Well, I went to see the specialist today. He was much much much better than the previous specialist. He said that although the text book symptoms of gallbladder problems shows up on your right side...it is possible to have a gallstone pass through the duct, get lodged, and cause severe pain that radiates from the center and wrapping around both sides. That's what i had. He thinks that the gallbladder is the cause of my problems and is sending me for another ultrasound. He said in ultrasounds that up to 15% of gallstones are missed and that since I did not "fast" before hand that could have hindered the view of the gallbladder somewhat. He also said that it is possible that on the Sunday of my first ER visit, that I had a stone stuck in the duct by my pancreas causing that horrible pain.
So the outcome of my whole visit: I am going next Tuesday for an ultrasound. I cannot eat or drink anything after midnight. :( Good thing i am not a very big breakfast person. Once the results come back, if I have any stones or "sludge" the doctor said I am off to the surgeon before I have any more "attacks." If the test comes back negative I will be on watch in case something happens again.
I know I probably mentioned it before, but the last ultrasound in Akron showed a polyp or small stone in my gallbladder. And unfortunately, according to the doctor, those small stones are the ones you have to watch out for because they can get stuck and cause problems such as pain and pancreatitis. So that's what they will be looking for.
So if i have the surgery, unfortunately I will be on a low-fat diet for the rest of my life....I suppose that is a good thing. But no big pizza parties, ice cream sundaes, etc. Oh well. Until I have the ultrasound results, I am on a low-fat diet. Boo hiss.
Well, that is the update. I will keep everyone posted on how I am doing. :)
4 comments:
I'm so glad you found such a great specialist! I guess it's good that it's something that can be fixed with relatively little discomfort--at least compared to your surgery a year ago!!!!
Keep us posted! Love you,
Aunt m
Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well! Other than feeling like you're being run over by a Mack truck, how are things going? I haven't talked to you in a while.
I'm glad this guy isn't such a deusche!
Hi Stephanie. I feel your pain!! 29 days after Lexi was born I had my gall bladder removed. After 3 trips to the ER and numerous visits to the OB, I finally had an ultra-sound done on visit 4 to the ER and they diagnosed me with having gall stones. Per my very good looking surgeon (ask Shelby if you don't believe me), gall bladder attacks happen in about 20% of all pregnancies. I just happen to be part of the 20%. I am happy to report though that surgery was minor and have only 3 tiny scars as a reminder. If you eat healthy for the most part and only have the high-fat, greasy foods every once in a while, you should be okay. However, attacks can happen with or without your gall bladder. I would say they hurt 80 times less though.
I know the attacks are painful, so I hope the doctor pinpoints the reason soon so you can be over and done with this mess.
Love from WI.
Kristina
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