How to Know if You Have Gallstones

If you have a gallstone attack and rush to the emergency room they can do a scan and give you a diagnosis. But your gallstones are growing for a long time before then and you may have symptoms that you may not be aware are common symptoms of gallstones. If you can know that you are suffering from gallstones long before that full blown attack, then maybe you can do something about it without the extreme measure of surgically having your gallbladder removed. Many people who have a gallbladder attack think they are having a heart attack, the pain is so intense.

The gallbladder is located on the right side of your body, just under your last rib. If you get a nagging pain slightly behind the last rib, then that could be your first sign of gallstones. They can grow for years before you notice them, many people have gallstones and they are not bothered by them, but pain on the right side is often a sign that they are starting to be a problem.

The only way for a certain diagnosis is with an ultrasound scan, but if you often have the following then you most probably have gallstones:

· Pain on the right side, especially after drinking milk, eating fatty foods or eating ice cream

· Pain under the right shoulder, especially when breathing deeply

· Burping and flatulence

· Feeling bloated

· Indigestion with a bad taste in the mouth

· Perspiring after eating, although this is common with a liver problem too

· Feeling you are about to vomit

Some people can get rid of gallstones by using flushes involving apple juice, lemon juice and olive oil. The old phrase, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is especially important if you have gallstones. Bitter apples are better for the gallstone sufferer than sweet apples, try and eat one a day, every day. Massaging the area also often helps.

If gallstones gets serious you may have nausea and vomiting and a large amount of pain, if your skin turns yellow, your urine goes dark or your stools go very light brown then you must see a doctor immediately.

Anyone can get gallstones, but it is more common in females over 40 who are somewhat overweight. Gallstones can be caused by sudden weight loss.

If the gallbladder is inflamed and you are in a lot of pain, doctors will want to remove it, usually with laparoscopic surgery. Many people think the gallbladder can be saved by doing a flush, that’s why it’s important to know the early signs of gallbladder problems.

Please note, I am not a doctor, merely someone with gallstones who has experienced all of the above.