I will try to keep this as short as possible. I have had tiny gallstones for over 10 yrs and have put off having it out as I am terrified of surgery.
I had one attack years ago and I had classic symptoms, very painful to touch under right rib with pain into right shoulder - lasted 6 hrs. I have had yearly ultrasounds and liver tests so far with no complications.

4 months ago i woke in night with severe feeling of pressure around navel radiating both sides to two spots that felt like I was being poked - not painful just uncomfortable, I had gurgles then two loose bowel movements - if I stand up the pressure goes away it returns a bit if I sit bad if I lay down, lasted two days. I have since had attacks always starting in night somtimes once a week sometimes with 6 weeks between.

So far have had aortic ultrasound. lots of bloods, liver etcv okay. sigmoidoscopy okay and ultrasound of all abdomen inc ovaries etc.

Only results were at aortic scan lots of gas in colon and my usual small gallstones at other scan but ducts clear and no thickineing of gallbladder.

Consultant says he thinks pressure attacks are irritable bowel but advises me to have gallbladder removed to get rid of risk of complications as I am ony 46yrs old and he says longer I have the stones more risk there is.

I have to say these pressure sensations do not feel like gallbladder as I can prod and push under my right rib and have no pain plus my liver tests have been fine all along even during one of these attacks. I does feel like full colon/gas?

I dont' want to have surgery unless I have to but also don't want to dismiss these attacks as IBS if theya re connected to my gallbladder.

I just don't know what to do and would be grateful for opinions.