Exercise with Gallstones

[Supposeness]

I'm wondering if anyone else has a similar experience?

I've currently got Gallstones which has affected my Liver causing deranged blood results. I feel rough most of the time, have a constant acheing pain and just feel exhausted. All this I can cope with however I work in quite a physical job. I have to wear a lot of equipment each day and depending on the job it can get quite physical. With having to call in sick due to the Gallstones attacks I've now had to inform work. They're considering putting me on "light duties" until things get sorted which I'm not too keen on. However they're concerned that if I go to a physical job, fighting, restriaing people etc I might get hurt (which I understand). I'm just wondering if anyone knows if doing exercise, lifting things etc is likely to make the situation worse? Will it aggravate them, cause an attack etc as essentially that is what work is worried about. Have people managed to carry on with daily activities and exercise with gallstones?

I'm obviously not going to take this as gospel I'm just keen to know people's experiences.

I myself feel like I can carry on as normal with some slight adjustments maybe, I'm currently able to stay on full duties but I'm worried I could be wrong and put other colleagues at risk. This is all new to me and I'm learning everything though what I've read about them online, I know this query is probably best raised with the professionals but I'm on a waiting list at the moment so haven't even spoke to a specialist about it and I don't know how long it's going to be before I get to speak to one. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Amy

[deanw41]

Bloody gallstones, not much fun huh!! Mine don’t seem to react to food just movement? Just had an ultrasound sound which reports a well distended gallbladder!? I’m waiting to hear from my consultant. My understanding is that when we eat, especially fatty food the gallbladder releases bile to aid digestion. If you have stones and those buggers are getting stuck in the bile duct, it’s this that causes the pain. I’m very tender on my right side, under my rib(can’t sleep on-that side) so I myself would avoid any contact or potential contact in that area even more so as I have cirrhosis. Will you get all your answers soon I’m sure. For a small little sac, it’s bloody painful. Best of luck!!!

[Supposeness in reply to deanw41]

I know they're a absolute nightmare! I'm the same I'm quite tender on my right side too which makes wearing my Stab Vest difficult as it hurts. I think I've had my stones for a while but been ignoring them and blaming the pain on other stuff until I eventually had to call 111 one day. For me it doesn't seem to matter if its fatty or not most foods seem to trigger me. The time I called 111 I had eaten chicken and salad! I think it was the flavouring in the chicken but who would have thought. Hopefully it will get sorted soon and I can go back to normal. It sounds like you're having just as much of a nightmare as me, hopefully you're sorted soon too!

[Hidden]

Hi Amy,Here is our publication on gallstones:

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Can your GP advise you regarding exercise? They will have access to your recent scans and be best placed to guide you.

Also, do you have an occupational health department at work? they may be helpful to speak to too.

Best wishes

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I had a big gallstone for 31 years and only decided to have it removed in 2020 . I’ve always been very fit and exercise never bothered me .

I also have a demanding job teaching drama and dance to lovely people and children with learning disabilities .

I’ve never had to wear a lot of equipment though only costumes in productions haha .

It might be worth asking your doctor about having it removed .

I was home the next day and back to normal in 6 weeks .

Good luck

Steph

[Supposeness in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much for getting back to me. I hadn't spoke to my doctors as it wasn't something that crossed my mind until work wanted to put me on light duties. I had a chat with work yesterday and it's been referred to our occupational health department anyway so hopefully it should get sorted with them.

[Hidden in reply to Supposeness]

Sounds a great idea, hope you manage to get the guidance you need. Keep us posted