When it's working right you don't notice, but when it isn't - watch out- a story of the gallbladder

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Growing up I saw my dad experience what I came later to know as gallbladder attacks. All I knew at the time was that my rough and tough dad, a weight lifter and the physically strongest person I know, would be on the floor rolling in pain. When the gallbladder isn't working properly (as in dad's case - his is filled with stones) - the attack is what happens. One option is surgery which my dad refuses to do but that is his own reasoning. Another is to watch your diet. My dad's attacks were most often brought on by poor food choices (eg. greasy food plus chocolate for dessert). Fortunately dad's attacks have all but stopped even when he does make a bad food choice. Some speculation is that all of his stones have calcified into one large stone - that doesn't move and therefor doesn't cause pain. However I have started noticing gallbladder issues, or at least the best I can tell that's what it is. Sharp, intense pain in the upper abdomen that shoots through to the back, hot sweats, cold sweats, chills, nausea are only some of the symptoms. I, too, at first noticed it after combining rich, fatty foods with chocolate in particular. Now it appears all it takes is fatty food. I had fried chicken at supper - knowing this tendency - I decided to skip desert. Even so , about 2 hours later I was pacing the floor with the undeniable pain of gallbladder. I speculate that mine is inflamed, and that is less severe than gallstones. These attacks are the worst pain that I've had. A few tips from my dad incase you've experienced it too 1- don't lay on, press against or etc - the area your gallbladder is located in. Even if you eat right that can bring on an attack. 2- If you're eating questionable foods or if you start feeling an attack, - drink something fizzy - it is in your benefit to belch ( sorry for being gross) 3 - stretch with your arms above your head to try and release some pressure from the area. I hope none of you have this experience but hope that the hints help incase you have.