After my first pregnancy I developed gallbladder sludge. Over the past 4 years, that same sludge formed into a 1.1 cm stone. My ob/gyn said to have my gallbladder removed before I get pregnant. The surgeon he recommended said he doesn't want to remove it since I'm not having any pain or nausea from the stone. I know the estrogen during pregnancy is what causes the bile sludge and eventually stones in some women.
SO what should I do? Get pregnant and keep my gallbladder? OR pretend to have pain and nausea so the surgeon will remove it. (to avoid complications during pregnancy)? What would you do?
2007-03-02 10:52:37 · 4 answers · asked by 30 year old 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
You don't have to get pregnant to develope gallbladder stones or sludge. There is a saying that surgeons have in regard to gallbladder issues, fair, fat and forty. This is in response to those who USUALLY have problems with their gallbladders according to those surgeons.
Gallbladder problems can be caused from the hormones in birthcontrol pills and any estrogen source, but can occur without them just the same.
It is possible to have a stone move from the gallbladder into the ducts and get trapped, thus causing an obstruction where pancreatic enzymes and bile can't not pass. This is very PAINFUL and can be life threatening. There are no guarantees that if you get pregnant again that this will become a problem. But then you have no guarantee that a week from now you won't start having pain. One thing is for sure, eventually this stone is going to cause you problems. There is one other thing that can be done besides removing the gallbladder and that is called an ERCP and scope is inserted into your mouth and threaded through your G.I system and the stone can be scooped out this way. The physician that would do this is called a gastroenterologist. If you choose to keep the stone, avoid foods high in fat and those that are highly spiced. Once you begin to have pain go to the ER immediately you don't want to end up with liver problems from an obstruction. This stone could cause you BIG problems.
2007-03-02 13:44:53 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your OB/GYN and tell them what the surgeon said. If you want to get pregnant, avoid the complications by getting it removed. Chances are your OB/GYN will find you another surgeon, or give you some more options about what to do.
2007-03-02 19:48:22 · answer #2 · answered by GLSigma3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont get pregnant...and keep ur gallbladder. u probably dont wanna do that...but something is going on with ur body....so now u have the outcome. u just have to wait....dont lie to the doctor..because u cn be making a big mistake! if the surgeon didnt wanna remove it because ur in no pain....go to other surgeons and tell them what ur doctor said....and see their opinions. if they all agree with the first one...its probably best to keep ur gallbladder cuz, their surgeons, they know what their doing. u need to speak to ur doctor again. or go to another doctor...and see what they say.
2007-03-02 19:03:15 · answer #3 · answered by Teenager 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Play it safe and get another opinion...or two.
2007-03-02 19:11:44 · answer #4 · answered by nin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋