Gallbladder might have to come out

[JAMAS]

Alright folks....


So I went and talked to my Surgeon. Great guy. Same guy that took my appendix out. I wonder if he is starting a scrap book. So after the blood work yesterday it looks like my levels are ...well, leveling out. Chemically, it looks like my pancreatitis was caused by a gallstone. However, since there isnt any clear and present danger, he was 100% comfortable with me waiting until it becomes an issue. (ie: the pain happens again). The big reason I dont want to do it now is because I did unintentionally fast(not eat) for 4 days cuz I was sick and lost about 10-15 lbs during that time. That might have caused the gallstone. So basically the next time I get a substantial pain and pancreatitis, I will most likely proceed with removing it. You hear that gallbladder....you got a stay of execution....dont mess up.

[VX KAT]

Great to hear JAMAS! And sounds like you really told that GB a thing or two to shape up or he's going to be shipped out!

[vt_maverick]

Good to hear Jon!

[Anita]

Sounds like you have a good surgeon there!

[JAMAS]

Sounds like you have a good surgeon there!

Yeah he is a good guy. Kinda weird to be 29 and already have a "go to" surgeon.

[Ascinder]

That's really good to hear. Hopefully that fasting was all that caused it to begin with. What did the doc say about reversing/avoiding the situation in the future?

[Anita]

Yeah he is a good guy. Kinda weird to be 29 and already have a "go to" surgeon.

Let's just say from my experience that any surgeon that doesnt jump to cutting is worth closer inspection.

[JAMAS]

That's really good to hear. Hopefully that fasting was all that caused it to begin with. What did the doc say about reversing/avoiding the situation in the future?

There is no reversing the situation. Basically a fully functional perfect gallbladder has enzymes that keep crystallization from happening to form stones. Even when you are fasting, the enzymes should do their job. So mine isnt so perfect. It is possible that while fasting, it allowed the chemicals in my gallbladder to crystallize and form stones. Perhaps on a normal basis, things are moving and flushing enough that it doesnt have time to form. So it is VERY possible that I get another attack down the road. But next time, it will be under normal circumstances and at the point, I will recognize it as an on going problem and take steps to correct it.

[Ebenezr]

OK, now I've got to make a little funny at your expense...hope it gives you a chuckle.......the "usual" patient with gallstones is...the 5 "F"s......Female, Fat, Forty, Fertile and Fair...

"In medical school, the "five F's" help doctors to remember the usual patient with gallbladder disease: "fair, fat, forty, fertile, and female." Sexist as it sounds, it describes the group most frequently affected by gallbladder disease: overweight middle-aged white women with a history of several pregnancies. Excess estrogen may be implicated, since hormone replacement after menopause increases the likelihood of stones."

That's interesting. In veterinary school they teach that the most common signalment for pancreatitis in dogs is fat female five. No kidding.

[VXIRONwoMAN]

Glad the doc doesn't jump to the conclusion that its "gotta come out now". That's good news!

[VCrossfan]

Sounds like your in good hands....