Gallstone Disease

Question: what is gallstone disease and what is the procedure for surgery? how risky is it for older patients?

Answer: Gallstones are small crystalline structures formed usually in the gallbladder. If the gallbladder is the cause of the disease a cholecystectomy - removal of the gallbladder - is usually performed. Most modern hospitals do it laparoscopically, where a camera and instruments are inserted through several small incisions in the abdomen. The gallbladder is removed through an incision and then the surgery is complete. Since there are only small incisions made, recovery time is much faster than with an open cholecystectomy. The stresses placed on the body are less meaning there are less chances of problems related to the anaesthetic too. However I'd recommend that you have a chat with an experienced surgeon, who'll be more able to clarify risks and benefits more precisely to your particular case.

Question: what are some of the symptoms of gallstone disease?

Answer: If you need to know if you have gallstones, tell your doctor and he'll send you to do an ultrasound/sonogram. I just had it done, and it confirmed that the pain I had on the right upper side above my waist was due to gallstones. That's the only symptom I had, pain, along with some, very light, swelling on the right side. Do you suspect you have them, or it's been confirmed you have gallstones? There is a natural remedy that works to get rid of them without surgery. I'm presently going with the natural remedies to get rid of the stones by taking lots of apple juice, and I mean lots (a gallon is you can a day), add 1 tsp epson salt and 1 TB olive oil to the treatment before bedtime, do this for a week, and increase that at the end of the week by 3 times, and they should come out naturally. Search on the web for better instructions on how to get rid of them. Remedy is REAL. My mother did it twice and twice she was able to get rid of two and half cups (the first time), 1 cup the 2nd time of the stones. I saw them. Better than getting rid of an important organ such as the gallbladder with surgery.

Question: Can gallbladder disease cause stomach cramping or spasms after eating? I went to the doctor and explained my symptoms, and she suspected gallbladder disease or gallstones. My symptoms include upset stomach after eating, loss of appetite, slight sensation of heartburn, and a bloating feeling 24/7. Do these symptoms sound familiar to anyone who has had gallbladder issues?

Answer: It can cause stomach cramping and spasms. Especially if there is sludge in it. You might not even have a stone and still have gall bladder disease. What foods seem to make this act up? If you have greasy foods or spicy foods that seem to make it worse or put an annoying pain in your back or shoulder than it's probably related to your gall bladder. You should really have an ultra sound on it so it can be ruled out. Your pancreas and other organs are there in the same area so you should visit your doctor to get looked at. There is even blood work that can be drawn such as a P-Amylase to see what organ is involved.

Question: Is Lower Back Pain Linked To Gallstones/Gallbladder Disease? I have bad lower back pain at the moment, and I recently found out that gallstones run in my family history. Does anyone know is lower back pain a big symtom of gallstones? I also have extreme nausea for the past 6 weeks.

Answer: Sibhie, LOWER back pain is NOT linked to gallbladder disease; the nausea may be. Following are symptoms of Gb disease" You may not know you have gallstones until they're discovered during tests done for other reasons. But sometimes gallstones may cause certain signs and symptoms. Gallstone symptoms include: Chronic indigestion. Signs and symptoms of indigestion may include nausea, gas, bloating and sometimes abdominal pain. These signs and symptoms may occur or be made worse after you eat high-fat foods. But even if you have gallstones, they often aren't the cause of your digestive problems. A number of other conditions — including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers of the stomach or small intestine (duodenum), or irritable bowel syndrome — also can cause chronic indigestion. For that reason, it's important to discuss your symptoms carefully with your doctor. Upper abdominal pain. Sudden, steady and moderate to intense pain in your upper middle or upper right abdomen may signal a gallbladder attack. The pain may occur one to two hours after eating but may also occur at other times — even at night. It can last about 30 minutes to several hours. Gallbladder pain usually starts in your upper middle or upper right abdomen and, on occasion, may shift to your back or right shoulder blade. After the pain subsides, you might have a mild aching or soreness in your upper abdomen that can last for up to a day or so. If you've had one gallbladder attack, the odds are about seven in 10 that you'll have additional attacks. Nausea and vomiting. These signs and symptoms may accompany a gallbladder attack. Fever. Gallstones sometimes get trapped in the neck of the gallbladder and can cause persistent pain that lasts more than several hours and is accompanied by fever. If you experience this type of persistent pain or you have a fever with the pain, seek medical attention right away. I suspect your lower back pain may be related to degenerating disc disease in your lower spine.

Question: Gallbladder disease possible for a 14 3/4 year old girl? I've noticed that I have the symptoms of having gallstones and like gallbladder disease. I don't know if it is actually possible for someone my age to have it? I am going to talk to my mom about all of this, but I was curious if anyone has experience with this? Reply please. I'm very curious about this. And a little bit worried.

Answer: Yes it is completely possible for you to have issues with your gallbladder, but I still suggest talking with a doctor about all possibilities before you jump to this conclusion. If you need the gallbladder removed its a real quick out patient procedure where they make four little holes in your stomach. I had mine removed last may.

Question: Does moderate drinking liquors reduces heart disease by 20 to 49%. ? Does moderate drinking liquors reduces heart disease by 20 to 49%. ? I was reading that moderate drinkers tend to have better health and live longer than those who are either abstainers or heavy drinkers. In addition to having fewer heart attacks and strokes, moderate consumers of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine or distilled spirits or liquor) are generally less likely to suffer hypertension or high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, Alzheimer's disease and the common cold. Sensible drinking also appears to be beneficial in reducing or preventing diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, bone fractures and osteoporosis, kidney stones, digestive ailments, stress and depression, poor cognition and memory, Parkinson's disease, hepatitis A, pancreatic cancer, macular degeneration (a major cause of blindness), angina pectoris, duodenal ulcer, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, gallstones, liver disease and poor physical condition in elderly.

Answer: Well, I suppose it depends on what you mean by moderate drinking, but I know that drinking can cause alcoholic dilated cardiomyopathy and can also lead to high blood pressure. Obviously, excessive drinking can also lead to a myriad of other disease states, but the aforementioned processes can result from average drinking in some people.

Question: I have Crohn's Disease and now gallstones,can anyone who has both conditions tell me a good diet to follow?

Answer: I am so sorry, I have Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis together, so I know it is hard. I have changed my diet a lot, I only eat fish, veggies, salad (no dressing), and rice or similar carbs. When I am having problems eating really bad I just eat rice with rice milk such as rice dream and that gets me through when I can't eat it is easy to digest. My brother also uses the same diet, he also has Crohn's, and it has worked very well for him. I got Crohn's at 25 and RA at 27 so I know it is really hard. Also if you go to About.com they have forums and chat rooms for people that suffer with the same illnesses, I have used it and found out a lot of valuable information about different illnesses, because you are not just talking to a doctor you are talking to people that have the same problem as you and have info about different medication, how it works for them, and how to cope with that specific illness. I will say a prayer for you, best of luck.

Question: how bad will it affect the baby if I have to take pain medication every now and then for gallbladder disease? Okay, I have an 8month old boy and I am pregnant again. Just recently found out that I had gallstones and was in plans to have it taken out but I found out I am pregnant again. So I cant have the surgery until the baby is born but I have to take demeral when I have an attack. If anyone has ever had one before you know how bad it feels. The Dr. said that the only thing they wanted to watch out for is in the first 12 weeks when the baby is developing and they want to be sure it developes properly. Im just really worried that its not going to. I have had to take a trip to the ER several times because I keep having attacks. And yes I know what all to eat and not to eat, I just keep having flare ups...even though I am following the guide lines of what to eat and what not to. I dont understand. Anywho, Im just worried about the baby not developing properly. Has anyone else gone through this, or a similar situation?

Answer: How far along are you? If you are under 10 weeks try your best to manage the pain if you want the baby to be healthy. Hopefully the baby will be well with thr meds you are taking.

Question: Can gallstones/gallbladder issues prevent weight loss? I have been completely unable to lose weight and was just diagnosed as having gallstones and gallbladder disease. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue and if so, has removal of gallstones and/or gallbladder helped with weight loss at all?

Answer: I think there is research to suggest that yo-yo dieting contributes to gall stones. I don't think removal of the gall bladder helps with weight loss - if you change eating habits as a result of the surgery it may help with it. I had the surgery a few years ago and it did not make any difference.

Question: what are the symptoms of a burst gallbladder? i have gallstones and gallbladder disease, i am getting it removed but i have weird uncomfortable and sometimes shooting pain that i have never felt before, it cant be food i am eating very low fat healthy diet, but it just feels like something more is going on than i already know. oh and i have gone to the doctor and they keep telling me im fine because i live in a shit town! my doctor never listens to me and then tells me to come back in a month!!!

Answer: What is cholelithiasis? Cholelithiasis is the formation of gallstones, which are composed of cholesterol, calcium salts, and bile pigments. When gallstones block the flow of bile, the gallbladder becomes swollen, leading to the possibility of pain, inflammation, or infection. What are the signs and symptoms of cholelithiasis? The signs and symptoms of cholelithiasis often do not begin until the gallstone causes blockage in the biliary system. They may include, but are not limited to, the following: • Abdominal pain, usually in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen • Jaundice • Fever Which test(s) and/or procedure(s) may be requested to determine if I have cholelithiasis? Tests and procedures that can detect cholelithiasis include x-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, ERCP, and a cholecystogram. How is this condition surgically treated? Cholangitis is treated by a cholecystectomy, in which the gallbladder is removed

Question: What are the long term effects of gallstone disease? I am 24 years old and I have been suffering with sudden attacks(usually after I eat something). I have been unusally stressed lately,which also contributes to the attacks. Is there something I can do besides going to the doctor( ER didn't do anything,even hospitalized) .Is there some sort of remedy that can get rid of the stones(PLEASE: No bogus answers please,I would appreciate it)?

Answer: Basically, if you have developed gallstones, you are likely to suffer an attack after you eat something that has a high fat content, which will produce a rush of gall which can carry a stone into your duct. I had a problem with this at one point and I followed the advice of Dr. Gabe Mirkin: a lowfat diet and a daily baby aspirin. I completely gave up deep-fried stuff. The problem has not recurred. I miss french fries, but I did not want to get my gall bladder removed.

Question: i believe that some diseases and conditions ar curable naturally like gallstones or cancer? for example cofee ,water,honey and lemons,low fat and carbs with plenty of fresh fruit and veg combine with daily excersise with approiate fluid intake and not skipping meals and having small meals and often will get rid of gallstones.do you believe that diseases and condtions like these ar curable and it just self neglect ie i've look in to gallstones on internet and this was what i was told

Answer: read dr youngs miricle. american medical association says all diseases and conditions come from a lack of vitamins or minerals in the diet causing an imballance that results in illness or unhealthy change. citric acid in citrus fruit dissolves calcium stones. diet variety and balance is the answer. I was told by a surgeons mother that she was diagnosed with cancer (lymphoma) and she was told by her son to eat only raw foods and that was raw vegetables and fruit and even raw fish and eggs...she said after 40 days on a raw diet the cancer was gone. I read about dr youngs miricle and it said cancer loves an acid environment. barley grass and wheat grass and alfalfa made the body alkaline so I shared this info with a few people who had cancer and so far I have not lost any of my patients who had cancer. they had other treatments but I believe this helped because one young man had mets to his bones and they looked like eggs on his back and after 3 weeks on this green grasses mixture in his diet the tumors could barely be seen and added years to his life. they may never go away but they shrunk down and slowed their growth. I saw it with my own eyes. the doctor said he had kidney function that went from nothing to normal in two weeks and he did not know why but whatever he was doing it worked. the doctor could not encourage herbal remedies or he could lose his liscense. I am a nurse and nutrition is allowed in my scope of practice.

Question: I'm having stomach pains that are related to gallbladder disease.? But my doctor is leaning more to there being blockage in my stomach. Has anyone had their gallbladders out without any gallstone showing on an ultrasound or CAT Scan? I had a Hida scan and there wasn't any on there. But my mom swears by it. She had hers out when she was 20, and I'm only 17. My functionality percentage is only 42% and they don't take them out until it's reached 40%. Does this mean I have to suffer?

Answer: I had my gallbladder taken out and no stones showed up. What happened was that I'd had just one episode of galbladder pain which was incorrectly diagnosed as kidney stones... but it passed and so we left it at that. However, during another checkup, my galbladder showed teeny, tiny stones, then I had another one and nothing showed. My doctor said this gallbladder trouble wouldn't give me any pain (most likely) but it was important to have it taken out because I was forming small stones that pass through, which are actually more dangerous since they're so small that they sometimes block your bile duct and give you pancreatitis... which, from what she tells me, is pretty dangerous. When they took my gallbladder out, the stones I had had already passed so none were found in it, but, since my body used to form them like that, it was a good thing I had it removed. I'd say get checked more than once since they sometimes show up and sometimes don't.

Question: Please Read! People with Gastrointestinal Problems. Chrones disease? IBS? IBD? Celiac Disease? I am sixteen years old and have been suffering from chronic abdominal discomfort and other symptoms for more than four months. I have constant nausea ( I always feel like I am on the verge of vomiting but never do), abdominal pain ranging from a mild irritated feeling to sharp cramps (not menstrual), gas, headaches, and debilitating fatigue.. I had an ultrasound and a ct scan a week ago and they both showed that I don't have gallstones but I do have a large amount of (may be graphic-beware) compacted fecal matter (I warned you). However I have not been feeling constipated. In fact lately I have been having dihherea (occasionally bloody) 4-5 times a day. I have Celiac disease and I was diagnosed about 4 months ago. And I know that it can take a while to heal but even the doctor doesnt know why its taking so long. I just feel so sick all the time. Here's my question: could it be Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Chrones or Ulcerative Colitis) or something els

Answer: Warning - also graphic! Sometimes constipation can get so bad that we can actually leak liquid stool around the impacted fecal matter. This sounds a little more serious than irritable bowel syndrome, especially considering the fact that you are having blood in your stool. It sounds as if you need a colonoscopy, but you would have to have your colon "cleaned out" first. You should have a good gastroenterologist; if you are having a significant amount of blood loss, sooner rather than later. I assume you are following the celiac diet. I would make sure that someone has run a thyroid panel, as low thyroid can cause both constipation and fatigue and can be overlooked in cases where an alternative explanation is available. You should also make sure your blood count is not low, as this could make you feel very tired as well.

Question: IF a CAT Scan of a person's head shows advanced atrophy with white matter disease. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? This also showed white matter disease with no mass effect or midline shift, no evidence of intracranial hemorrage? Chest X RAY indicating cardiomegaly with no infiltrates or effusions. Obstruction series indicating no free air with no obstrucitons or dilations Abdominal ultrasound showing bilateral moderate hydronephrosis, urinary bladder wall thickening, and mild gallbladder wall thickening, and ,mild gallbladder wall thickening without gallstones. REpeat renal ultrasound prior to discharge indicated no hydronephrosis,, calculus, or perinephric fluid collections. Does carbon monoxide poisoning cause these symptoms??? What does this all mean.

Answer: As a healthcare provider my guess is that this is not your tests.....unless you are of more advanced age than I am getting an impression of. No, this is not carbon monoxide poisoning. Advanced atrophy and white matter disease is usually advanced age and is associated with changes in mental status.(dementia, confusion,memory loss). This is not always....but usually. It also means these problems cannot be reversed. Cardiomegaly is an enlarged heart....usually happens with congestive heart disease....which seems to be unrelated to problems as there is no infiltrated or effusions (these can also be related to lung disease....like pneumonia....but I don't think this was what they were looking for considering what tests were ordered...and is not present anyway) The rest of the tests concerning the bowels was normal. The tests related to the kidneys were returned to normal at discharge. So, in all, it looks like changes associated with age. No acute problems. I have limited history from you....so this is a guess. I bet you are asking because you were told basically what I said and you are wondering why the symptoms occurred and looking for other causes.... If I can answer you better....e-mail me.

Question: Relation of gall bladder thickening and stone with jaundice? Is there any relation of gall bladder thickening and stone with jaundice? A patient when tested with ultrsound for yellowishness and weekness (jaundice) shows that there is gallstone accompanied by thickening of wall. Can gall disease like thickening lead to jaundice? Or, can jaundice induce thickening of gall baldder walls? What are the possible dangers?

Answer: The gall bladder problems are causing the jaundice. Sound like there may be an obstruction in the bile duct causing bile to backup and leak. It's not being excreted. Have it checked. If it is cholelitiasis or cholecystitis, have the gallbladder removed. You don't need it. Typically it is an outpatient procedure so you should go home the same day. Now if there is painless jaundice have it checked soon because it is a sign of pancreatic cancer. Just go see your MD.