Recently, I went to my RA and she noticed wincing when she pressed on the upper right quadrant, then sent me to the GI doctor. Upon further sonogram, found out I have many gallstones, now the GI sent me to a surgeon for consultation. Other than being highly concerned about removing organs from my body, I told the doctor, it only hurts when she presses, other than that I am fine. Can someone give me some advice, all the doctors want to perform surgery, but I am only 34!! I don't want to lose my gallbladder... This information is too much for me to handle, right now. Has anyone had a similar experience?
I had my gallbladder out last May but I had been having gallbladder attacks (pain, vomiting ect). After the surgery I had a major lupus flare up that lasted for months. Recently I have been experiencing the same pain and vomiting attacks and the docs are looking for the cause- so I am wondering if I had my gallbladder out mistakenly. Some people can have stones and no symptoms. I would ask for a second opinion from a specialist before getting the surgery especially since you are not having gallbladder related digestive problems. They will tell you that the surgery is no big deal these days but it does put a lot of stress on your body and caused a bad flare for me so I would avoid it if possible.
I have not had this experience Unshoreandscared. I just wanted to let you know that I had read your post and I am concerned and care about you. Over the past month there have been at least two lengthy discussions of issues related to gallbladders. So, I am sure that someone with experience will get back with you soon. Are you seeing the RA at Johns Hopkins?
I spoke with my doctor about the alternatives and the surgeon, however, they all support surgery. I don't know what to do, my gallbladder is filled with gallstones and I experience some pain, but wonder if I am just going through a lupus flare, which is attacking the gallbladder?
The doctors state, the gallbladder issues are not connected to the lupus, but I don't think so. For years, I have had digestive problems and no need for surgery. Now, since being diagnosed with lupus, the first remedy is to remove the gallbladder. My surgeon stated the lupus medications surpress the immune system and can be contributing to the gallbladder problems. I just don't know. For the first time since this diagnosis, I am fearful of my ability to be successful.
MegLupusNewbie said:
I had my gallbladder out last May but I had been having gallbladder attacks (pain, vomiting ect). After the surgery I had a major lupus flare up that lasted for months. Recently I have been experiencing the same pain and vomiting attacks and the docs are looking for the cause- so I am wondering if I had my gallbladder out mistakenly. Some people can have stones and no symptoms. I would ask for a second opinion from a specialist before getting the surgery especially since you are not having gallbladder related digestive problems. They will tell you that the surgery is no big deal these days but it does put a lot of stress on your body and caused a bad flare for me so I would avoid it if possible.
Hello,I’m sorry about your gallbladder issues. I am sure I too have stones.I have had
2 pain attacks but I have not told my Dr about it because I know all they’ll want to do is remove it.I do not agree with the modern medicine when it comes to this. I see a Chinese med practitioner as well. She had told me that the gallbladder really is a necessary organ for the proper health and over all function of our body. I don’t understand why here they are so quick to just remove it. Also staying away from fried fatty foods can really help. There are teas and foods that can actually help. Next time I see my practitioner I will discuss it with her and get back to you with some info,but I think you are rite to ne hesitant to have your gb removed. It will be a few wks before I see her,but I will get back to you with the info. Good luck.
I am going to try this gallbladder cleanse recipe to clean out the stones and then follow up with medication to dissolve the remaining stones. Since, there is no fever or radiating pain for me, only upon doctor physical exam did they find the tenderness, I am leaning more towards no surgery.
Kristi said:
Hello,I'm sorry about your gallbladder issues. I am sure I too have stones.I have had 2 pain attacks but I have not told my Dr about it because I know all they'll want to do is remove it.I do not agree with the modern medicine when it comes to this. I see a Chinese med practitioner as well. She had told me that the gallbladder really is a necessary organ for the proper health and over all function of our body. I don't understand why here they are so quick to just remove it. Also staying away from fried fatty foods can really help. There are teas and foods that can actually help. Next time I see my practitioner I will discuss it with her and get back to you with some info,but I think you are rite to ne hesitant to have your gb removed. It will be a few wks before I see her,but I will get back to you with the info. Good luck.