Gall Bladder Stones/ Swelling & 10 Weeks Pregnant

I had emergency surgery when I was about 14 weeks pregnant with my daughter. It was our first baby and I was so scared of the surgery, thinking something bad might happen. It was a breeze, but I'm not a baby when it comes to pain. Believe me, the pain I got from the gall stones was WAY worse then the pain I had recovering from the surgery. It was maybe a week and then I was back to normal. My daughter wound up being over 10 pounds, very healthy pregnancy.
I would say if you are still having a lot of pain, get the surgery in your second trimester. Good luck!

Hi L.,

I've never been in your situation, nor do I know of anyone who has. However, my heart goes out to you. I can only imagine the suffering you must be experiencing; being pregnant and not being able to take the medication or do the procedures you require.

My only suggestion is to turn to alternative methods of dealing with the pain - I know they may not be quite as effective, but they'd be better than nothing.

I met a woman recently who has helped me hugely with ulcerative colitis (something not easily treatable by orthodox medicine) - through a combination of Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Cranial-sacral therapy and massage. You might like to give her a try - she may be able to ease things somewhat. This is her website: http://www.suzypeltier.com/

I wish you a swift return to health!

I had horrible "morning" sickness and gall stones but not at the same time. My daughter was 3 weeks old when I had my first attack. Oh my gosh!! I can't imagine having an attack every few days!! There is a risk, as I heard, if the stone actually passes because being that large it will more than likely get stuck somewhere else. I would either get a second opinion or urge your doctor to do something now. The stress and eating restrictions cannot be good for you or the baby. If you live in the Sonoma County area I could refer you to the doctor that did my procedure. He was amazing and I was back to normal in about 3-4 days.
I wish you the best! J.

Hi L.,

I am so sorry you are going through this. I have had Hyperemesis with my last two pregnancies, and functioning on a basic physiological level is normal with just that condition. I can't imagine adding to it the pain of a gall stone. My advice is to have someone come and stay with you during the day to help care for you and your son until you can get through this. I had my mother stay with me, so look into family members, or if you can scrape together any money, you could even hire someone to come over and help. As far as your baby's health, don't worry about your restricted diet. Your baby will pull all the nutrients he/she needs out of whatever you manage to keep down. I was so sick with this last pregnancy (I'm 8 months along right now) that I lost 20 pounds in my first trimester, but I still have a very large & healthy baby boy growing inside me. Just keep calling & visiting the Dr. so they know what kind of pain you continue to be in. Sometimes the squeaky wheel does get the oil.

Good luck,
C.

Greetings L.,
I have had several very painful gallbladder attacks. During my last attack I found drinking fresh apple juice to be very helpful. For several days that was all I could drink, and I didn't feel like eating much either. I have never done the gallbladder flushes that people have given me info on,I have a Champion juicer, and we juiced them several times a day. I also took gallstone pills, Planetary Herbals "Stone Free" which I believe helped a lot, I don't know how you've held up, the pain is incredible. I could hardly walk for a week after my last attack. I had a lot of people praying for me, I'm so thankful that I haven't had another one since then. I was starting to have them frequently, and didn't want to have the surgery, because then the liver has to do all the work. You might try a Castor Oil poultice for the pain, it is supposed to be very healing, just rub the castor oil on the abdominal area, and put saran wrap or something to keep your clothes unstained, then put a very warm wet towel ove the area. I got this info from a cancer website, it is used for cancer patients for pain management. It sure can't hurt to try. I preferred to try and heal my gall bladder and my liver. My prayers are with you L.!

Hi L. wow I am so sorry you are going through this it sounds horrible. I just got out of the nausea faze and I cant imagine adding other stuff on top of that. I really feel for you..but hey I have an amazing way to help. Well I am a doula and know midwifes that your could talk too, I would reccomend getting care from them or at least asking them they sometimes have better ideas then just numbing the pain.

Secondly I have been studying this amazing healing work called ki from korea for the past 9 yrs and it has saved my life. Here is our website and I suggest your go there for a treatment the masters there are so kind and they can tell you exaclty what is going on, but the ki treatment will help your body regain its healthy and the master can talk with you about getting rid of the problem naturally. The center is located in San mateo if you need a ride I could take you. I try to go often to keep my energy up as well. Here is the website and let me know if you have any questions. I would love to answer any questions you have or I could give you a mini treatment as well. www. ki-life.org Please check it out or call me. It will help you alot.. All my best T.

OMG. I am so, so, sorry you are having to go through this. I have been prenant, I have had impacted gallstones, but never TOGETHER! Not in my worst nightmares could I imagine what you must be going through. The largest stone I suffered with was 1cm, so I can understand the excruciating pain you must be in. My ob/gyn and I both agree that gallstone pain is FAR worse than the pains of labor. I'm sorry I don't have any advice as far as pain management. I guess all you can do is tough it out for a few more weeks and tell your doc you need stronger meds or take the risk of a quicker surgery. By the way you describe it, it sounds like they would not be able to do lapriscopic surgery, if you're still having flare ups and your gallbladder is enlarged (unless things have changed in the past 8 years since having mine removed).

There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel though: you WILL have your gallbladder removed eventually! And life is wonderful after that, I promise you!

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Don't worry. My neighbor had her gallbladder out while she was pregnant just a few months ago. It can be done, and her pregnancy and baby are fine. You will feel so much better once it's out. I had mine out a few years ago, I wasn't pregnant at the time though. I feel so sorry for you. Take care and pray for the pain to subside.

Drink real lemonade. A couple glasses every day! The acid in the lemon dissolves the stones and creates and environment intolerable of creating the stones. The surgery sucks and the recovery is even worse! I had the surgery after my twins were born and afterward I remembered that lemon was the preventative. I asked the nurse and she concurred. DO NOT DO THE SURGERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear L.,

Surely the medical profession can help you more than they have been?

Good luck, C. N.