My Gallbladder Story

My Gallbladder Story 

Hello hello!
My previous blog celebrated the return of School and the start of Kindergarten for Connor. I also reveled in the thought of all this time I would have to savor with Sebastian, our new addition to our clan. And oh all the sewing I would be enjoying etc etc aha haha...
Shortly after that exciting day my plans were turned upside down. I began to suffer from extreme pain through my abs straight to my back. My first experience of this debilitating pain was late last December on our way home from a family trip to Newcastle. It was quite scary and embarrassing. I say embarrassing because at one rest stop i was lying on the gravel next to our car with on lookers wondering what was going on. My Husband saved the day close to an hour later by giving me an adjustment and massaging my back for a good 20mins at the nearest patch of grass. Fast forward to late January and it comes back with a vengeance. The abdominal pain crept up and was making its way to my back. I knew it was coming and quickly asked Michael to give me an adjustment followed by a massage. I was amazed at how much pain I was receiving from a back spasm. Then the next day it returned like a spear was resting through my abs to my back. We tried adjustments, massaging and an ice pack. The abdominal pain was more present this time and I began to worry.  The following night once again I was on the floor resting on the bed trying anything to make the pain go away. This time I became fearful! Michael's adjustments didn't relieve the pain and massage hadn't helped much. At this stage I was without clothing, I couldn't bare the restriction. Sweating and fever like with numbness through my arms. I was not only getting the spear pain through my abdomen but burning pain spreading across my lower ribs and to my heart. Night three and we decided it was time for a trip to hospital! 
Good news was my heart is healthy. My condition sounded too familiar to my mother who reminded me of my Aunts gallbladder experience. Michael and I were convinced it was my gallbladder. My liver results however came back deranged and the doctors weren't exactly sure what the cause was. So a doctors appointment the following day, blood tests an ultrasound and two weeks of the same pain revealed I had sludge in my gallbladder. Sarcasm Yay! I was referred to a surgeon and was determined to avoid surgery through a low fat healthy diet but alas, a few months pass with recurring pain and weight dropping off me so fast we came to the realisation that I need to part with my little sack of pain and be better for it. A repeat blood test show my Liver is normal. A repeat ultrasound show many tiny gallstones.
So.. surgery was nice and early on August 29th 2017. I was extremely nervous and excited the day bad arrived. Now I am on the mend and eating again. It was a close shave for perfect timing; I celebrated my baby brothers 18th birthday on the 9th of September. Not advised but well enough to hit the dance floor with my family on this special night!


I've since researched more about my little sack of pain and wondered if there was more I could have done to save it. From what I have read the gallbladder is very vital despite your ability to live without it! I vaguely remember while I was studying Remedial Massage that it was an organ I never wanted to have an issue with. But life happens and you just have to do your best to look after yourself. Eat well and stress less!
I'll continue to investigate the cause for my condition. My surgeons initial assumption is Pregnancy. However I question bile production as well as Estrogen. Also a connection to my IBS and bile production with symptoms landing in a chicken or the egg scenario. Although I'm gallbladder free It's still very important I eat well to prevent Liver stones and narrow down the initial cause. Without my gallbladder I'm open to a variety of side effects.
Three weeks post surgery I still have mild pain (phantom pain) every now and then. But I'm informed it will pass. If it is not bile stones however!

So now that I am functioning somewhat on a healthier level than I was earlier this year. I'm happy to say my plans for Creatively Beautify are back on track! There is the dilemma of my sewing machine breaking down and in need of replacing... but there is lots for me to show you! And a Green Eggs and Ham birthday party coming up to post about!!
Cheers to good health and a beautify life :)

Love Samantha Aird xx