Question about gallstones

[chicajojobe]

Does anyone know if I go to a doctor, is there a way they can test for this?

My grandmother had them and my mother had them, so I feel that it's only a matter of time before I do. However, I figured I had a few decades before I had to worry about it since I'm only 20. Though, I've recently had stomach problems that I chalked up to stress at first, but now I'm wondering.

I've been having bloating and abdominal cramps for the past few days. I showed my mom where it hurt, and she jabbed around my upper stomach asking if it hurt when she did. It didn't, but I had her tell me what a gallbladder attack felt like. She said something about pain up near the ribs and in the back, which I do have now. Before it felt like bad acid reflux, but it wasn't helped by antacids like it was when I had acid reflux before.

Basically, I don't want to go into the uni. health center and look like an idiot, but if there's a real chance then I know I should do something. Anyone have any advice?
Edited by: chicajojobe

[happyteacher]

BELIEVE ME if you were having a gall bladder attack you would know it! They were the most painful thing I have ever had in my life! I would sweat and I couldn't breathe!


The only way to know for sure if you have gall stones is to go for an ultrasound in order to see them.


Good luck!


happyteacher

[parrotxoxo]

I had a gall stone attack last Thursday. It dropped me directly to the floor, I was in the fetal position, and I couldnt even speak. I go see the surgeon tomorrow. I do NOT want to wait to have that sucker removed till I have another attack....no way!

[kate1966]

yeah, they found my 13 gallstones through an ultrasound....just ask your doc about it...try to catch it before it gets too bad..b/c it is really bad when you start having the attacks with it....worse than labor almost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chicajojobe]

Well from the sound of things I'm pretty sure I'm not having attacks right now. However, I think I will ask about it at my next doctor's appointment. Just so that my doctor knows I have a strong family history so that she can keep any eye out for any signs of it in me.

Honestly, I was pretty sure I wouldn't have them at this age. My mom didn't have a gallbladder attack until her late 30's, and my grandma was in her early 60's when she had her first one.

Edited by: chicajojobe

[happyteacher]

Age means nothing chicajojobe!


I had all of my attacks and my surgery when I was 21 and my aunt had hers out at 18! My Mom and sister were the only ones who had their problems after childbirth birth at 32 and 27.

[chicajojobe]

Hm, well thanks for letting me know that.