Follow Up Part 4

I guess this appointment really wasn't a follow up about reproduction, but since my gallbladder issues all started while I was in the hospital I thought that title would work.

After seeing the results from the ultrasound of my gallbladder, my OBGYN referred me to a surgeon.  The appointment went well.  I had to fill out new patient paperwork yet again (still not a fan of the reproductive questions).  Once I got into a room and met the doctor, however, things were better.  He was very nice and thorough.  He said he agreed based on the ultrasound that I did indeed have gallstones and a polyp.  He asked if I'd had any pain.  About a week and a half or two weeks ago I did have what I believe was a minor attack.  I woke up with severe back pain focused around my shoulder blades.  It was sharp and I couldn't get comfortable or go back to sleep.  I also had pain under my right breast (the epigastric pain they'd always been asking me about in the hospital . . . now I knew what they were talking about).  After a while I took some ibuprofen and that helped enough for me to eventually go back to sleep.

After he did a brief exam he said his recommendation was to have my gallbladder removed.  He said once you have a problem, you'll always have a problem.  It's unpredictable, but it will happen.  He also said that while polyps in the gallbladder were not thought to be as severe when it comes to being an indicator for cancer as when they are in the colon, research is showing that they should be taken more seriously.  People who have polyps in their gallbladders are much more likely to have gallbladder cancer.  Basically: polyp + gallstones + attack =  take it out.  I'm just fine with this.  I'd rather get it out of the way now so I know in the future I won't have to worry about it.

Luckily the surgery is out patient and they do it laparoscopically.  I don't think I could handle being in the hospital over night again.  It's minimally invasive and the recovery time is shorter.  So that's what I have to look forward to on August 8th.  What's another medical procedure this year, right?