getting a 2nd opinion

@sameroad (3179)
United States
September 23, 2009 6:12pm CST
I went to the doctors today to talk about my gallbladder because I was told i have some gallstones. The doctor said that my problem might be that my stomach is producing too much acid and that it might not be my gallstones that are causing me problems but he also said that i should still have my gallbladder removed since i have stones. I'm not really sure what to do. Life without a gallbladder is really scary after reading some of the storys and problems i've read about people getting it done. it seems like I haven't heard ONE good thing about having it done. everything i've heard about having it removed has been bad and that people still suffer with problems. so its whats the point?! if it's not my gallstones that is causing the problem and its that my stomach is producing too much acid. it seems kind of stupid to me to have it removed but then i think about well, whats gonna 10 years down the road? will i have problem then from not taking it out? will have problems even if i do take it out? i almost feel like crying i don't know what to do and i'm scared as hell of having it done. and to me this is a VERY BIG DEAL and doctors just play it off like its nothing. its no big deal and that you will be fine and have a great life after its done... but thats all lies it seems like... i've read too many cases of people still having pain or problems and getting chronic diarrhea after eating anything from having there gallbladder removed. to me it seems like a very big life style change but doctors don't tell you it is and i don't know what to do. So i am going to see a GI tomorrow. I'm not sure if hes gonna look down into my stomach or if i'll have to reschedule for that but i really hope i get some good news from him tomorrow. I have no pain or anything. my only symptoms are is that i have gas after eating most meals and my stomach feels bubbly and acid a lot...like at night while i'm trying to go to sleep and sometimes after or before eating. what would you do if you were me? can you tell me anything good about having your gallbladder removed? do you suffer from a lot of acid? what do you take for it?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@kprofgames (3091)
• United States
23 Sep 09
I've never heard any problems after people have had their gallbladder removed. Infact I had mine removed and I felt like a new person. All my stomach problems went away and I found I was able to eat different kinds of foods becuase they didn't make me feel sick to my stomach. I've never heard of problems or complications after surgery, infact I was a bit surprised at your post. I was missrible for about a year and then after surgery I didn't even need pain meds because that was how much better it felt having it removed! It was even misdiagnosed as stomache trouble possible ulcer when it was my gallbladder. I'm sorry you have heard so many negative things but I'm here to tell you I wish that I had, had that surgery some 5 years earlier then I did because I honestly feel like a new woman now.
@sameroad (3179)
• United States
24 Sep 09
I'm glad to hear you have no problems with yours! if you don't mind me asking tho what kind of diet do you have and do you take any kind of supplements or special vitamins ?
• United States
24 Sep 09
Now I don't have any diet restrictions. I can eat what I want and it doesn't bother me a bit. I don't take any special vitamins over what I always took before either.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
4 Oct 09
Well, I do hope you are able to get the results you are wanting from all of these Tests and maybe consider getting a second opinion if you feel that will work the Best for you. When Health matters are concerned the best thing is to make sure you are in the Best hands. I also am a firm believer in Prayer. Praying about it could be a Good choice as well as then you know what you need to be doing as well. Wishing you the Best.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
24 Sep 09
Get a second opinion then a third if necessary. I read that they can use ultrasound to break up gallstones--or is that kidney stones? Regardless, do everything you can to save that gall bladder! And eat a more alkaline diet--lots of vegetables, cut down on dairy and load up on legumes.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
24 Sep 09
Okay here is the other side of the story. I had my gall bladder out in 1984 and it was the best thing I ever did. Before I had it out I suffered from heartburn and indigestion all the time. Some instances of indigestion were so painful that I thought I was having a heart attack. I never knew when an attack would happen so I lived on pins and needles all the time. Since I've had my gall bladder out I have had no more indigestion. Oh sure, there will be certain foods that will not agree with you and may give you diarrhea but you will learn what those foods are and can avoid them. It won't be that many, you will not be deprived. And just think, if you need a laxative all you would need to do is eat something that causes diarrhea and problem solved, no more harsh chemicals. Frankly I wish I had had this operation much sooner. I would have saved myself years of suffering with my digestion.