Gallstones effect many Americans, and women are more likely to develop gallstones than men. I was amazed to learn that 25% of women before age 60 have had gallstones and as many as 50% by the age of 75. I became one of those before-60 statistics in 2011 when I was diagnosed with gallstones.
Unfortunately, I was one of those people whose symptoms were not clear cut. For the past year or so, I had complained to my doctor about feeling unusually tired and just not myself. I also had an unusual amount of swelling throughout the day — at least for me. My doctor took my concerns seriously and tested my blood and thyroid. Both looked good.
During my annual appointment, I once again complained that I didn’t feel well. My doctor looked at me a moment and thought. He asked a few more questions then said since I was at the classic stage for gallstones—40, female, and fertile—he thought he should send me for an ultrasound and check out my gallbladder. He said he doubted it was that, but you never know.
Within a couple of days after my ultrasound, he called and said my gallbladder for was full of gallstones and it needed to come out. I was relieved and concerned. My non-specific symptoms had me worried about having something as bad as ovarian cancer. I have a very vivid imagination and a fondness for reading about science and medicine. I was relieved that it was only gallstones.
So what are the normal symptoms of gallstones?
Pain in the stomach area or upper right part of the abdomen, often after meals or at night
Jaundice
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
Nausea and vomiting
What were my gallstone symptoms?
Feeling full all the time
Fatigue
Swelling of the legs and feet
Gassiness and flatulence
Disturbed sleep
I only had the classic pain they often talk about twice after my diagnosis while waiting for my surgery. My urine was fine, my skin tone and eyes good, and I looked healthy. I did all the normal things in my life, but I felt lousy. I was very tired all the time. The swelling was troublesome, too, because I never experienced it before except when pregnant. The good news was that almost immediately after surgery, I felt great — even with my incisions still healing. The symptoms went away from my gallbladder removal.
What is my advice to you? If you are not feeling well, talk to your doctor. There is no way to tell what you may have, but ask questions and pay attention to your symptoms, age, and family history. Some of my family tends to have problems with gallstones, but it completely slipped my mind. And even if the first set of tests have good results such as thyroid or blood work, keep talking to your doctor and asking questions and keep a journal of what is going on with your body. Your problem may be simpler and different than you imagine.
Reference:
- health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gallstones/risk-factors.html
- health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gallstones/overview.html
