Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: gallbladder distress

I'm new here, but I wanted to add something about gallbladder surgery since I've been through it.

I suffered severe gallbladder attacks with no apparent trigger. These attacks were VERY severe. I was doubled over in excruciating pain with vomiting and diarrhea. It happened one when I was in college and I ended up in the ER due to severe dehydration (I was stupid and let it go too far).

I thought the first attack was food poisoning. The seocnd attack occurred 6 months later and I thought it was a virus. When the third attack began I immediately went to my doc for suppositories to take before things got really out of hand.

My doc sent me for an ultrasound, which came back negative. After I told him about my mom's GB problems with no stones, he sent me for the GB function test. I was functioning at 17% at the age of 23.

My surgeon told me I could wait to have my GB out. However, we couldn't determine what was bringing on the attacks. I had no trouble on a daily bassis, only the severe bouts every few months.

I opted for the surgery and I don't regret it. I don't live in fear of having a severe, debilitating GB while on a business trip. However, I have developed the chronic diarrhea as a side affect of GB removal.

Fiber and diet changes seem to have helped a lot. I'm going to give the Caltrate-D a try as well before pursuing Questran.

I just wanted to post my story since my GB disease experience was more acute than chronic...

Thanks to Heather for the wonderful website. Even if you don't have IBS, the diet and guidelines can work wonders on an unbalanced digestive system.

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