Help! I just found out I have gallstones!!

[lee1112]

I have been on Atkins since the first of May 2005 and have lost 32 lbs.
SW 230 CW 198. I started because my blood sugar was out of control (high of 400). I am type II diabetic and I guess I just didn't want to admit to myself that I was diabetic. Now my blood sugar avgs 94 and I feel great! However, for the last 15 yrs my liver enzymes have been steadily creeping up. I just had a liver/gallbladder ultrasound, just to find out that I have gallstones, with one as large as 3.8cm. My dr says that the bile duct is only 4mm. I do NOT want an operation and she says that I don't need one as long as I am not having any pain. I am not, but I do feel "twinges" from time to time. I am not surprised at this diagnosis. But my main concern is what do I do now? The Atkins diet wants you to have 65% fat and supposedly I am to avoid fat. Any suggestions?
Thanks! Lee

[Splandrea]

My recommendation would be to follow the Atkins diet religously because diabetes can do A LOT more damage to you than gallstones. If the time comes when you have to get your gallbladder out, you WILL want it out. The pain I felt was ten times worse than childbirth.

Anyway, I think that in order to keep your gallbladder stones from growing or forming more is to eat fat, so that the gallbladder empties on a regular basis and no sediment can bulid up. Dr. Atkins mentions that in DANDR.

[lee1112]

I have read on the internet that there is a chinese herb called "Gold Coin Grass" that is supposed to help soften the gallstones. You are to take the pills for about a month, then do the liver/gallbladder "flush" w/ olive oil & lemon juice. Did you try anything like this?

Andrea, your baby is SO cute!

[Bren]

I would suggest you do as your doctor orders. If you have been on Atkins since May I am hoping you are climbing the OWL ladder? In doing so, you are naturally lowering your fat as you add in the new food groups.
Please either follow your doctors orders and if you are not convinced your doctor is correct you can always get a second opinion. None of us here are medical experts and can only give you our experiences.
I had my gall bladder removed several years ago. IF and I repeat IF you need to have it done....in my case it was total relief! The surgury was much easier then the attacks I was having and have never had a problem since.

[not2late]

I agree with Bren, the little twinges you are feeling are the stone(s) getting stuck in the bile duct and moving out again.

Get a second opinion if you are unsure of your doctor's.

[Splandrea]

My sister did that flush thing for her gallstones and it was working okay, it is horrid diarrhea for a day, and she passed thousands of tiny stones, but then one got stuck and she had to be air lifted to a university hospital to have emergency surgery. She was sick and yellow and almost died from the experience.

[matawguro]

Originally Posted by lee1112

I have read on the internet that there is a chinese herb called "Gold Coin Grass"...

If you're taking conventional medicine, consult your doctor. The possible interactions of chinese herbal medicine with conventional pharmaceuticals could be catastrophic.

[Elsie150]

I'm with Andrea...if you get an actual gall stone attack you will be begging for the surgery. And I did no drugs with the birth of my daughter and it was all back labour. But could only stand about 1 dozen attacks. The stay is overnight. The scars are very tiny and the recovery is quick. Good luck!