Any EBF moms have experience with gallstones and/or gallbladder surgery?

[nonsenseprecious]

I'm the happy mother of a 2.5-old daughter and a 20-month old son, and I'm pretty sure I have gallstones or some kind of gallbladder issues. I get a lot of pain under my ribs on the upper right side, and it radiates around to my back. Lately all food seems to hurt, and I've been trying to stay away from anything fatty or greasy. I was about 95% vegan (I'd occasionally have a little cheese or Greek yogurt), so I don't eat a lot of junk, but I've been avoiding oil, nuts, tahini, etc. (along with pretty much everything but dry toast/fruit/crackers/rice). 

Anyway, the nurse at my midwife's office recommended that I see a GI specialist, and I have an appointment in two weeks. It seems like it's pretty likely that there will be surgery, and that's fine. I'm over this and ready for it not to hurt anymore! I have two questions:

1. Has anyone been through this surgery while breastfeeding? I'm still nursing pretty much around the clock. I'm prepared to pump and stock up beforehand if necessary, but I'd like to limit use of bottles (she hasn't had one yet) and nurse as much before and after as I can. I'm eager to any advice on this or would just appreciate hearing about your experience. 

2. Does anyone have advice for managing the discomfort until I see the doctor? Most of the time it is strong and steady, but dull, if that makes sense. I'm not having a lot of nausea or vomiting, but the pain seems pretty constant over the past two weeks or so, with some short periods (a day or so) where I don't seem to notice it much, and other days where I feel sort of lousy. 

THANK YOU!!

[dairy2dogs]

I've been having similar symptoms and have also suspected a gallbladder problem or an ulcer.  I did go to urgent care and was put on nexium (for the hearburn I was having in addition to the pain under the ribs).  Then I saw my chiropractor and she suggested liver detox tea.  I've been using one with nettle.  She also suggested taking digestive enzymes with every meal.  I've been using DGX and AMS by theramedix.  The combo of the 3 things have given me a lot of relief. 

I hope you feel better soon.

[babygrant]

Originally Posted by nonsenseprecious 

I'm the happy mother of a 2.5-old daughter and a 20-month old son, and I'm pretty sure I have gallstones or some kind of gallbladder issues. I get a lot of pain under my ribs on the upper right side, and it radiates around to my back. Lately all food seems to hurt, and I've been trying to stay away from anything fatty or greasy. I was about 95% vegan (I'd occasionally have a little cheese or Greek yogurt), so I don't eat a lot of junk, but I've been avoiding oil, nuts, tahini, etc. (along with pretty much everything but dry toast/fruit/crackers/rice). 

Anyway, the nurse at my midwife's office recommended that I see a GI specialist, and I have an appointment in two weeks. It seems like it's pretty likely that there will be surgery, and that's fine. I'm over this and ready for it not to hurt anymore! I have two questions:

1. Has anyone been through this surgery while breastfeeding? I'm still nursing pretty much around the clock. I'm prepared to pump and stock up beforehand if necessary, but I'd like to limit use of bottles (she hasn't had one yet) and nurse as much before and after as I can. I'm eager to any advice on this or would just appreciate hearing about your experience. 

2. Does anyone have advice for managing the discomfort until I see the doctor? Most of the time it is strong and steady, but dull, if that makes sense. I'm not having a lot of nausea or vomiting, but the pain seems pretty constant over the past two weeks or so, with some short periods (a day or so) where I don't seem to notice it much, and other days where I feel sort of lousy. 

THANK YOU!!

[neetling]

I had my gallbladder removed when my middle child was 11 months old and still nursing extensively.  She refused bottles.  I have a slightly amusing story about my mom holding her away from my abdomen when I got home from the surgery center so she would stop screaming to nurse.  At 11 months old she would eat other food, but she was a total nursing fanatic.  I just got pain pills that were mostly nursing compatible and used them only when I really needed them.

I managed before my surgery with a very low fat diet.