Discussion
I'm after some advice, my wife has recently been diagnosed with Gallstones the doctor has suggested she monitor her pain over next few weeks before being referred to have her gallbladder removed.
The doctors have indicated that there is a long waiting list to have the procedure done, possibly 12 month wait if not longer and that maybe we should consider going private, costs £6'500 going by a quick Internet search.
Has anyone who has had gallstones or previous experience with them got any advice I can pass on?
Is a gallstones cleanse with olive oil such a thing and does it work?
Any alternatives to removing the gallbladder?
Can you function normally after a gallbladder removal or do you need a complete new diet?
Thanks.
The doctors have indicated that there is a long waiting list to have the procedure done, possibly 12 month wait if not longer and that maybe we should consider going private, costs £6'500 going by a quick Internet search.
Has anyone who has had gallstones or previous experience with them got any advice I can pass on?
Is a gallstones cleanse with olive oil such a thing and does it work?
Any alternatives to removing the gallbladder?
Can you function normally after a gallbladder removal or do you need a complete new diet?
Thanks.
I had my gallbladder removed a couple of years ago. I didn’t really have the regular symptoms as I had one big stone instead of tiny ones. It was mostly giving me back pain and was an instant relief when it was removed.
Simple operation was done early evening privately and was home for lunch the following day.
As for after the operation no issues at all and can eat exactly as before.
Simple operation was done early evening privately and was home for lunch the following day.
As for after the operation no issues at all and can eat exactly as before.
If i could have paid to have it sorted sooner, i would have done. Spent 12 weeks in hospital with Gallstones, whilst they tried to figure out how to deal with me.
Once it was eventually sorted, for a couple of years after i suffered with violent diarrhoea 30 mins after eating anything fatty. That settled down now, with no other impacts.
Once it was eventually sorted, for a couple of years after i suffered with violent diarrhoea 30 mins after eating anything fatty. That settled down now, with no other impacts.
I had mine out in 2010
I must admit, the thought of waiting 12 months with the pain I had would have had me complaining vociferously.
Diets need to change for some time as the stomach chemistry resets itself to a degree (as it was explained to me). Any fatty food for a good 12 months later, some mild stomach ache and then I could fart for Britain. Its back to normal now, but if I overdo it with cheese, pizza, red wine, its plenty of Gaviscon and cold water.
99% of operations are done keyhole, and its about an hour under, and no more 24 hours in hospital and home in a taxi. This was the plan for me. However, I was one of the 1%, so they started off keyhole, but gave up as the gallbladder was too big with the stones in it. The consultant was called over and he had to do it the old-fashioned way. I had 37 staples in my stomach. A week in hospital, and 4 weeks convalescing. Impressive scar across my abdomen. My stomach muscles sometimes go into a mild spasm for some time even now, and then all is well. Sometimes they ache for a LONG time…
Alternatives to removing it? I would imagine pain…. Lots of it…
I must admit, the thought of waiting 12 months with the pain I had would have had me complaining vociferously.
Diets need to change for some time as the stomach chemistry resets itself to a degree (as it was explained to me). Any fatty food for a good 12 months later, some mild stomach ache and then I could fart for Britain. Its back to normal now, but if I overdo it with cheese, pizza, red wine, its plenty of Gaviscon and cold water.
99% of operations are done keyhole, and its about an hour under, and no more 24 hours in hospital and home in a taxi. This was the plan for me. However, I was one of the 1%, so they started off keyhole, but gave up as the gallbladder was too big with the stones in it. The consultant was called over and he had to do it the old-fashioned way. I had 37 staples in my stomach. A week in hospital, and 4 weeks convalescing. Impressive scar across my abdomen. My stomach muscles sometimes go into a mild spasm for some time even now, and then all is well. Sometimes they ache for a LONG time…
Alternatives to removing it? I would imagine pain…. Lots of it…
Milner993 said:
I'm after some advice, my wife has recently been diagnosed with Gallstones the doctor has suggested she monitor her pain over next few weeks before being referred to have her gallbladder removed.
The doctors have indicated that there is a long waiting list to have the procedure done, possibly 12 month wait if not longer and that maybe we should consider going private, costs £6'500 going by a quick Internet search.
Has anyone who has had gallstones or previous experience with them got any advice I can pass on?
Is a gallstones cleanse with olive oil such a thing and does it work?
Any alternatives to removing the gallbladder?
Can you function normally after a gallbladder removal or do you need a complete new diet?
Thanks.
My wife had her gallbladder out in 2012 ish after a wait of about 9 months. In hindsight, she must have had gallstones for years as she had a history of occasion bouts of what we thought was severe food poisoning but looking back were gallstone attacks.The doctors have indicated that there is a long waiting list to have the procedure done, possibly 12 month wait if not longer and that maybe we should consider going private, costs £6'500 going by a quick Internet search.
Has anyone who has had gallstones or previous experience with them got any advice I can pass on?
Is a gallstones cleanse with olive oil such a thing and does it work?
Any alternatives to removing the gallbladder?
Can you function normally after a gallbladder removal or do you need a complete new diet?
Thanks.
The trouble is they can't do the keyhole op if the gallbladder is inflamed so that caused a fair bit of delay and on one occasion she was admitted to A&E due to the pain. She basically had to live off very low fat foods for months, think basic sandwich (no spread) with turkey and a smear of cranberry sauce.
Op was a day case albeit she was sore for a few days after. After a week or two though she was fine. As another poster said, it took a few months to settle down but in the long term she can eat and drink whatever she wants whereas previously, one fatty meal would see her bed bound for 2-3 days with extreme pain and D&V.
Olive oil cleanse is nonsense AFAIK - only solution is whipping the bugger out.
In the current climate I expect the NHS waiting time will be very very long.
Personally, if you can afford to go private I would - the difference was night and day!
Hi, very rarely post on these forums but lurk all the time...however, thought I need to add to this one, maybe with the world as it is at the minute I should add some sort of trigger warning as its upsetting - dont know...
So, mate had gallbladder problems for a couple of years but always coped, not sure exactly what hospital procedures he had but he did not have the gallbladder removed. Fit 52 yr old bloke, was out with him for work Christmas party 2021 all fine. His wife texted me Christmas Day, he had been rushed into hospital with severe pain, was in 2 weeks and died on 13th Jan. Apparently the gallstones moved slightly and perforated his pancreas, so despite being in ICU for 2 weeks they could not save him.
I would imagine the risk of gallstones moving and causing what happened to my friend (RIP Barry) will be rare, but in your wife's shoes, knowing what I know now, and if I could afford it, I know what I would be doing :-(
Hope this helps in some way
So, mate had gallbladder problems for a couple of years but always coped, not sure exactly what hospital procedures he had but he did not have the gallbladder removed. Fit 52 yr old bloke, was out with him for work Christmas party 2021 all fine. His wife texted me Christmas Day, he had been rushed into hospital with severe pain, was in 2 weeks and died on 13th Jan. Apparently the gallstones moved slightly and perforated his pancreas, so despite being in ICU for 2 weeks they could not save him.
I would imagine the risk of gallstones moving and causing what happened to my friend (RIP Barry) will be rare, but in your wife's shoes, knowing what I know now, and if I could afford it, I know what I would be doing :-(
Hope this helps in some way
At the end of August last year I suddenly experienced the worst pain of my life, was violently sick, thought I was dying and pretty much collapsed in a supermarket car park. My husband took me straight to the local A&E where I was diagnosed with pancreatitis. An ultrasound scan confirmed that it was caused by gallstones. Because of the pancreatitis I was classed as an 'emergency' and they removed my gallbladder six days after I was admitted. For those 6 days I have to admit that I've never known such pain, but the keyhole surgery went very well - a couple of hours in theatre on an afternoon and I could've gone home that evening but decided to stay the night just to be on the safe side. Recovery was quoted as being for 2 weeks but apart from being rather tired I was absolutely fine within a few days. I've had no problems since and can eat normally.
The only advice I can give is not to worry about the surgery - it was absolutely fine with a quick recovery. Having known the pain gallstones caused with the potential of it resulting in pancreatitis which can be very nasty it really is a no-brainer. If I was the OPs and if you have the means to pay to go private then I'd go for it.
ETA - R56Cooper's post above suggests that they couldn't remove the gallbladder whilst it was inflamed in 2012. The consultant who saw me last year suggested that this was rather an 'old-fashioned' theory now and he was happy to remove mine even though it and my pancreas was still inflamed. As stated above, the op went very well with pretty much immediate relief.
The only advice I can give is not to worry about the surgery - it was absolutely fine with a quick recovery. Having known the pain gallstones caused with the potential of it resulting in pancreatitis which can be very nasty it really is a no-brainer. If I was the OPs and if you have the means to pay to go private then I'd go for it.
ETA - R56Cooper's post above suggests that they couldn't remove the gallbladder whilst it was inflamed in 2012. The consultant who saw me last year suggested that this was rather an 'old-fashioned' theory now and he was happy to remove mine even though it and my pancreas was still inflamed. As stated above, the op went very well with pretty much immediate relief.
Edited by Rh14n on Monday 14th February 22:01
In 2018 I had one painful attack, my GP diagnosed Gallstones and prescribed pain relief and antibiotics. The pain was gone in 8 hours.
A few weeks later I had a scan and gallstones was confirmed. I went on 'the list' for day case gall bladder removal, one of the hospital's most common procedures apparently.
I had no other pain or issues and months later was called in for my pre-op check up. I thought this signalled an imminent appointment, but I was then told that the pre-op was valid for 6 months, and they were currently carrying out 2nd pre ops after the first 6 months was up.
Several incident free months passed until I woke at 1am one day with very intense pain in the gall bladder area.I went to A&E for some stronger pain relief than I had at home and I spent 17 hours there until a bed was found on a ward, and I then waited with continuous pain on the ward for a slot for the day case surgery.
I was in surgery for 5 hours because my gall bladder had got infected and had 'burst', but the surgeon still managed it via key hole, the normal 4 holes plus a drain. I spent a further 3 days in hospital and took the following week off work.
I was told the usual wait for day surgery was then 18 months and I'd managed to jump the queue!
I had/have the previous reported issues if I eat fatty foods, so I avoid it, especially if eating out.
As, until it burst I'd only had one incident of pain, I didn't consider going private.
A few weeks later I had a scan and gallstones was confirmed. I went on 'the list' for day case gall bladder removal, one of the hospital's most common procedures apparently.
I had no other pain or issues and months later was called in for my pre-op check up. I thought this signalled an imminent appointment, but I was then told that the pre-op was valid for 6 months, and they were currently carrying out 2nd pre ops after the first 6 months was up.
Several incident free months passed until I woke at 1am one day with very intense pain in the gall bladder area.I went to A&E for some stronger pain relief than I had at home and I spent 17 hours there until a bed was found on a ward, and I then waited with continuous pain on the ward for a slot for the day case surgery.
I was in surgery for 5 hours because my gall bladder had got infected and had 'burst', but the surgeon still managed it via key hole, the normal 4 holes plus a drain. I spent a further 3 days in hospital and took the following week off work.
I was told the usual wait for day surgery was then 18 months and I'd managed to jump the queue!
I had/have the previous reported issues if I eat fatty foods, so I avoid it, especially if eating out.
As, until it burst I'd only had one incident of pain, I didn't consider going private.
I was diagnosed with gallstones many years ago, long story but I had shoulder surgery and my shoulder wasn't recovering as well as I had hoped.
I went to a physiotherapist who diagnosed gallstones saying 'your shoulder isn't recovering because you have gallstones!' Mad eh!
Anyway he recommended a natural gallbladder flush, which basically consisted of drinking 1-2 litres of organic apple juice a day for 6 days, then on the seventh day a light breakfast and steamed veg and rice at lunch then nothing else to eat after 2pm, then at 9pm drink some epsom salts in warm water followed an hour later by 120 ml of unrefined olive oil and 60 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed. The lay on your right side for 30 minutes before going to sleep, the theory is that this flushes the gallstones into the small intestines and they are passed naturally, the treatment can be repeated.
Worked well for me and within a few weks my shoulder was also fully recovered!
An online search should locate the full recipe, I have it on pdf but no idea if forum rules allow me to send that to you.
As with anything medical you should consult your specialist before trying any natural remedies.
I went to a physiotherapist who diagnosed gallstones saying 'your shoulder isn't recovering because you have gallstones!' Mad eh!
Anyway he recommended a natural gallbladder flush, which basically consisted of drinking 1-2 litres of organic apple juice a day for 6 days, then on the seventh day a light breakfast and steamed veg and rice at lunch then nothing else to eat after 2pm, then at 9pm drink some epsom salts in warm water followed an hour later by 120 ml of unrefined olive oil and 60 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed. The lay on your right side for 30 minutes before going to sleep, the theory is that this flushes the gallstones into the small intestines and they are passed naturally, the treatment can be repeated.
Worked well for me and within a few weks my shoulder was also fully recovered!
An online search should locate the full recipe, I have it on pdf but no idea if forum rules allow me to send that to you.
As with anything medical you should consult your specialist before trying any natural remedies.
My gallstones problem several years ago put me into hospital for five days. Agony in the belly area,
whatever the hospital did it calmed the pain away but they did say I need to have gall bladder removed. Waited for about a year and then got the call, gall bladder out and no problems at all since.
whatever the hospital did it calmed the pain away but they did say I need to have gall bladder removed. Waited for about a year and then got the call, gall bladder out and no problems at all since.
Enut said:
I was diagnosed with gallstones many years ago, long story but I had shoulder surgery and my shoulder wasn't recovering as well as I had hoped.
I went to a physiotherapist who diagnosed gallstones saying 'your shoulder isn't recovering because you have gallstones!' Mad eh!
Anyway he recommended a natural gallbladder flush, which basically consisted of drinking 1-2 litres of organic apple juice a day for 6 days, then on the seventh day a light breakfast and steamed veg and rice at lunch then nothing else to eat after 2pm, then at 9pm drink some epsom salts in warm water followed an hour later by 120 ml of unrefined olive oil and 60 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed. The lay on your right side for 30 minutes before going to sleep, the theory is that this flushes the gallstones into the small intestines and they are passed naturally, the treatment can be repeated.
Worked well for me and within a few weks my shoulder was also fully recovered!
An online search should locate the full recipe, I have it on pdf but no idea if forum rules allow me to send that to you.
As with anything medical you should consult your specialist before trying any natural remedies.
That sounds incredible. Is it a treatment accepted by the nhs? I went to a physiotherapist who diagnosed gallstones saying 'your shoulder isn't recovering because you have gallstones!' Mad eh!
Anyway he recommended a natural gallbladder flush, which basically consisted of drinking 1-2 litres of organic apple juice a day for 6 days, then on the seventh day a light breakfast and steamed veg and rice at lunch then nothing else to eat after 2pm, then at 9pm drink some epsom salts in warm water followed an hour later by 120 ml of unrefined olive oil and 60 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed. The lay on your right side for 30 minutes before going to sleep, the theory is that this flushes the gallstones into the small intestines and they are passed naturally, the treatment can be repeated.
Worked well for me and within a few weks my shoulder was also fully recovered!
An online search should locate the full recipe, I have it on pdf but no idea if forum rules allow me to send that to you.
As with anything medical you should consult your specialist before trying any natural remedies.
Oilchange said:
Excuse my ignorance but why not remove the stone and leave your body parts where nature intended? I mean they don’t normally remove your kidney if you have kidney stones!
Can someone explain?
From my limited understanding the gall bladder is a secondary minor functioning organ. We do not really need it as such, it’s a small bladder that stores additional bile bit like a reserve petrol tank we can manage without it. I guess now it’s much like an appendix or tonsils, if they give bother it’s more healthy to remove them. Hopefully somebody will be along with a better explanation.Can someone explain?
bucksmanuk said:
I had mine out in 2010
I must admit, the thought of waiting 12 months with the pain I had would have had me complaining vociferously.
Diets need to change for some time as the stomach chemistry resets itself to a degree (as it was explained to me). Any fatty food for a good 12 months later, some mild stomach ache and then I could fart for Britain. Its back to normal now, but if I overdo it with cheese, pizza, red wine, its plenty of Gaviscon and cold water.
99% of operations are done keyhole, and its about an hour under, and no more 24 hours in hospital and home in a taxi. This was the plan for me. However, I was one of the 1%, so they started off keyhole, but gave up as the gallbladder was too big with the stones in it. The consultant was called over and he had to do it the old-fashioned way. I had 37 staples in my stomach. A week in hospital, and 4 weeks convalescing. Impressive scar across my abdomen. My stomach muscles sometimes go into a mild spasm for some time even now, and then all is well. Sometimes they ache for a LONG time…
Alternatives to removing it? I would imagine pain…. Lots of it…
I had my Gallbladder removed in 1981. It was considered to be a condition for the four 'F's'...Fat, Female, Fair and Forty. I was 25 but in my ward was a another man about my age so how true this really was I've no idea. Some key similarity with the above poster with regard to resetting of the stomach chemistry. It takes a little time to adjust but I try to limit fatty foods and only occasionally need to take anything. I must admit, the thought of waiting 12 months with the pain I had would have had me complaining vociferously.
Diets need to change for some time as the stomach chemistry resets itself to a degree (as it was explained to me). Any fatty food for a good 12 months later, some mild stomach ache and then I could fart for Britain. Its back to normal now, but if I overdo it with cheese, pizza, red wine, its plenty of Gaviscon and cold water.
99% of operations are done keyhole, and its about an hour under, and no more 24 hours in hospital and home in a taxi. This was the plan for me. However, I was one of the 1%, so they started off keyhole, but gave up as the gallbladder was too big with the stones in it. The consultant was called over and he had to do it the old-fashioned way. I had 37 staples in my stomach. A week in hospital, and 4 weeks convalescing. Impressive scar across my abdomen. My stomach muscles sometimes go into a mild spasm for some time even now, and then all is well. Sometimes they ache for a LONG time…
Alternatives to removing it? I would imagine pain…. Lots of it…
I too had full surgery with about a 20 cm scar and even now the area troubles me if I lift something badly etc.
My stones were like tiny pieces of gravel. My pain was caused by the passing of the stone and the pain was really bad. Back then your GP would do home visits and several times I had pethidine injections to give some relief. The pain sometimes occurred in the night and I'd get dressed and go for a short walk at say 4.00am. It would have been an interesting time had the police spotted me.........I found a tot or two of brandy would be of help.
I was off work for 9 weeks and went back part time for another 2 weeks. I'd been waiting for the op for over 6 months and I'd become quite run down with the pain. Thinking back I had had bouts for several years but until it became very regular I tried to ignore it.
My advice is to just go and get it sorted and pay if you can. In 1981 private surgery was not common but I'd would quite happily pay to get that awful pain sorted more quickly.
Enut said:
I was diagnosed with gallstones many years ago, long story but I had shoulder surgery and my shoulder wasn't recovering as well as I had hoped.
I went to a physiotherapist who diagnosed gallstones saying 'your shoulder isn't recovering because you have gallstones!' Mad eh!
Anyway he recommended a natural gallbladder flush, which basically consisted of drinking 1-2 litres of organic apple juice a day for 6 days, then on the seventh day a light breakfast and steamed veg and rice at lunch then nothing else to eat after 2pm, then at 9pm drink some epsom salts in warm water followed an hour later by 120 ml of unrefined olive oil and 60 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed. The lay on your right side for 30 minutes before going to sleep, the theory is that this flushes the gallstones into the small intestines and they are passed naturally, the treatment can be repeated.
Worked well for me and within a few weks my shoulder was also fully recovered!
An online search should locate the full recipe, I have it on pdf but no idea if forum rules allow me to send that to you.
As with anything medical you should consult your specialist before trying any natural remedies.
When you have a gallbladder attack it triggers the phrenic nerve that runs through your shoulder and neck - severe pain and loss of movement.I went to a physiotherapist who diagnosed gallstones saying 'your shoulder isn't recovering because you have gallstones!' Mad eh!
Anyway he recommended a natural gallbladder flush, which basically consisted of drinking 1-2 litres of organic apple juice a day for 6 days, then on the seventh day a light breakfast and steamed veg and rice at lunch then nothing else to eat after 2pm, then at 9pm drink some epsom salts in warm water followed an hour later by 120 ml of unrefined olive oil and 60 ml of fresh lemon juice mixed. The lay on your right side for 30 minutes before going to sleep, the theory is that this flushes the gallstones into the small intestines and they are passed naturally, the treatment can be repeated.
Worked well for me and within a few weks my shoulder was also fully recovered!
An online search should locate the full recipe, I have it on pdf but no idea if forum rules allow me to send that to you.
As with anything medical you should consult your specialist before trying any natural remedies.
Oilchange said:
Excuse my ignorance but why not remove the stone and leave your body parts where nature intended? I mean they don’t normally remove your kidney if you have kidney stones!
Can someone explain?
User Name checks out Can someone explain?
I'm not a doctor - I think gallbladder stones can be removed but the chance of them recurring is much higher than with kidney stones. Gallstones are a sign that the gallbladder is failing and the stones are small so can quickly re-appear. The risk is recurrence, infection and blood poisoning. Removal of the gallbladder takes away this risk.It seems that eating foods containing amino and fatty acids trigger the gallbladder to release bile so some of the diets mentioned may work for some people.
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