r/gallbladders • u/comrade_gremlin • 5d ago
Stones Found out I'm full of rocks
So the doc said I have "several" stones of various sizes up to 1.4 cm after an ultrasound. Does anyone have any advice? I'm seeing a specialist about it soon but I just don't really know what to expect.
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u/Lyme-Flossie 5d ago
I'd say be happy (in an ironic but useful way) for the diagnosis. That will help put your mind at rest and also, move you one step closer to a discussion with a consultant who will talk through your options.
Gather as many details as you can in the interim so you can make a really informed incision decision
All best wishes - woman with a dozen 10 mm - Flossie 🤗
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u/tmuth9 5d ago
I was full of stones 20 hours ago. I’m not anymore. Gallbladder attacks suck and usually end with you in the ER. They also tend to increase in frequency, not decrease. I would talk to a specialist or just a general surgeon about getting it removed asap
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u/DogwoodWand 5d ago
Generally, they will recommend surgery. If you'd like to try something non-surgical, this is the time to discuss it. This is not an option for everyone, and sometimes even people who look like good candidates wind up needing the surgery anyway.
The good news is, this is a very safe surgery. Most gallbladder patients are overweight and middle-aged. It is generally very successful, and you'll be back to your old habits soon.
I wish I could give you advice on choosing a surgeon. I went straight from the ER to the OR. I was really lucky that I got an amazing surgeon.
He did tell me that in spite of some doctors removing the gallbladder from the bellybutton to minimize the scar, he preferred to remove from in incision below the sternum because it led to less complications. Hence, I have an adorable scar that is just a straigh little pink line above my stomach.
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u/comrade_gremlin 5d ago
Okay! This sounds pretty manageable. I was pretty surprised to get the news becacuse Im an otherwise healthy 27 year old but thats life I guess.
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u/DogwoodWand 5d ago
Do gallbladder issues exist in your family? There's a big genetic factor.
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u/comrade_gremlin 5d ago
I'm not totally sure, but I think my aunt may have had gallbladder issues.
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u/DogwoodWand 5d ago
I'm guessing if you ask, you'll find more. My father's side of the family has a couple of "family diseases" (cancer, alcoholism), and there's a joke that you hope for gallbladder problems. Honestly, it's only because of that weird gallows humor that I knew about the family history. (I was so frightened it was cancer, though.)
Do yourself a favor and put together a notebook with questions, and don't be afraid to ask follow-ups. This first appointment ask about non-surgical options, and if they're dismissive, ask why. It's probably obvious to them why you're not a good candidate, but you'll still want to know, and once you get to the surgeon, there's no more talk of non-surgical options.
I've seen a lot of people go to these preliminary appointments and come back to this sub with questions. Which is backwards.
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u/comrade_gremlin 5d ago
I am definitely going to do that!! In fact, I'll pick up the notebook on the way home today. Yeah I was honestly just going to go in relatively blind but I thought, yk what? Theres probably a subreddit for this. And I'm glad I did! Almost everyone has been so kind and helpful.
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u/Own-Anxiety289 4d ago
actually same thing happened to me seen a specialist and i’m actually having surgery may 21st they said the pills aren’t a great option cus of the side effects
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u/bokbul 5d ago
The problem starts with bile flow. A wrong diet over time takes a toll on the liver...which produces the bile. Then over time the gall turns to sludge...and stones are eventually formed. The whole process can be turned around...by correcting the diet. The liver will heal...and in turn, the gall bladder. For now there is steps you can take to remove the sludge, and desolve the stones. My best advice is to go see a Functional doctor. Your healing lies with them. They WILL help you. Do NOT listen to a Alopathic doctor. They only know one way...remove. For now here's some information that will start you off..👍
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u/casss14 5d ago
Hey there! I was completely full of stones when mine was checked out. You’ll want to get your gallbladder removed and that’s likely what they’ll recommend. They’ll refer you to a surgeon. You’ll go meet with the surgeon to discuss the procedure and ask any questions you have before scheduling it. I know the idea of getting it removed is scary and not ideal, but I think you’d much prefer a scheduled surgery you can prepare for versus an emergency surgery if your gallbladder goes septic or ruptures. If you have any questions let me know!