Going backwards

So I have a lot to post about, the latest delivery of the "twins" meaning my walnut size gallstones.
Allyson's 5th Birthday was the 28th.
We had Harry Potter, Merida and Ming Ming in the house 2 days ago
and last but not least
Carys turned 3 yesterday.  My youngest baby is 3! 

So in date order this post is going to be about the beloved/hated gall bladder/stones.

So I was diagnosed with Cholelithiasis (gallstones)  AND
Cholecystitis (Inflammation of the gallbladder itself) AND

Choledocholithiasis (Stone stuck in the duct.)

 

I tend to do things properly.  If I am going to get sick, have issues or what not, I go ALL THE WAY! :)  No wonder I was feeling so crappy for so long.  I am just glad nothing got infected.  It may have been close, but this way he was able to do it laparoscopically.  

Tuesday the 22 (about a week and a have ago) I went in for my gallbladder removal surgery.  Things themselves went pretty well.  Dr. Harris was able to get the gallbladder and stones out without too much issue.  I had 2 big walnut size stones. Many people have lots of little ones, or 1 big one, but I had big twinners! I went in for my post op this last Wednesday and he told me they were some of the biggest ones he had seen.  He was surprised by what he found and how well I was doing before.  He  mentioned that one was really stuck in the duct, and it took some convincing, but he got it out. Most folks with a stuck stone are really sick, and in a lot of pain. I don't know if I just lucked out, or if I was so used to feeling nasty, that I was taking it in stride. Maybe both

We have decided that I had what they call "silent stones" for quite some time.  It has only been since they got so huge that the attacks started happening.  To be honest I have had issues with digesting food for a long time, but I figured it was just me being special.  Come to find out...it was something more.

I have 4 slices, 2 small and 2 bigger, but not too big.  The 2 larger ones got inflamed and funky, so I am treating those, but they should be fine. Besides that and figuring out what I can eat, but I am doing okay.

I also learned that gallstones can come back without a gallbladder but the percentage of that is really low.  Mostly that happens to people 70+ years old and who don't drink enough water.  I guzzle water, I always have.  I hardly drink anything else. I should be fine there, or at least I hope.

Anyway, it is out.  I am happy, relieved but wish it hadn't ruined all of October.  I hoping that November gets better as it comes.