Hi all. New to the board, and I have a few questions to either medical professionals, or others who have had gallbladder issues.

I have been having problems in my right side for a few months, and it is getting progressively worse.

I went to my doctor, who sent me for an ultrasound. Upon receiving the results of the ultrasound, my doctor called me and had me immediately go to the ER. She said my gallbladder may be infected, and I needed to go NOW.

According to the ER doctor, my gallbladder was full of stones and sludge, but was not infected. He is setting me up for a surgery consult, who will do the surgery.

What I am wondering is this - what else, other than eating certain foods, can cause gallbladder attacks? My doctor put me on light duty, only 6 hours a day, no more than 5 days a week. However, even working 6 hours a day is tough, because I am on my feet all day. By the end of the day, I am holding on to my side as I am walking out to my car. Is that normal?

I work in retail management, and I am supposed to work 2 nights a week, but after getting up at 7:30 am to get my kids on the bus, by the time I get home after closing the store at night, I'm dead on my feet.

I get dizzy, I am very gassy now, and never was before, and my chest is killing me. It feels like someone is sitting on my chest. It hurts to take deep breaths, so I just take alot of shallow breaths. I am also always tired, to the point that it's everything I can do to get through the day, and I am always always always cold. It can be 85 degrees outside, and I will be bundled up under a fleece blanket.

I told the ER doctor these symptoms, and asked if it was in any way related to the gallbladder issues, but he had no answer for me. He looked 18 years old.

Are any of the issues I am having related to having gallbladder problems? Fatigue? Dizziness? Chest pains?

And can attacks come on without eating certain foods, or are foods the only things that can trigger an attack?

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me.