Gallbladder issues

[mary124]

Yesterday afternoon had another gallbladder attack! Here at the office, lasted about 5 hours. Was tempted to go to the ER but I didn't so I rode it out at home. I was going to call the doctor but all they were going to do is for me to go get a ultrasound in the next day or 2 and by they as like always it will show nothing. Someone here at work suggested this morning to go to the ER if I can afford it (I can't but it might be worth it in the long run) and let them do whatever at that time. In the meantime, I am trying to track the food that I eat. Don't know what else to do.

[amaranthe]

I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I cant imagine having repeat gallbladder attacks! OUCH! When I had mine, I had to go to the ER. I mean HAD TO! I was doubled over in pain and thought I was dying, (I didnt know it was my gallbladder or even suspect it.) Anyway, they did the ultrasound and it showed mine was filled with stones, so they called in a surgeon and removed it the next day. When they got in there, they also saw it was infected. If you've had ultrasounds of it and it doesnt show stones, but they are certain it is your gallbladder, I wonder if yours could be infected too or have some sort of inflammation?

Whatever the cause, if it is causing you pain and you keep having these attacks, I would ask your Dr. to refer you to a surgeon and have it taken out. If you go this route, you wouldnt have to pay an ER bill, (if that's what kept you from going to the ER.) I mean, you dont have to go thru the ER to have it removed. Do you have insurance? If you are worried about the cost of the surgery, you can call around to different surgeons and ask them for an estimate. Also, if you have more than one hospital in your town, one might be less expensive than the other. (If you do have insurance just make sure that it covers the surgeon AND the anesthesiologist, as well as that the hospital you go to takes your insurance. (The hospital can also give you an estimate of their cost, which is separte from the Surgeon and Anesthesiologist.) But, if you go this route, you wouldnt have to pay the Emergency room bill and ER Drs bill.

I know it can all get pretty expensive. But, it can also be very painful and expensive not to take care of this, (since recurrent pain can cause you to miss work, and also if it ends up being an infection, it could spread and cause you even more pain (and money.)

Most hospitals and Drs will work out payment plans whether or not you have insurance. They want to get paid, so they will work with you. (And if you dont have insurance, make sure you let them know and see if they can help you out on the price.)

I sure hope you get this taken care of soon. You definately have my sympathy. I know how painful this can be and cannot imagine putting it off!

[mary124]

Amaranthe:

Thanks for the information, yes I do have insurance, so that is not a big issue. My doctor however won't refer me to a surgeon ; even with attack after attack! I guess what I need to do is when I have another one call my doctor at that time and see what he does; I know that my husband was getting to the point of concern (ok, that doesn't sound right, but hopefully you all know what I mean) that he was going to take me to the hospital.
In the meantime, all I can really do is monitor what I eat.

[ICNDonna]

If you have a diagnosis that confirms that you are having gallbladder attacks and your doctor will not refer you, it sounds like you might want to consider consulting another primary care physician. That doesn't sound reasonable at all.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[amaranthe]

Wow! I cant believe that they havent already referred you! I agree with Donna, that your PCP should be willing to do this. If you havent asked him for a referral yet, I definately would. However if your PCP is the one refusing to refer you, then you still have a few options. You can ask for a referral to a Gastro for a 2nd opinion and then have the Gastro refer you. Or, you could ask your Uro or Gyno for a referral. If you are careful to explain the amount of pain you've been having as well as other symptoms (nausea, vomiting, etc.) and also that you have been missing alot of work b/c of this and cant keep missing work with your Gallbladder (especially since you need all the sick days you can possibly get for IC flares), then this should be a no-brainer for them to refer you. Another option would be to get a 2nd opinion from another PCP. If that one also believes it is your Gallbladder, then hopefully they will refer you to a surgeon without your having to ask for a referral, but if they dont, then dont be shy....definately ask!

Hope you get this resolved soon and feel better!

hugs,
Amaranthe

[mary124]

I did talked to my cardio nurse yesterday evening and she said either go to the ER; or when I get to work today to call the nurse and ask her what the results were of my last ultrasound. Maybe even get a referral to a gastro to see what is going on. I can only get referrals from my PCP for other doctors; anyway, waiting for a callback will let you know. thanks a lot for your help/suggestions.

[mary124]

I went to my PCP yesteday (more or less felt it was a waste of time and money!) at first he was discussing my IBS; told him that is NOT what I am here to discuss. I told him that I was having spasms (gallbladder?) we discussed the option of going to a gastro but I have had all of the tests done so what is the use there? He thinks it also could be my esophagus. He told me to write down what I eat/drink for the next month; and next time I have this to take some maloxx(?) and if that doesn't help than go to the ER and let them know what has been going on and hopefully they will do an ultrasound.
I also had my 6-month followup for my mammogram and everything was fine!