Gallbladder - keep or remove
Discussion
I had my first attack from gallstones three months ago. They increased in frequency to about twice a week and always followed a similar pattern starting in the evening, lasting about 5 hours and at their peak causing excruciating pain when I didn't know quite what to do with myself. Once I'd self diagnosed gallstones then by watching my diet I could lessen the attack frequency.
I saw my doctor who arranged a scan and blood tests and gallstones have been confirmed. A follow up meeting was arranged with the surgeon, who I saw yesterday, who didn't really consider whether the gallbladder should be kept but just assumed the best and natural path would be removal and has initiated the process.
However since I've been watching my diet in the last 3 months I've lost 2 stone and am now within my BMI and all other indicators are perfect like blood pressure and resting heart rate. I'm 59 and this enforced diet has made me the healthiest I've been in 30 years. More importantly I haven't had a gallbladder attack for 5 weeks.
Anyone else with gallbladder experience think it's work keeping the gallbladder, avoiding any side effects from surgery and hope that the attacks can be kept at bay or should I just take the plunge and get it over with?
I saw my doctor who arranged a scan and blood tests and gallstones have been confirmed. A follow up meeting was arranged with the surgeon, who I saw yesterday, who didn't really consider whether the gallbladder should be kept but just assumed the best and natural path would be removal and has initiated the process.
However since I've been watching my diet in the last 3 months I've lost 2 stone and am now within my BMI and all other indicators are perfect like blood pressure and resting heart rate. I'm 59 and this enforced diet has made me the healthiest I've been in 30 years. More importantly I haven't had a gallbladder attack for 5 weeks.
Anyone else with gallbladder experience think it's work keeping the gallbladder, avoiding any side effects from surgery and hope that the attacks can be kept at bay or should I just take the plunge and get it over with?
In my case an attack starts with an indigestion type pain with most pain below the right ribs. It then radiates to the back and right shoulder blade and is so severe it feels like I've been punched in the back.
During a severe attack I'm physically sick which I think is just from the severity of the pain.
Attacks only start in the evening and last for 5-6 hours. Once the attack is ending the pain subsides in about 15 minutes.
During a severe attack I'm physically sick which I think is just from the severity of the pain.
Attacks only start in the evening and last for 5-6 hours. Once the attack is ending the pain subsides in about 15 minutes.
Edited by Sparkyhd on Saturday 2nd September 11:31
fbc said:
Several years back I had my gallbladder removed after suffering a gallstones attack - frankly the pain (it was to a genuinely concerning level prior to being diagnosed) of the attack, uncertainty of a re-occurrence (I really didn't want to repeat the experience), the straight-forward nature of the surgery and recovery (procedure was key-hole) and lack of potential side-effects made the removal a formality for me.
Have you had no long term side effects from removal? Diarrhoea?Surgery for the removal of my gallbladder is tomorrow.
I haven't had any symptoms for 4 months so I'm a bit undecided whether surgery is required or a good idea.
Has my gallbladder sorted itself out due to my improved diet and therefore there's only a potential downside to surgery, like ongoing bile issues or death on the operating table?
Or is my gallbladder like an unexploded bomb, lulling me into a false sense of security, but ready to explode at the most inconvenient time when I'm a bit older and less able to handle surgery?
Should I be raising this here or talking to a consultant?
I haven't had any symptoms for 4 months so I'm a bit undecided whether surgery is required or a good idea.
Has my gallbladder sorted itself out due to my improved diet and therefore there's only a potential downside to surgery, like ongoing bile issues or death on the operating table?
Or is my gallbladder like an unexploded bomb, lulling me into a false sense of security, but ready to explode at the most inconvenient time when I'm a bit older and less able to handle surgery?
Should I be raising this here or talking to a consultant?
Went ahead with the surgery. Had a 15 minute discussion with the surgeon beforehand hand to go through the pros and cons. Unfortunately, like most professionals, they won't decide for you even though they're the experts but end with "at the end of the day it's your choice".
After 5 minutes deliberation I decided to go with it.
Out the same day and now 24 hours later I'm surprised how little discomfort I'm feeling. Took 12 hours to pass urine which was getting me a bit worried but all flowing nicely now.
The gallbladder has gone off to the lab but if the report is inconclusive only the next few months and years will confirm if I've made the right decision.
After 5 minutes deliberation I decided to go with it.
Out the same day and now 24 hours later I'm surprised how little discomfort I'm feeling. Took 12 hours to pass urine which was getting me a bit worried but all flowing nicely now.
The gallbladder has gone off to the lab but if the report is inconclusive only the next few months and years will confirm if I've made the right decision.
gasman712 said:
Do you realise that the GMC activley promote this approach? It is considered best practise to inform the patient and allow them to decide for themselves. The use of a paternalistic "doctor knows best" approach went out the door couple of decades ago and subsequently there is the Montogomery ruling which means you have to be informed and make the decision yourself.
Well I get that but the professional has more experience of cases so should be able to say "on balance I'd do x but ultimately it's up to you". Give a bit of guidance.Also I think doctors are too quick to choose procedures as a solution. If I go into Kwik Fit and ask if my tyres need changing they'll likely say yes, so I guess a surgeon is going to want to perform surgery.
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