After a couple of years of off and on abdominal pain and after appealing to several different doctors we discovered 5 weeks ago my 15 year old daughter has gall stones. After the inital diagnosis I was so relieved to have a name to the condition I left the surgery having asked no questions about what we do now. Two days later I took Molly again to see another doctor because she had turned yellow and was still throwing up bile and in considerable pain. Feeling somehat of an expert I suggested that one of the stones might have become trapped in the bile duct. We were sent that day to the local hospital with a letter from the doctor to speed an appointment with a surgeon. The same questions were asked and answered...again I retold the story which started with Molly being rushed by ambulance to the same hospital only 5 days prior. Again I suggested that the stone was stuck...we waited...and waited and eventually Molly was admitted to a ward. For a reason I still not discovered Molly was admitted to an adult ward. Not only that it was a cancer ward. As the surgeon was not avaliable to carry out the ERCP (instrument inserted under local anesthetic down the throat to remove stones from the duct which were causing the pain and inflamation) so she stayed until the Monday when the procedure took place in the afternoon. They took out three stones leaving possibly a further 4 or 5 in the gall bladder.
Consultants and the nutritionalist at the hospital both told Molly that she could eat whatever she wants. I found this a reckless comment to make to a bonny teenage girl without the presence of a parent. I took it upon myself to only allow her a very low fat diet as all the information avaliable and the obvious science determined that eating high fat foods would cause the gall bladder to contract and therefore potentially push another stone inot the duct.
Molly is a little over weight yes but her diet is pretty healthy. Fast food is an exception not the rule. She has been tested and her cholesterol is low. She doesn't drink enough water or eat enough vegetables and she does suffer constipation.
Her operation for her gall bladder to be removed is scheduled for tomorrow. Her surgeon will investigate and I'm guessing look for pollups which could be a sign of cancer.
It could be simply that a disease some years ago caused the production of the stones. Information avaliable seems inconclusive. Advise is contradictory even in the same hospital. Has anyone got any further information or similar experience please? Thank you.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Hi Concerned Mum - It's heartbreaking to read your story and hear what you and your daughter have been through. I'm sure it was a comfort to her to have your support.
If I'm understanding your question correctly you're asking about what is involved in the removal of the gallbladder, and why this procedure is performed. The procedure - known as cholecystectomy - is typically performed when the gall bladder has been damaged by disease or infection. Gall stones can cause damage that necessitates this surgery.
Our reference page on cholecystectomy provides more information on the reasons for this surgery, surgical risks and what to expect. There are two types of procedures used - open (through the stomach) and laparoscopic (using instruments through small incisions in the stomach.) Please review this information and let us know if your concerns have been addressed or if you have more questions.
https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/cholecystectomy
Best wishes to you and your daughter. Pat
April 22, 2010 - 6:27pmThis Comment