Hi everyone,
i'm 21 years old, female, and I was just in italy for 10 days and while I was there I had a gall bladder attack...Pain in my upper right side under my ribs, nausea, severe heart burn, fever, chills, and back pain. I had to have a doctor come to the hotel and he determined I had a gall bladder infection, so he gave me 2 shots right then to alleviate the pain and discomfort. He also prescribed an antibiotic and pills for the pain, nausea and gall bladder spasms. I felt a lot better the next few days, I really watched what I ate and was able to enjoy my vacation for the most part. However, one of the last nights I was in venice I started to experience severe chest pressure and burning, so I had to be taken to the emergency room. Once there, they did x-rays, blood tests, and an ultrasound...I did not have any gall stones and they said I was fine but I was still experiencing the chest pressure which was both very uncomfortable and scary (esp being in another country). When I finally got back to the us, I saw a doctor right away and she said the chest pressure was from my gall bladder and gastrointestinal tract, prescribed me acciphex to soothe it, and since then (2 days ago) I really have not had that awful pressure. However, I still have a mild pain in my upper right abdomin, especially after I eat (and I have been extremely strict in my diet), and I still have pain in my back. I am not in agony by any means, but I am afraid that every time I eat, no matter what it is, that I will feel sick, and it is not comfortable for me to sit for long periods of time because of the pain in my side...It is much better to lie down or stand up. I know I was only diagnosed about a week ago, but I am worried that the persistance of my symptoms is not normal and that I may have to have surgery eventually. This is a very scary thing for me since I am only 21 and im going to grad school in august and don't want to have to constantly worry that i'm going to have gall bladder attacks. If anyone could let me know how long their symptoms persisted after having an infection (not stones), and if they were ever able to eat normally again (i'm pretty healthy, I try to eat healthy any way but every once in a while I do want to be able to eat a slice of pizza or have ice cream without worrying). I would consider the surgery if it would make me feel better and take away this nagging pain and bad feeling after eating. I know this was a long post but i've just been so anxious after finding out about this problem and want to make sure i'll be ok either with or without surgery. Any suggestions, similar problems out there? Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it!