Gallstones While Pregnant...

a lot of good info, dietary recommendations to heal gallbladder disease, stones and even post-surgery. I would suggest at least reading through the info before going through with surgery. I was diagnosed with gallstones via an ultrasound 1 yr ago after a SEVERE GB attack. Doctors at the ER recommended surgery. I went home, did some research, followed the diet, took prescribed supplements and have not had any attacks or issues since. I am proof it can be done, don't let the doctors tell you it's impossible.

B., if your gallstones are large/severe, this information may be too late to help you but here is how some people, myself included, handle the gallstone issue. Yhis advice was given me by my health professional. Here is what to do. First thing in the morning on an empty stomach, take 1 tablespoon of a good grade of olive oil in about one-third cup of orange juice. It is not bad but if you think it will make you gag, have a cold wet wash cloth handy to place across your throat. Lie down for 30 minutes. Then, go about your day. Repeat for three or four days or even longer if you feel the need. I have done this for years and now just do it the first three days of the month for general cleansing or more often if I have symptoms (belching, clay colored stools, tenderness). One friend told me that Scott and White told her to use lemon juice but I much prefer the orange juice. The doc explained to me that the oj breaks up the stone and the oil helps the matter exit the gallbladder. This probably only works if the stone is small and maybe before it is solid. If you try it, I hope it works for you but, I decided to post this because it may also help other readers. In any case, B., I wish you the best and will remember you in my prayers.

I was also diagnosed with gallstones, but did not have surgery until a year and a half after my baby was born (symptoms completely subsided after birth for me for over a year). My pregnancy was further along than yours, so that may have been a factor in the doctors deciding against surgery at the time. A friend of mine did have the surgery when she was pregnant and she and her baby were fine. Good luck in deciding what to do -- and I would encourage a second opinion to give you peace of mind. I would imagine that the prospect of surgery while pregnant is pretty scary.

I know EXACTLY what you're going through. I too was diagnosed with gall stones after becoming pregnant. Once you hit your 2nd trimester it's too late in the pregnancy to have the surgery. I would definitely NOT do it until after the baby is born. I know how bad it hurts, it's worse than labor. One night I had one that lasted for 7 hours....I finally couldn't take it anymore & went into the ER, they put me on morphine, scared the hell out of me but they assured me it would not hurt the baby. And it didn't, she had a party in there! When my daughter was 7 weeks old I went in and had the surgery. I really wanted to try alternative ways first (there are flushes & things of that nature you could try), but you can't do these things if you're pregnant or nursing. Nursing was/is VERY important to me so I chose to have the surgery. What they gave me to take while I was still pregnant & having attacks was Tylenol 3 w/codine. It took the edge off I suppose, but what helped me also was juice. Not store bought juice in a jar, but my husband would get up in the middle of the night when I would start having an attack & pull out the juicer & make me juice. Usually lots of carrots & apples. I'm soooo sorry for what you are going through. I know it's painful & difficult, but try your best to hang in there until the baby is born. You'll at least have peace of mind!
Good luck & God bless!
H. B
Oh yeah! Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, then pray some more. He'll help you.

I have a close friend who had her gall bladder removed while she was pregnant. Originally the doctors didn't think it was her gall bladder, but she was as persistent as her pain. When they finally determined that it was her gall bladder the docs wanted to wait until after the baby was born to do surgery. Again she persisted until they agreed to do surgery. She did very well. I believe she was 6 months when it was taken out. She just couldn't imagine going another three months with the pain so severe. Hope this helps.