Gallstones/cholestasis while pregnant

gordonk8

anyone have gallbladder attacks while pregnant ? I was diagnosed with gallstones two months back and was told to just eat a low fat diet which I have I even lost weight since I started it and I'm still having the attacks weekly.. And now starting to have severe itching which I'm waitin on my results from my blood work to see if my bile salts is elevated .. Has anyone had their gallbladder removed while pregnant? Starting to feel like that is the best option Im 25 weeks pregnant and am worried about the risks from the gallbladder attacks and the cholestasis risks the obgyn just keeps telling me to follow my diet.. And just to deal with the pain, (I've tried Heatin pads, warm baths with Epsom salts, Tylenol, Apple cider vinegar ) but the severe pain goes on for hours and I've ended up in the er multiple times the past few months .. Any input will be greatly appreciated

celainev

The itching is more likely due to your skin stretching... 25 weeks seems a bit premature for cholestasis. Did they find stones while doing an ultrasound? I've had gallbladder attacks after eating high fat meals. But it was easily controlled by not eating fatty meals. I mean, your doctor would advise you on whether surgery is the best option. But if he/she really believes that it can be controlled with diet than maybe you're still not eating the correct foods? Maybe start keeping a food diary and show your doctor what you are eating before the attacks occur.

chellechan1

I had my gallbladder removed during my first pregnancy. I decided a minimal risk surgery was better than the large doses of pain med (usually morphine ) that it took to stop the attacks that kept sending me to the ER. I needed a week off of work, but it wasn't too bad. Best wishes, Mama!

gordonk8

Yes they found a few stones and once I changed my diet it increased to about 50 so clearly the clean eating / low fat diet didn't help I've literally cut everything out and check every single things fat content before I even think about eating it the one day I ate grilled chicken and green beans and it caused an attack .. Yesterday I ate veggies, fruit, and mini wheat cereal with lactose free and fat free milk .. And had another one the diet changes just doesn't help.. Even adding Apple cider vinegar into my daily routine, which is suppose to help gallstones and give instant relief for attacks which its never helped for me.. Cholestasis can start early it's just not as common, I have many scabs from itching so bad on my feet and hands and it's worse at night .. and @chellechan1 how far along were you when they did the surgery ? I'm worried about the constant er visits and pain meds also so I think the surgery is the best option, I hate going to the er because they just think it's common pregnancy pain and I'm fine, but I have never experienced this much pain in my life if I could live off of not eating barely anything I would just to avoid the attacks but obviously being pregnant baby needs more nutrients .. Thanks ladies, gonna call my dr this am and see if I can meet with a general surgeon and talk about gettin the gallbladder removed