Gall Stones?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2003
Gall Stones?
3
Tue, 08-29-2006 - 4:26pm

I am not sure if I am posting this in the right place but it's the closest I could find. 


I am wondering if anyone has any advice on whether or not to have surgery.   Here is my history....


About a 3 weeks ago I had pain in and around my upper right quadrant (under my right ribcage) and into my chest and back.  I had an Ultrasound that confirmed gallstones.  The pain lasted about 2.5 days and has been totally fine ever since.  I saw a surgeon for consultation today and she looked at my U/S films before we met and she just came in and said "You have a lot of stones" felt my stomach and started explaining to me what will happen during surgery.  I asked about nonsurgical procedures and she said they basically don't work and surgery is my best option.  Since I have only had one attack we should just get it taken care of before there is a problem (is how she explained it).


I am not sure if I want to have the surgery done since I've only had one attack and there is no infection.  Things I've read give me that as a reason for not having surgery.  But on the other hand I don't want to have emergency surgery.  The Surgeon did say that it is possible that I continue through life with no other symptoms but in most cases that doesn't happen.  Augh! I don't know what to do.  Anyone been through this?

kristaAugsm.jpg


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62308krista.jpg picture by krdileo

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
In reply to: krdileo
Tue, 08-29-2006 - 5:57pm

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You came to the right place!


I can only share my own opinion and would go ahead and have the surgery done. Why? You will never be in better health than you are in right now and trust me, you do not want to wait until it becomes an emergency. If an infection settles in, you will have to endure a lot of pain while you are pumped full of antibiotics. Surgery is usually postponed until the infection is cleared. All of that will effect your recovery, making it take longer to get back to feeling good.


Ask the surgeon as many questions as possible before agreeing to surgery. How many surgeries has she done? Will the surgery be an open incision or laparoscopy? What is the expected recovery time? What foods might cause problems afterwards and should be avoided? If this doctor doesn't make you feel comfortable, get another opinion, which most insurers pay for and recommend.


Please return and ask as many questions as you need to ask. It is a difficult decision and you don't need to rush into it, but as I said, my opinion is to get it done and over with.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2003
In reply to: krdileo
Tue, 09-05-2006 - 10:08pm

Elise,


Thank you so much for your encouragement and support.

62308krista.jpg picture by krdileo

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
In reply to: krdileo
Tue, 09-05-2006 - 11:05pm

Awwww, you are making me blush! LOL


I am glad I helped and hope I can continue to allay your fears. Unfortunately I have had many surgeries (20+) and many were abdominal.


Today things are so much better with laparoscopic surgeries that allow surgeons to make the tiniest incisions. Be sure to ask your surgeon lots of questions and remember, the only 'stupid' questions are the ones you didn't ask about. Nothing is dumb or foolish and you'll feel much more in control, if you go in with knowledge on your side.


Please feel free to ask anything, I might be able to offer suggestions, OK?

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