Gallstones

Over the last month and a half I have been having terrible stomach pains through the night, turns out I'm the lucky owner of gallstones. The first night I had the pains I had eaten fast food after a long serving shift. Initially I thought I had heartburn from the fried food. After trying every heartburn remedy my medicine cabinet and Google could offer me I still had no relief, I was up almost all night. The pain usually starts out as a hot dull ache under my right ribs as the pain gets worse it stretches all the way to my shoulder blade.

A few days after the first "attack" I still had slight discomfort, my boyfriend was beginning to worry and insisted I go to the doctor. I was trying to avoid booking an appointment, trying to switch my work schedule and working around my group meetings and classes. One afternoon after class I was having my favorite snack an avocado, about half an hour after eating it I had my second major "attack". I was bent over in tears and had to call into work sick. I also called my mom and told her how I was feeling as soon as I described my pain she was sure I had gallstones. She had gallstones at 23 and gallbladder removed; all four of her sisters also had their gallbladders removed between 22 and 25. My grandmother on my father’s side also had her gallbladder removed in her 20's. My mom was sure I was having pain because of gallstones. I finally caved and made an appointment with my family doctor, the sleepless nights and mystery pain were taking their toll.

After going to the doctor having a few tests done and confirming my mother's diagnosis of gallstones I am forced to avoid fatty foods, alcohol, eggs, pork, onion, dairy, gluten, corn, beans, citrus, nuts, red meat, coffee, spicy foods, chocolate, ice cream, black tea, fruit juice, tap water, turnips, cabbage, cauliflower, oats. This list left me wondering what’s left to eat? Not much is the short answer. 

Now I am waiting on a referral to a specialist who can take out my gallbladder. Until then I will be watching what I eat and trying to keep a positive attitude.