Gallbladder removal?!

[Loki_Chaser]

Hey everyone.
I'm still in the process of writing my next post for Stelara but in the meantime I've had another demon to wrestle with!

Excruciating pain and a few tests later: I have gallstones! i had my first attack right near the end of my TPN course. I've had the tube out for almost 2 months and these attacks are terrifying. After looking at all of the tests, my GI says to get it removed! Pretty much everywhere I look says the same. I already have an EXTREMELY restricted diet so o really don't know what else I could do. But then GI also says that removal may cause diarrhoea. Great! Another thing I totally needed with my Crohns right now!

So: anyone had their gallbladder removed? How was it? Did you have a lot of ongoing diarrhoea? If not, how do you deal?

Honestly, this pain is the worst I've ever had, even with very severe Crohns. I feel like I'm dying when attack occur and I just want some help.

 

[Trysha]

Hi Loki......know how you feel
Gallbladder pain is one of the worst......the stones don't go away on their own
Removal of the gallbladder seems to be the way to go...its function is to store bile but we can all live without it.
I had mine removed and it was such a relief to get rid of it...especially the pain
Didn't have any side effects just sheer relief that the pain disappeared.
We don't have a lot of choice since the stones can cause obstructions which is really bad.
Take the advice of your docs.
Feel better soon
Hugs Trysha

 

[The Real MC]

Not only did they find a small stone in mine, but they determined that my gallbladder was underperforming so out it came. Right at the same time when I needed a resection so I had both done in one surgery. At least they found the stone before any pain developed.

Your body doesn't process fats (esp the saturated kind) as well with the gallbladder gone. I had to cut way back on the greasy and fatty foods, too much diarrhea. Was starting to get tired of fast foods anyway. I still like butter on my toast for breakfast but I pay for it about 1-2 hours later.

Eating high fiber foods has kept the toilet trips to a minimum. They act as a sponge. I discovered that Grape Nuts cereal with breakfast helps to keep me day normal.

 

[scottsma]

I had my GB removed last year.I was worried about D., too,so after some research I began to take digestive enzymes for a few weeks before op. and I'm still taking them now.
I have a low fat diet,which is also advisable,especially for the first few weeks.