Gall stones

It’s much better to start a new thread BluebellGran rather than tag onto one that’s 5 years old.

ERCP procedure. Does anyone have experience of this? I had the procedure two days ago and I am still in shock. The port that was put in my hand before I went to theatre didn’t go into a vein, just into tissue so the sedation was ineffective. With a tube down my throat there was nothing I could do, I just kept waiting for the sedative to take effect. It didn’t and it was horrific and brutal. I was left traumatised and in shock but thought the dreadful pain I endured must be normal because I’d seen the surgeon put the sedation into the port on my hand. It was only when I was in the recovery room and was hooked up to a paracetamol drip that my arm and hand swelled up because the fluid was going into tissue. The nurses had to cut my name band off my arm as it became embedded. Obviously the sedation hadn’t entered my bloodstream. It was so awful and the pain I endured keeps being replayed in my mind and I can’t sleep. I was told I’d need to have another ERCP in 8 weeks time to remove a stent they’d put in my bile duct. I just can’t face it. In truth I’d rather die that risk it again. I’m going to say I will only do it again if I’m given a general anaesthetic. What do I do if I’m refused?

So sorry to hear about your son l.I had pancreatitis at the time of my op snd it’s agony ,. I hope he keeps well now .God bless him

I ha e managed to get an early appointment for Friday to see the consultant . The pain is subsiding ,it was more than indigestion ,it was pure agony and it takes the confidence away to go anywhere because it came on so quick , Personally I feel there is a retained stone or a newly formed one. .Its not good when you feel the need to take a packed bag out ready for the hospital even to go to church .Thankyou for all your replies x

Definitely get this checked out. My son, when he was 30 was told his indigestion was caused by stress. He ended up in hospital with pancreatitis and nearly died. He was off work for 7 months and lost a lot of his pancreas.

I had my gallbladder removed in 2003 and was fine until 2013 when I began to have bouts of pain. An ultrasound showed that stones had developed in the bile duct and would have to be removed. I had a procedure called an ERCP during which a camera was put down my throat to check the stones, air was pumped into my abdomen and instruments were used to collect 4 stones. I was sedated for this and don't remember much except being full of wind as I recovered. I went home the same evening and have had no problems since. If there is a possibility you have stones you really should push to have them dealt with. It is not a pleasant procedure but worth it not to be in pain and for the peace of mind it gives you knowing the stones have gone

After all these years, it's eggs that don't agree with me one bit. I really don't know why.

If you are still having pain, you need another ultrasound at least.

I too struggle with fruit - it makes my bile duct spasm. I can manage bananas and soft fruit like raspberries, strawberries, grapes; but even eating apples give me pain. Weird that, as not fatty at all.

Had a cholecystectomy decades ago but even now cannot eat certain things. At the very least you need scanning. merlotgrans post is a cautionary tale.

OH used to call them my "gall balls"! I kept them for years - there were two, the size of marbles. But when we moved house I said a fond farewell to them.

My poor niece is currently in hospital on morphine for the pain as she is suspected to be having this issue. Hopefully going for a scan this morning to confirm. Hoping they can find out what is causing her problem and resolve it for her.

Just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear of your DD's illness merlot. How very distressing for you. You are in my thoughts. xx

I had my gall bladder out 40 years ago and since then have not had a single bit of trouble so this is not normal . As everyone says make a fuss. By the way I had my stones in a jar for 20 years before they started to fall to bits. Always a good talking point. Hope you get some help .

Yes I will insist morrow Thank you

Thanks for your reply , I have always had some pain but this was so bad I went into shock

Yes I have done all these things but last wed it was sheer agony and I hadn’t eaten anything .the nurses did say it’s quite common to have a retained stone But just wondered nifty anyone else had had this experience . It’s a lonely road and thanks fir replying

I had my gallbladder out 30 years ago; but continue to get classic gallbladder symptoms. Various scans have showed no silt; bu conclusion is that it is spasm of the bile duct. I have mebeverine for when things are bad.

I would ask to get checked out as it is possible to develop gallstones without a gall bladder.

You could also keep a food diary to see if there is a link with any particular foods. Many people restrict their intake of high fat foods however these are not always the culprit for everyone. A friend of mine kept having "gallbladder" attacks of sickness, pain and cramping even after her gallbladder was removed. In the end it was confirmed that it was her healthy diet - in particular sour and acidic foods - were the cause. It was a shock to her that eating cream cakes gave no ill effects yet healthy foods, in particular, granny smith apples left her feeling unwell for days.

Go to the GP and demand a scan. It's your right.

Please, please keep on at them to investigate further, Ooeysit. If my DD hadn't been fobbed off with a 'wait and see' attitude after gallstones were diagnosed last October, her cancer might have been discovered before it was too late to operate.

Oh how I wish she'd made a nuisance of herself.