colleenmomof2
Well-known member
After 2 gallbladder "episodes," including 1 hospitalization, I am happy to report that gallbladders do not necessarily have to be removed. Lifestyle change can heal a gallbladder. YMMV
In January and in February, DH ended up in the ER with severe pain behind, at the bottom, of his rib cage. The first time, "suspect chest pain" blood work led to a CT which exposed 4 concerns he(we) were not previously aware of - none heart related. One of these was a suspicious gallbladder (no stones visible but "possible sludge" in gallbladder), and the ER doc suggested an ambulance ride to the main hospital for further investigation. He(we) declined. The second ER visit 3 weeks later led to hospitalization. After 10 or so hours of incredible pain - 7 of those in the ER - the surgeon arrived to confirm ER doc's diagnosis of inflamed gallbladder as the culprit, offering to "slice you open" and remove it the next day. I(we) declined at "slice you open" - not what the surgeon expected.
I share DH's story because we have learned that gallbladder removal surgery is very common. The medical community (and many people) believe that you don't need your gallbladder. Most patients who have it removed experience immediate relief from long term pain/upset and few side effects. They arrive in the ER under incredible pain, with surgical removal offered as the only cure.
But DH had only 2 episodes - not chronic. Several tests confirmed inflammation but not stones. And DH had emergency surgery 20 or so years ago for a strangulated hernia, with follow-up surgery to repair/strengthen the original surgery by adding a mesh insert, so (preferred) laparoscopic surgery most certainly would lead to open gallbladder removal for him. He did end up, during the 5 day hospital stay, with suspected common bile duct blockage, ERCP procedure, and immediate relief. Many people who have their gallbladders removed also end up having emergency ERCP - endoscopic catheterization - identified (and then performed) during their gallbladder removal surgery to free a common bile duct blockage.
DH(we) promised to change his(our) ways and he was released (against everyone's advice). Borderline obese before, he(we) have been eating low fat since, he has "slowly" - one key to preventing gallbladder disease - lost 30 pounds, exercises more, has gone off medication for high blood pressure and has not had any serious digestive upset since.
I label this FRC because we have always been active and eaten healthy - lots of fresh fruits and veggies - but we never limited fat, experiencing slow but steady weight gain over our almost 40 years of marriage. We are still eating wonderful healthy food but now limit fat grams by looking for ways to cut oil, butter, vegetable and animal fat from recipes. This behavior modification has been revolutionary for us both. Colleen
In January and in February, DH ended up in the ER with severe pain behind, at the bottom, of his rib cage. The first time, "suspect chest pain" blood work led to a CT which exposed 4 concerns he(we) were not previously aware of - none heart related. One of these was a suspicious gallbladder (no stones visible but "possible sludge" in gallbladder), and the ER doc suggested an ambulance ride to the main hospital for further investigation. He(we) declined. The second ER visit 3 weeks later led to hospitalization. After 10 or so hours of incredible pain - 7 of those in the ER - the surgeon arrived to confirm ER doc's diagnosis of inflamed gallbladder as the culprit, offering to "slice you open" and remove it the next day. I(we) declined at "slice you open" - not what the surgeon expected.
I share DH's story because we have learned that gallbladder removal surgery is very common. The medical community (and many people) believe that you don't need your gallbladder. Most patients who have it removed experience immediate relief from long term pain/upset and few side effects. They arrive in the ER under incredible pain, with surgical removal offered as the only cure.
But DH had only 2 episodes - not chronic. Several tests confirmed inflammation but not stones. And DH had emergency surgery 20 or so years ago for a strangulated hernia, with follow-up surgery to repair/strengthen the original surgery by adding a mesh insert, so (preferred) laparoscopic surgery most certainly would lead to open gallbladder removal for him. He did end up, during the 5 day hospital stay, with suspected common bile duct blockage, ERCP procedure, and immediate relief. Many people who have their gallbladders removed also end up having emergency ERCP - endoscopic catheterization - identified (and then performed) during their gallbladder removal surgery to free a common bile duct blockage.
DH(we) promised to change his(our) ways and he was released (against everyone's advice). Borderline obese before, he(we) have been eating low fat since, he has "slowly" - one key to preventing gallbladder disease - lost 30 pounds, exercises more, has gone off medication for high blood pressure and has not had any serious digestive upset since.
I label this FRC because we have always been active and eaten healthy - lots of fresh fruits and veggies - but we never limited fat, experiencing slow but steady weight gain over our almost 40 years of marriage. We are still eating wonderful healthy food but now limit fat grams by looking for ways to cut oil, butter, vegetable and animal fat from recipes. This behavior modification has been revolutionary for us both. Colleen