Gallstones

[Serise]

I’ve just been told I have serval gallstones, what symptoms did you get when having gallstones? Thanks

[AyrshireK]

Gallstones are pretty normal and symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Many folks have them and have no symptoms whatsoever the problems occur when they start to cause blockages or cause inflammation/infection.

The British Liver Trust has advice on gallstones at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Katie

[pushthrough]

Hello, I have them and didn't know until they showed up on the MRI when scanning my liver. They haven't mentioned anything about getting them removed so I guess they are not bad enough for me.

[DavyGravy]

Hi Serise

As already pointed out by Katie and Pushthrough, people often have gallstones and never have a problem.

I suffer from a biliary sludge, it is like gallstones in "sand" form. Like some gallstones might, it did block my bile duct.

Initially I had a discomfort on my right hand side just under my ribs. When the sludge moved and the bile finally entered my stomach it triggered the acid, which was very painful at the top and centre of my stomach, it felt like the opening at the top of my stomach was burning (which it probably was). I had that about 4 or 5 times but twice I had to go to A&E and one time I was admitted. But after being advised to reduce the (excessive) amount of fried food I was eating, I haven't had any more problems with mine.

And I hope you never have any problems either.

Dave

[Zukosmile07]

I used to have gall stones and I had the occasional shake like dice rattling in a container. When my liver was grumpy or growling from struggling to break things down I used to get pains at the bottom of my abdomen (clutching tummy ache). Being laxadaisy with my diet (salt and greasy food) pushed a stone out and got wedged in my bile duct, now that is a pain I wouldn't wish on anyone. I also felt uneasy, like fidgety with no pain.Good luck with yours 🌋😝

[PeterP54]

As others have said symptoms vary. My initial symptom was indigestion followed by tremendous pressure in my chest (I thought I was having a heart attack) and nausea. Emergency doctor gave me an anti-emetic which eased the symptoms. Saw my GP the following day and she missed I had jaundice which I noticed after returning home.

[Lindc]

I had a strong sharp pain under my breast pain combined with vomiting. I was convinced it was a heart attack. No previous warning.

[Turvy]

Hi , I too have just been diagnosed with gall stones. I felt a huge relief that something was diagnosed so that I can now get treatment. I had an internal scan to suss out my excruciating, but occasional (2-3 times a week for about an hour) pain in my lower right stomach. They found nothing . Then I had my gastro’ (liver/spleen) scan and they discovered (by fluke I guess) the stones! I had no idea that there is a link between the stones and the liver function!! I’m now waiting to see what is next suggested. I hear that they get zapped by laser & that they then pass through naturally and that surgery is no longer required. I hope this is correct. I really hope you don’t get the pains - it’s utterly debilitating. When you get one of those questions- ‘on a scale of 1-10, how painful…’. I’d say 9.5! My best medicine for the pain is to immediately take Buscopan . This is normally for IBS, but it helps. Don’t forget to ask your doctor first though, even if it is ‘just an over-the-counter’ drug. Hope you have a lovely Christmas.. let us know what they do to get rid of the stones.

[Zukosmile07 in reply to Turvy]

10/10 pain for me Turvy, when they got to mine Via a camera the surgeon discovered 2 stones and he was able to break them down and pass naturally. I under the anaesthetic at the time but when I woke up it felt as though I had nothing done. 😃 Fantastic 😌Danny x