News from the doctor

Well just a quick update I actually got some good news from the endocrinologist..I was cringing when I was talking to him but was ready to jump for joy after our conversation. All my blood work came back good..my sugars were at a 91 average for three months (normal) I'm not having any problems with the vitamin deficiencies ..a little low on iron but he said it's not a concern at this point. Nothing wrong with the thyroid/liver/kidneys. Also, nothing else was shown on my CT for my kidneys and ultrasound on my gallbladder. I told him that since I had seen him and had the CT done that I had passed three more for a total of five. He said that most definately they are all gone and doesn't know what is causing them at this point but they are made up of the calcium oxalate and to just keep myself hydrated. He also said my body is still trying to readjust to all the weight I've lost and to just try and be patient with it while it continues to go through its changes. Anyways, I'm feeling better this week..still a little sore from the stones. Maybe I can get into the gym this week and get back on track

I just had a CT scan and they say I have gallstones as well. What does it feel like? how do you pass them. Sorry if this is embarasing. but I am dense and I need to know what to expect. Thanks, Deb

Hey Deb. Gallstones are different than kidney stones...Dont be embarassed this is from website WebMd Info below obtained from Web MD. Gallstones are made from cholesterol and other things found in the bile. They can be smaller than a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Most gallstones do not cause problems. But if they block a duct, they usually need treatment. If gallstones don't cause pain or other symptoms, you usually will not need treatment. Only 1% to 4% of people who have gallstones develop symptoms each year.1 In rare situations, doctors may recommend surgery for gallstones that don't cause symptoms If gallstones do cause symptoms, you and your doctor may decide that your best choice is to see whether symptoms go away on their own (watchful waiting). It is usually safe to wait until you have had another attack before you consider having surgery. Watchful waiting may be the best choice if: This is your first episode of gallstone pain. Gallstone pain is mild. If your gallstones cause severe pain, more urgent surgery should be considered to prevent future attacks and possible complications. You do not have complications, such as a blocked duct. You are not at high risk for future problems Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the treatment of choice for gallstones that cause moderate to severe pain or other symptoms. Symptoms usually do not return after the gallbladder has been removed. In a small number of cases, surgery may be done to prevent complications of gallstones. Laparoscopic surgery is often the best method to remove the gallbladder. Open gallbladder surgery requires a longer recovery period and causes more pain.12, 13Other Treatment Other treatment options for gallstones are not widely available. Less is known about their effectiveness and long-term impact compared with surgery. Other treatments for gallstones in the common bile duct If gallstones are found in the common bile duct before or during surgery to remove the gallbladder, a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist) may do an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP). An ERCP allows the doctor to see the stones. In some people who cannot have surgery, an ERCP may be used with another procedure called endoscopic sphincterotomy that allows stones to pass more easily out of the duct. Other Treatment Choices Other treatments for gallstones in the gallbladder include: Lithotripsy. This procedure uses ultrasound waves to break up gallstones. It may be used alone or along with bile acids to break up stones. The procedure, which is now rarely performed, has been used for people who have long-term (chronic) inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) and who are not strong enough for surgery; however, it is not appropriate in treating sudden (acute) cholecystitis. Contact dissolution therapy. This treatment uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to place a chemical in the gallbladder to dissolve gallstones. This therapy is rarely used because of the risk of complications, and unlike with surgery, gallstones may return. Percutaneous cholecystostomy. This procedure may provide temporary relief for an inflamed gallbladder until an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) or surgery can be performed. During percutaneous cholecystostomy, a doctor places a tube through the abdomen and into the gallbladder to drain its contents. This sometimes is done for people who are not strong enough for surgery. I hope this helps some. LisaMarie

Deb, I had a gallbladder scan because i had pain in the upper right part of my abdomen..right under the ribcage. I went to my surgeon who did my bypass and he said it was up to me but the stones wouldnt just go away and there was a chance of them gettin stuck in ducts so I had mine out last thursday. Easy surgery compared to bypass but still surgery.

thank to the heavens... Blessings...Dennis

That is great new. I hope they stones stay away for you and me both! LisaMarie