What does having a gall bladder problem mean?

December 17, 2005

I had what I believe was my first gall bladder attack about 14 years ago. I

spent a large part

of the day and the entire night in the ER and then a hospital ward. Although I

had every test

done, nothing was found. Looking back now I think what I had was a stone caught

in a bile

duct since the attack lasted more then 12 hours. Anyway, I made some adjustments

with my

diet and life continued and I didn't have any problems for at least another 5 or

6 years when I

suffered a much smaller attack. A few hours, no aftermath to speak of. Life

continued with a

few close calls and one or two very small " events " until a couple of months ago

when I had

my second big one. I had a low fever and lots of pain. The attack itself lasted

many hours but

the aftermathor intense soreness lasted about a week. This time the ultrasound

did indicate

gall stones. I went to see a specialist surgeon who of course told me I should

have the

surgery. He said I didn't need to right away but should do it as soon as my

schedule allows. I

have no pain, no soreness etc. I'm macrobiotic and have been for half dozen

years. I also

work out a few days a week. I'm neither a smoker or drinker so there's no

radical lifestyle

changes I need to make to adjust to my gall bladder trouble. I'm just wondering

in the

scheme of things, compared to the typical case, would I even be considered

someone who

has gall bladder problems? Do most suffer attacks very frequently? How frequent

and how

long are these attacks? I want to know where my case fits on a 1 to 10 scale. It

will help me

determine if I should proceed with the surgery or just try and keep stress free

and continue

my life as it is now ?

Can anyone enlighten me?

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