non committal and couldn't really say if it was to do with gallstones so I went back to my gp who said it *could* be and tried to reassure me... But I'm not convinced. Since learning of the gallstones I've eliminated fat and found the right sided stabbing pain barely occurs now, yet this left sided pain remains.

It's really getting me down, it's been a horrible couple of months and the ultrasound doesn't really put my mind at ease since I hear they don't always pick everything up, and the lesión comment, although gp says that they always say this as they can't fully see the pancreas on ultrasound? I'm considering asking for a referral from my gp so I can get a ct scan done privately (to reduce further NHS burden). I cannot bear the thought of waiting until months down the line after surgery and the left sided pain and its cause still not being investigated.

Sorry this has become me pouring out all of this. I guess it's all just a bit upsetting and confusing. I'm only 36 and prior to this fit, healthy, no medical conditions.

Thank you for reading.

[Hidden]

Good Morning Girlinabox

Firstly welcome to this wonderful forum of lovely caring people who will be by your side for as long as you want!

Secondly you mentioned that you've made a start on omitting all fatty foods from your daily eating plan which is a great start as you've already managed to eased some of your right side pains so well done .

I too visited my GP in 2010 with pains in my side and back and was sent for an ultrasound. Unfortunately my report that highlighted I had numerous gallstones went missing and as I'd heard nothing from my GP I took this to mean there was nothing seriously wrong and carried on taking Omeprazole for the acid reflux for years to follow which I'd been suffering with.

For many years I coped with the numerous pains which spread to other areas before I eventually informed my GP. A couple of days later the radiologist carrying out the second ultrasound asked why my gallbladder had still not been removed years earlier. About a week later I had an emergency gallbladder operation by key hole surgery which was sucessfully removed after being diagnosed with multi small gallstones that caused a spasm attack.

What I'm trying to say is there are numerous people living with none threatening gallstones for many years before there gallbladder are removed so please try not to stress to much. Keep up the healthy eating plan and avoid all greasy foods before and after your possible future operation !

You do not mention drinking alcohol,, within your message, I would recommend you cut down or omitted totally if you do like the odd we drink now and then.

If your still worried after reading me note then I suggest you revisit your GP and explain your concerns and ask if you can have an abdominal CT Scan which might put you at ease. However please be aware that none urgent CT appointment requests can take some time to come through.

May I wish you all the very best and please keep us all updated as you'll soon be receiving many more replies from my friends.

Love Trish x

[girlinabox in reply to Hidden]

Hi Trish,

Thank you so much for your reply. Much appreciated.

Im sorry to hear about your experience, I don't know how you managed for so long! I'm glad you eventually got it sorted. You mention the pain spreading - did you ever feel this pain in the left side? How quickly after the op did you begin to feel good again?

I do understand that lots of people have this issue dragging on for much, much longer than I, and its not really the gallstones or the gallstone pain that's bothering me so much now - it's the lack of clarity around what is causing my left sided pain and all I'm told is its a possibility its caused by the gallstones. Its the unknown, and I guess, the fact that the actual gallbladder pain has ceased yet this left sided pain continues every single day.

I ate a relatively healthy diet before all of this, which is why I was surprised when I was told the scan results! Although my nan and aunt both had it so perhaps I'm predisposed to it? I am continuing to eat wisely, and haven't had any alcohol since being told but not a massive drinker anyway.

I have an appointment with my gp on Wednesday as he said to come back if the left side symptoms develop or persist. I am going to ask for a letter to get a private ct scan as I am not prepared to wait on the NHS. I've found a couple of private places that will do it with my gp referring me so am hoping he'll agree. I guess peace of mind whilst I wait for the gallbladder removal is what I need, and am more than happy to pay the price for that.

Also, I was told by the surgeon's secretary that if the pain gets bad just go to a & e as it might mean it's progressing and it could get done under emergency surgery. The pain is manageable, and I try to just manage but occasionally need codeine to take the edge off.

Thanks again, really appreciate people's feedback and hearing about other experiences.

All the best xx

[Hidden in reply to girlinabox]

Hi

I don't think I can add much more that my friend Trish has put. I had mine out in October 1985!! I did get pain on both sides but my right side pain was definitely the worst!! Good luck with your appointment on Wednesday. Please let us know how you get on. Lots and lots of love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[girlinabox in reply to Hidden]

Hi there. So in the last 2 months I have had my CT scan, which aside from a left ovary cyst seemed to be OK. They think I've passed some stones as now it looks mostly to be sludge. Although I still get the pain. The thing is, they contacted me on Friday and said they are doing operations again and want to do mine this Thursday but I'm terrified. I am nervous about surgery anyway, well the general anesthetic mostly, but also with the whole covid situation I really don't want to put myself at risk. I know that nobody can tell me what is best to do, but what are peoples views on having surgery at this time. I read a report on the guardian yesterday which said senior NHS consultants are speaking out after figures showing 20% of patients hospitalised with covid contracted it whilst in for something else - due to lack of ppe and asymptomatic staff. I am otherwise healthy but I think we can all agree that doesn't necessarily mean I'd be OK if I did get infected. Argh! Sorry, this has just come as such a surprise and caught me off guard and now don't know what to do...