Does this gallbladder need to go? Ejection Fraction 5%

Hi all - thanks much for this thread. 

I have had pain for around 8 months - started as a light tickle, and eventually felt fuller, etc. I knew something was wrong because I ate terrible and drank too much.

I finally got a HIDA scan and found out my gallbladder was at 20%. So it feels good atleast after 8 months to get a diagnosis for why I've had this tickle/pain.

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I have a meeting with a surgeon soon, but I'm going to be open to his suggestion. My personal opinion is I could have a healthy diet (and I basically cut out drinking completely) that's more vegan. I have done this for a week or two and there is a noticeable difference in pain. I am hoping I can live this lifestyle SAFELY with a 20% gallbladder... but will find out what that surgeon thinks.

I'm obviously on the side of the other user in this thread (the military since 99 person) - would rather no surgery and diet... but I will only try that if it's safe. 

Anyway - there's my story. Half questions, half sharing. Would appreciate any feedback - especially from those living with gallbladders at 20% or lower.

Thanks,

Jayme

Luckily Yotel, I didn't experience any diarrhea! In fact, the test had no effect on me at all. So for now, I'm deciding to opt out of surgery. How about you? How has life been since surgery? Thanks

Jayme, please let us know what your surgeon says. I'm curious if our gallbladder will eventually continue to worsen if we keep them in. I've heard some people say they felt so much better after surgery but have a completely different way of eating and have diarrhea after they eat and then I've read where some people said they never felt better after surgery and some even felt worse! So, keep us posted. Thanks!

Nothing has changed since surgery. They are going to do another scope as I'm having trouble swallowing. Post surgery I had lung congestion, etc and ended up with that being treated. I know that came from the post-op treatment. Eating isn't fun and have to eat smaller meals which is fine because I'm a grasser. I'm trying to eat healthier and gradually getting there have started working out with personal trainer. Contrary to many people I didn't lose weight but now have tendency to gain weight. I think there is still a blocked duct somewhere but only time will tell.

Hi All - 

This is Jayme again. Wanted to update everyone after meeting with the surgeon. My gallbladder was at 20%, and I was in pain, so I thought it would be recommended to be removed. I started to explain my symptoms to my surgeon, and he was like "doesn't sound like gallbladder". He said "20% is bad, but not really. you should be ok with just prilosec". He actually thinks I have stomach issues and not gallbladder pain.

None the less - I am taking two prilosecs a day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and I am feeling a LOT better.

Thanks!

Jayme

I have yet to see my surgeon.  My ef was at 20 as well.  I have stopped caffeine, smoking and alcohol.  I do feel a bit better but still in pain.  The nausea is horrible and i dont know what to do.  i was on nexium which helped for a while but even then it wasnt a 100%.  I wish i knew the answers :(

Surgeon will want to take it out. They don't seem to have way of getting gallbladder to function again. Had mine out and still treat for GERD. Don't feel all that much better but can eat without bloating. Have to control fat intake or eat it at home although there is something you can take that helps.

hi I just wanted to let you know I just had my scan today and it didn't make me anymore sick than I already am.She did warn me that I might make me nausea or sick to my stomach but I didn't feel different of course I am almost always sick to my stomach anyway because of it.

Jayme again...

Had to have my GB removed after all. :( 

The prilosec worked for about a month, but then the pain came back. This was GB 101 apparently. They removed it and found stones that did not show up on the ultrasound.

I am feeling better now, but still get occasional pains. It's more bowel related now though, I can generally take pepto and I feel fine. I'm avoiding heavy fats and animal products, but I am slowly working those back in without too much trouble.

All in all, it was worth it. My main pain is gone, just have occasional problems. And as another user said, my GB was at 20% and it was NOT getting better - apparently they do not improve. 

I'm in the same boat as I read along... my EF is at 16 and I'm just wondering if that number can be improved over time? Nobody has mentioned if they chose to not go through with gallbladder removal, and improve diet, did their EF improve? Is that possible?? I don't want mine removed. I have an appointment with a surgeon next week. KZ ;)

Good for you!!

I never had gallbladder problems until now, and just found out that I am 5 months pregnant. Once I have the baby could the gallbladder problems go away?

If the ultrasound tests are clear then why does your doc want your gallbladder out? I'm not an expert or anything but just wondering.