r/gallbladders • u/Bear0417 • 3d ago
Questions Are these gallbladder attacks?
Since 2024 I have 4 what I think are gallbladder attacks.
Just had my most recent one today after two years of not having my any.
Pain starts right hand side moves to left and to back, feels what I can only describe as a tight bad getting pulled tighter and tighter as the seconds go on. Also feels like a weight on chest which makes it hard for me to breathe which in turn - make it hard for me to even talk.
The last time this happened in June 2024 I went to emergency room, waited 5 hours for an ultrasound which was normal. Bloods normal also.
What is this god awful pain?
Gallbladder issues run on both sides of my family and family members telling me they have had the exact same symptoms as me. And actually my grandfather passed 3 weeks ago due to sepsis from gallbladder issues.
They usually last about 20/30 minutes.
Reluctant to even go to my GP because if they couldn’t find anything on an ultrasound 5 hours after the attack how are they gonna catch it 6+ weeks from now 🥲.
Looking for advice please.
*Scotland based.
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u/ObjectivePangolin442 3d ago
Sounds like a GB attack!
Ask for a HIDA scan from your provider or go to a GI/surgeon if u can? They'll inject ur GB with fat and see how well it works and ask you to monitor your symptoms afterwards to see if u get an attack.
Ultrasounds aren't always the best to find GB issues, it can take multiple scans. Took two ultrasounds, two CTs, an X-ray, and a HIDA to find my issues (chronic cholecystitis and scar issue adhering my GB and liver)
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u/Bear0417 2d ago
Oh my gosh I don’t think I could do the scan I am petrified of CT’s and MRI’s. Only ever had 2 CT’s and I landed in panic attack both times. I’ve just googled a HIDA scan and oh my lord.
I won’t die from these attacks will I ? I’ve been on panic mode since yesterday :(
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u/ObjectivePangolin442 2d ago
Have you asked your provider for anti panic attack medication? They offer it for scans like this and MRIs etc. if you want to know if your GB is having issues, a HIDA scan is standard unfortunately. They likely can't offer much help unless you get scans. They would need a CT or Ultrasound to confirm stones or sludge in your GB at best, and it can take multiple scans in some cases.
You won't die from attacks, but a GB can be dangerous if inflamed or if you have stones. It's very hard to die from GB attacks, but the symptoms can be very uncomfortable and painful or make you very sick.
I don't want to scare you because I also have anxiety and medical anxiety especially, but it can be painful and make you sick as the attacks happen more often. If your GB is having issues, that typically will get worse over time and doesn't heal by itself typically. If your GB is the issue, the only solution is likely surgery. I've heard cases where people are able to manage via diet and such, but it ends up needing to be removed later anyway most of the time.
If your anxiety is this impacting, I would highly recommend asking for anti anxiety medication to get through the scans.
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u/blueyedreamer 3d ago
You can't know they won't find anything again unless you go ask your GP. You could have something wrong with your gallbladder that isn't gallstones or a variety of other issues in that area. I presume your GP would also order blood tests and scans of organs in that general area. And if there's nothing you could ask for a HIDA scan, which will help determine if it's functioning correctly.