I’m looking for some support and positivity. Long story short, about 6 years ago I found out I have a 2cm stone. I recently went for an ultrasound just to check up on things and also because I get a dull sensation sometimes. I only ever had “attacks” from eating too high fat. I’ve managed to be more careful with my fat intake. Anyways my doc wants to see me in about 2 weeks to discuss ultrasound results. Not urgent. but I am terrified he will want me to get it removed. surgery is my #1 fear or “phobia.” so since he called I’ve had bad anxiety. I think because of anxiety I’ve been noticing the dull sensation more, as well as burning sensations in my stomach, and at times discomfort in my chest especially around the left side. any tips or suggestions or positive stories would be really appreciated at this time. thank you so much to anyone who responds.
I was the same as you anxious just to go for an appointment never mind to have anything done. I put off having it done for years and became very ill. my doctor said this isn’t going to go way it will need out either planned or as an emergency. eventually after much stress(never had surgery before) surgery went well recovery for me was slow but I’m better than before. I wish you all the best I’m sure you will be fine and so much the better when this is all behind you. take care and be kind to yourself.
It does seem that you have not researched Ursodeoxycholic acid which is a pity because if you had started taking it when you first had the ultrasound that confirmed you stone that stone would have been either gone or very much reduced in size. There are many on this forum who will rubbish the method of dissolution by Urso but in July 2015 I had 5 stones. The biggest was approx 17 mm diameter and the others smaller. After 4 months the biggest stone was 10mm and one other stone left.
My GPs would not give me a script for the Ursodeoxycholic acid and their excuse was that it might not work. I got my Gastric surgeon to write a letter to them and the letter stated = Ursodeoxycholic acid will dissolve gall stones.
I had a biopsy with a cut below my navel that took two months to get over and due to it being later the same year when my gall bladder symptoms were horrendous I
researched all possibilities and saw that indeed there is that alternative to removal of the gall bladder.
My GP s had to repeat my script once the surgeon had given me my first one. He put my dosage at 650 mg per day as I am 12 stone. He instructed that I should have a liver function test before the treatmant and every week after for 4 weeks.
He said it was a horrible way to get rid of gall stones but the treatment did not affect me at all apart from dissolving my stones
I am not ‘on my own’ in dissolving my gall stones as I’ve seem another post where a chap did same as me but he says it’s rare to see same as us and what we have achieved. A year or so ago I felt a twinge where my gall bladder is (under right rib cage ) buit there was no swelling of my gall bladder as there was very much swelling in 2015. My gall bladder then was very inflamed and sore and I was terribly sick. I felt that I should have been given better attention at that time… I spoke with two people who had their gall bladders out and both said their gall bladders were on the point of bursting which goes to show that on the whole gall bladders are taken far to lightly by the medical profession.
I can assure you and all who seek the alternative to ‘out with it’ that I have a functioning gall bladder with no symptoms. A patient under medical supervision can get rid of their stones and when they have been dissolved can take a low dose of Urso to prevent stones from forming again.
The USA seem to be more advanced with the dissolution technique, Very few here both doctors and patients know about it which I find surprising.
Hi my reply is based more to micklemus. I would never rubbish anyone’s opinion on alternative treatment but sometimes thing have gone too far by the time the medics get on it and removal is the only option. I know someone who takes the medication you speak of many years after gall bladder removal and stones reoccurring in ducts of the liver, so far very successfully. But for some it’s better to be removed rather than end up having emergency open surgery. I guess the take away is research all options and see whats best for your own case. don’t be fearful of the operation if that is the best option for you .