I have gallstones - what to expect?

Lately I've been off and on having pains and nausea and I just got back from a sonogram confirming I have gallstones. The tech was not a doctor so couldn't give me a general outlook. (To see a Dr about this I will apparently have to wait 7-10 days or longer.) She did say they didn't look enormous or appear to be about to break up. There were about 10 taking up about 1/3 of my gb, it appeared to me. I've read that gallstones with no symptoms are not uncommon and these don't require treatment. Since my symptoms seem largely controllable (small meals, avoid fatty foods) do you think it's likely I'll have to have the surgery anyway? I've been feeling badly this week and occassionally have symptoms once a month, but perhaps this is just a bad week?

My sister, aunt and grandmother have all had their gallbladders removed so I'm prepared for that eventuality.

Thanks in advance for your answers, it's annoying having to wait in suspense for nearly 2 weeks.

yes eventually you will have to have the surgery i went through the same thing i had my surgery 4 months ago i suggest if you keep having symptoms whether its weekly or monthly just think about the pain will be gone permanently after your surgery

Sorry to hear that. The only thing that I can say is to expect pain and lot's of it. Sorry, I'm just being honest.

If you are not experiencing symptoms there is no reason to rush into surgery. However some surgeons suggest surgery to prevent gallbladder infections (cholecystitis) in the future. Nowadays with laparoscopic surgery having your gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy) is not too bad.

Speak to a surgeon and see what he/she recommends.
If you watch your diet (as it sounds like you are) you can reduce or prevent the symptoms.

Here is some more info on gallstones:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/...

Best of luck!

It is such a simple surgery now to remove the gallbladder. Go ahead and get it done now...why suffer with pain and controlled small meals?

I have gallstones as well - and as long as you exercise and watch the fat intake, you shouldn't have issues with many attacks.

I haven't personally had an attack in 5 months, but if you're having pains once a month, the dr's might recommend removal anyway since it's not really 'occasional' when it's monthly.