Do you share my fear of not being believed?

This is one of the only videos I could find about low functioning gallbladder. Mine is at 24% and I definitely had my share of doctors who told me it was from anxiety, period, or in my head. I’m meeting with a surgeon in a few days and I feel so hopeful from this video that I will get better! I’ve been sick for almost a year!

Alyssa, Thank you so much for sharing your story. I went down a very similar path to yours but I am in my 50's and have just been diagnosed after 11 years of pain and intestinal havoc! I started having terrible nausea and abdominal pain and saw a gastroenterologist who put me on Omezaprole, which didn't help much at all. I ended up getting my gall bladder removed and previous to this I had uterine cancer and a partial hysterectomy. Shortly after the surgery I began to have terrible pain and suspected it to be fibromyalgia as I had had years of pain and terrible fatigue, insomnia, depression and intestinal problems. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia 20 years after I first really began to be affected by it and then was given steroids which made me sick and caused me to gain weight. I was employed as a school secretary and my body began to bread down and I couldn't get out of bed some days bc of pain and insomnia keeping me up at night. Many people did not believe me and I caught them smirking at me and asking me leading questions I felt useless and ashamed and out of control of my life. . Most of all I was mad at myself for not being able to do what I once could. i finally had to learn to forgive myself and do the best I could and have had to give up my job and after a five year fight I finally got disability for which I am very grateful. I feel like my life has been stolen and many people around me still do not understand and I get it bc the pain is not one you can describe but it is extremely debilitating. So just today I found out that MALS is another malady I have and it has gotten increasingly worse through the 11 years when it first started to bother me. I have been diagnosed with IBS, GERD, an ulcer, and have had a total of about 5 cat scan. I visited the ER for this 3 times and luckily one man spotted it and thought he did not mention it in the papers, he told me but unfortunately I was out of work a year and had not insurance and we were struggling on one income and my husband was not happy about this and blamed me. I have so often dreamt of asking someone who doubts me to step into my body and then they would want out fast bc I live in terrible, chronic pain. Thanks to a good Doctor though I won't be hearing I have "Colitis" or "Gastritis" or that they just don't know what it is? It is a relief to finally have found it on the Angiogram, after allt eh lab work came back clean, as did a CT scan of my stomach area. I will hopefully be to see a surgeon on Monday and be able to get some relief. Another option too, if you really don't want surgery is to eat small meals all day long so as not to overload your gut and the need for heavier blood flow. As for the people who didn't believe you, I apologize for them and I am so sorry bc it is so very hurtful. Not only are you dealing with health problems but now you have to deal with judgement as well and it just seems preposterous. I even have a younger friend who is 37 and has become fully affected by Fibromyalgia and I do my best to help her, as a veteran of the disease but her husband does not even believe it exists! So sad! All we can do is comfort ourselves in that other people have no idea just how strong we are and take comfort in other sufferers in the form of friend's and support groups and those who stand by us and showed they really knew us heart and soul! Your website is wonderful and so helpful and appreciated! Thank you!

I'm so glad I'm not the only whose had doctors not believe them. I've been diagnosed with Tachycardia, nausea, and havent been able to eat well in weeks. I am glad you found answers hun.

I thank your mother for always being so supportive!

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am waiting for the HIDA scan to be scheduled. I had a difficult time the last couple of years. I hope it won't be long to get there. I am really happy for your recovery. Be safe.

I am scheduled for surgery in 3 weeks. All my tests showed nothing but the symptoms are spot on for gall bladder problems. After listening to your story, I will ask the doctor to have a look at my appendix as well because my pain runs the entire length of my rib cage and almost to my hip on occasion. Can't wait to have it over with.

I appreciate your story. I relate to people not believing you about symptoms.

I was just diagnosed with a bad gallbladder yesterday. I’m 27. My compliment to you is that you’re really well spoken 😀

I am 48. I have had this drama for a few years. Kidney stones? rare but yes. A virus that made my liver 😫 sick? yes. Irritable Bowel syndrome? yes. Diverticulitis, yes. Acid Reflux? Yes. Hernia? Yes. The ER gave me the run around with the Gallbladder though. For years. Never finding stones. I got my first coloniscopy when I visited the Gastric Doctor because recently, it is done at 45 and this was the way the intestinal problems were diagnosed. Hidascan was suggested and I had never had that done. I had that done today. I haven't gotten the results yet. Even if minor, it seems appearant that the Gallbladder is not in a hurry to empty. Specialists are the way to go. The only time ERs are good in most occasions is the Children's Hospital. They suggested a gastro doctor for my daughter and "FINALLY " got a diagnosis of Chrones. Something that needs constant treatment, monitoring etc... In my case, getting the run around just because there were no stones was frustrating!!! That did NOT mean that wasn't a problem!!!! Abdominal pain and nausea, vomiting etc, you need to visit the ER. And for what??? A huge bill and no answers. I also love the fact that since there is no fever with a thermometer, "there is no problem ".... Wrong!!!! I am glad for your video. It is surprising that you had the Gallbladder problem so early. I am glad you had it taken care of at an early age.

Wonderful and, at the same time, heartbreaking story. I just had my gallbladder removed yesterday. After a month and a half of daily cramps/pain, constipation, not being able to sleep more than a couple of hours, having to choose between eating and making it worse or just not eating, a radiology tech and a surgeon both suggested a HIDA test. Mind you, I’d seen 2 Primary Care Physicians and a GI Specialist. I had an X-Ray, CT scan, Blood work, Endoscopy, and Gastric Emptying Study done. The X-Ray showed my abdomen full of gas that I couldn’t pass. The CT scan showed a paraumbilical hernia and, after speaking to the surgeon who actually looked at the scan, stool backed up on the right side of my intestines. My blood work was fine. The Endoscopy showed nothing abnormal, according to a PCP and the GI Specialist. The Gastric Emptying Study was slightly off, but indicated nothing to the GI specialist. Ironically, as I’m being walked out of this test, the tech asks have I had a HIDA scan done. I said “no” and didn’t think to inquire as to what it was or why she asked. I’m all over the place with this because like your story, I felt like the doctors weren’t taking my situation as seriously as they should’ve been, and I’m still a bit upset. I was previously put on Colace(stool softener), Gas-x, Miralax(laxative), and a prescription for abdominal cramps, for 3 MONTHS. So, without having a clue of what’s causing my issues that have by this point been going on for over a month, a specialist just put me on a bunch of OTC medication I’d already taken for weeks before I went to see the 1st doctor. The GI specialist initially scheduled the Endoscopy for a month after my initial visit, which says to me there was no sense of urgency coming from her. Oh, and I’d lost 25lbs in a month from not being able to eat normally. I basically forced the 2nd PCP to give me info for a surgeon to give me information about the hernia, thinking that may be the cause. When I met with the surgeon, she looked over my CT scan, and suggested and scheduled the HIDA scan. My gallbladder was working at a 11% rate. That was last Friday. 5 days later my gallbladder is gone. But had it not been for that surgeon, I would be sitting here in pain, still not knowing, taking laxative, stool softener, gas-x, and cramping meds. I said all of that to say, I feel your pain and I’m glad you were able to get to the bottom of your issue. We need more doctors to really listen, look for causes, and stop looking for easy, quick fixes for symptoms

I had been dealing with issues surrounding my stomach since I was 6. In 2002, my appendix ruptured and I almost died. Fastforward to 2021, my gallbladder was down to working at 6% and had emergency surgery. The only issue I have now is diarrhea and back pain. I have been able to enjoy pizza again.. in moderation ;).Best of luck to you in your journey post Gallbladder removal..

I had to deal with the nausea in school too. Literally started my first day of senior year. I understand not being believed. The nurses couldn’t do anything except send me home but my mom couldn’t drive me home and just told me to deal with it. I was so over it I just tried to sleep in any of my classes just to not feel nauseated. It has been truly such a lonely 8 months. But it’s going better now. I have my gallbladder surgery June 2nd and I’ve already graduated online so I didn’t have to deal with the pain at school. But no graduation ceremony

When I started feeling sick and didn’t know it was gallbladder issues I visited urgent care and the Dr their was so rude and mean, he made me feel really inferior. He wasn’t helpful at all and I cried in my car after I was discharged because I wasn’t listened to and taken serious. I don’t know if he was having a bad day but he was not listening to me and tried to get me out as soon as possible. I even apologized and told him that I was sorry I wasted his time while trying to hold back tears. He also questioned how sick I felt. I hope nobody goes through this neglect, and if they do that they have the courage to speak up.

I’m going through this right now, I had my appendix removed 3 1/2 months ago and I been experiencing pain right side mid stomach so I been to the ER twice and they all are confused and don’t help at all, so I finally made a appointment with my surgeon and he thinks it’s most likely my gallbladder, I’ll be finding out December 2nd if I have to get it removed.

omg omg i feel you girl!!!!

I totally feel you! Doctors thought I was constipated and sent me home with medicine that actually was inflaming my liver! I had pain medicine injected through my IV and when doctors examined me they said I was faking being in pain! Soon when the doctors saw that I had gallstones they couldn’t operate until my liver inflammation went down. Soon I got my gallbladder removed and I’m okay to this day.

Good for you, to keep looking trill you get your care

I understand the frustration. Showing up at ER with this pain and explaining where the pain is and etc etc, do blood tests and for liver and came back fine. So annoying when I’m feeling this way inside. Anyways I have an ultrasound booked. I was suggested to see a physiotherapist too, as my rhomboid might be pulling on my front right chest area. It’s like drs do everything in their power to not help you past the basics of a blood test and pain meds

My granddaughter in her twenties is about to have her gallbladder removed. I'm worried about it and wish it didn't have to happen. Videos like this help me be optimistic and sensible.

I hear you i had mine taken out a month ago the pain was severe that night I was due to go away on holidays later on early am ended up calling ambulance at 3am due to fly at 830am I was in severe pain after a few hours they told me I had to have emergency surgery was a very painful 5 day recovery in hospital now 1 month later im feeling great it's so painful the pain & gall bladder removal recovery the night I was released I felt fine then next morning excruciating pain omg they said it was from the gas from keyhole surgery was tough hope you are doing OK now!

I am 27 and just got mine out a few days ago. For the past month I have having these abdominal pains that would come and go. Like you I really thought nothing of it. I thought it was just acid building up in my stomach and tried eating fiber to lower the acid but nothing worked. One day my pain was so bad that I was taken to the emergency room. They did an ultrasound, and ct scan on me and found some of my stones came into my bile duct tape. Which was why my stomach was hurting. They said that they needed to do a procedure on me to get those stones and remove my gallbladder within this month. I just couldn't believe it. But now I am glad that I got it out. I can not imagine a doctor not believing you when it could become something so serious

Doctors should always look at gallbladder issues for upper right abdomen pain. And an ultrasound is the first step.

Did you get nausea before the surgery and how about early satiety (fullness feeling after a few bites) I have nausea now I backed out of my first surgery right in the operating room I was consumed with fear of dying while under anesthesia any advice please. I’m so glad I found your video it gives me great hope knowing I might make it out alive

This video is the harsh reality about how ignorant doctors are....I’m in the same boat....Thank you so much for a clear explanation....!!!!!

Thanks so much for posting this, girl! Very informative. I'm actually getting surgery soon, too. I am wondering if you could explain more about what it was like to get put to sleep? This is the part that freaks me out!! Like, what does it feel like? How do they do it? What does it feel like when they put the stuff in, like do you get sleepy or is more like wide awake to instantly out? Could you have stayed awake if you would have tried or is it impossible? Haha. Basically whatever you remember about that part would be helpful. Thanks so much!

i'm 15 rn and i had my appendix taken out last year on halloween now tomorrow i have an appointment with the gastro tomorrow to look at my gallbladder

And not all the symptoms are even mentioned in most research areas like heart palpitations, gastritis, migraines, back pain, fatigue, vertigo, unusual ldl cholesterol levels, insomnia and frequent urination at night

My daughter’s apprndix ruptured and the hospital sent us home saying it was the flu. We went back to the hospital the next day and they sent us home. We went to primary care doctor she sent us to GI doctor he had us do blood tests. I really thought it was her appendix. The cat scan they did said can not rule out appendix. I decided I was going to take her to every hospital until they would take out her appendix. Luckily the first one said it looked a little inflamed and would take it out the next morning. She was in surgery for hours. During surgery, the GI doctor called to say get to the hospital because one on the blood tests showed it was a ruptured appendix. Sure enough the surgeon comes out saying her appendix had probably been ruptured a week and it was a mess to clean up. She had to stay in the hospital a week. 5 years later she has immune deficiency- a ton of allergies- issues with her heart. I really feel that is all related to lack of care from all these doctors.

They didn’t believe me… quacks.

I completely get this, I have been living with these attacks of pain for 3 years and each time I have reached out for help they have told me it was ‘stress’ they didn’t understand that this pain is what put me under the stress, this year I have been in pain for 10 weeks I have had a ultrasound where they found debris in my gallbladder and today I was meant to have an ensoscopy but they refused me as I had one 6 months ago (when I was having no symptoms) obviously I feel even more hopeless now as the only advice he gave me was ‘stop eating fatty foods’ which I explained I have changed my diet so many times! You can clearly see I’m underweight. So he offered so ‘kindly’ to put me forward for gallbladder surgery? Is this my only option, I thought I would get more of a talk with a specialist before this decision?? Please I would love some help x

Even my family didn’t believe me, along with the Drs being very condescending. My acupuncturist and message therapist were the ones who helped me. I’m working on trying to save my gallbladder.

Hey i dont know if you will reply or not, can you tell me the diet changes you made after the surgery and how long to stick to that diet

My laparoscopic surgery failed. They will have to make a larger incision

I just had an ER visit for gall bladder attack and they took me very seriously. I recommend that you don’t return to tgat ER again if you ever need one again.

Mine is expected to be about 90% dead. I get an ultrasound in a day or two. I’ve lost 15lbs in two weeks and am now on 3 new meds and the brat diet. I get surgery soon.

Wow how crazy I went through almost the same exact thing. The only difference is that I was in 9th or 10th grade.

I had mine out when I was 11 I started having pains when I was 10 and nobody believed me for months. I wasn't eating and I completely stopped getting out of bed I wasn't going to school and I was starting to fail my classes. I also had an ultrasound, Xrays, and scope but they never found anything. a week later I had a HIDA scan after I had that scan they got the results and they rushed me to get a surgery date I had surgery the next WEEK. before I was never able to run I was always in pain I now am a cross country runner and love to run I guess all those years I wasn't able to run made me who I am now.

Did you have any sort of marks on your belly after the surgery? I have laparoscopy next week and I am freaking out

It’s such a letdown to wait so long for an appointment only to be brushed off by a doctor. 😢

I know exactly what you mean. I often feel like i am not being believed and i often feel like i am being punished for being chronicly ill. Except if you are punished for a crime by geting put in prison, you at least have a release date, and then you're free, i don't get an end date. But hey, life goes on, you just have to live it to best you can! 😆

have you ever had a gastric emptying test? I was having nausea and both my HIDA and gastric emptying test came back positive.

Can gall bladder stone cause left side upper stomach pain?

Have had this for 4 months. Waiting for my surgery

Hi thank you so much for your video I have my operation coming up in a few days does anyone else experience pain on the left side ? Would really appreciate replies

hi what happened with ur gallbladder? was there any stones?

Thanks for the video ,did you suffer from thyroid problems ?All the best.

Medicine is still not really advanced. They're very slow at diagnosis which eat up a lot of money. And even with all tons of diagnosis they cannot figure out the problem.

Do you still go to school?

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Omar 6%

8th grade!

How are you now?❤