a friend has gallstones

About three and a half years ago, I had a gallbladder infection and a gallstone stuck in my bile duct, so I was exhibiting excruciating pain. I have a high pain tolerance, but this was very painful. About 3 years before that, I thought I was having heartburn symptoms, but through x-rays they eliminated heartburn or GERD. They did do an ultasound and found that I had gallstones, and recommended that I get my bladder removed. However, shortly after my diagnosis, I did not have insurance. I continued to have pain for a couple years, and finally went to urgent care. They diagnosed me with an ulcer and prescribed me medicine and sent me on my way. Finally, a week later, my body had enough. I was keeled over in the fetal position in pain. I went to the hospital where they drew vials of blood. My WBC count was high, so they knew my body was fighting something off. They also gave me an ultrasound and with that and the vials of blood, they said I had to have surgery to have my gallbladder removed. They also said I had a gallstone stuck in my bile duct, which was preventing me from correctly digesting my foods and was probably causing some of my pain. I have not had any problems since November of 2007 and am glad I had the surgery.

Several years ago I had a gallbladder attack. I went to the ER not knowing what it was and didn't have insurance so they just told me it was likely my gallbladder (I don't recall even being given any ultrasound or anything) and sent me home. I had to watch what I ate. When I ate spicy foods, or a lot of roughage (lettuce, greens, onions, etc) I would get the worst pain. The pain was in my shoulder too and every time I took a breath it was horribly painful. I never followed up with the Dr. but thank God have not had an attack since and pray that I don't either. Sooo painful. I'm sorry for your friend!

My father-in-law has a gallstone and he undergo a surgery at the age of 70. It was a successful operation but he got a mild heart attack when he was about to leave the hospital so he was extended for 1 more week. It doesn't seems to be risky operation but your friend have to be careful in her food intake after the operation. Our illness is really depended on what is the food we eat and overweight people usually eat more fatty foods that's why they are more prone to such kind of illness.

I had my gall bladder removed in October 2010. I had emergency surgery because of a gallbladder attack that would not go away. I had one large gallstone blocking the entrance to the gall bladder. Although I was told I would be able to eat anything I find I must be careful not to over eat or I'll find myself with bad stomach cramps and diarrhea. Greasy foods are a major no no. Anyone with gallstones should avoid spicy or greasy foods as it could throw them into a gall bladder attack. A gall bladder attack is more painful than labor pains, at least I thought so.

I was diagnosed in July 2008 that I have gallstones. They recommended me for an operation but I couldn't afford it at that time. They gave me medicines to alleviate the excruciating pain I was experiencing and took them for about two weeks. The pain finally subsided and never bothered me again. Thank God, I still feel alright until now... I've been staying away from fats and high-cholesterol foods and I drink lots of water and fruit juices. I pray the pain won't attack me again. Otherwise, I really have to undergo an operation next time.

Two of my relatives had gallstones. I don't know what's wrong with their diet. They prefer to undergo operations. I wish I will not have one but I like a lot of fatty and high cholesterol foods

For me so sad to hear that be good to eat all vegetable and fish only so that after you got old you have many thing's to consider that you are healthy.

I also know of someone who has this. He had surgery and had some of his gallstones removed but the doctor was not able to remove all. His doctor suggested another operation. The doctor found out that he had several gallstones and they succeeded in removing only a few. In other words, he still has them inspite of the operation and the money spent on it.

My wife and I had this too- but we had it taken out, they were really small but it could have been dangerous. Now, we take note of what we eat, and take medicine too. Everything seems fine. I hope we won't have gall stones anymore.