Gall Bladder Surgery

Mark has to have gall bladder surgery. He's going to have it removed. We're not sure when, but hopefully soon.

Almost four weeks ago Mark starting feeling yucky. It started with a feeling very much like heartburn. Maybe it was even. But, it has since moved down into his abdomen on the right side. It causes him pain, mostly when he cramps there. The cramps come and go. But they make him cough/gag. It's disgusting and uncomfortable to me--but it's nothing compared to how it is for Mark.

I made him finally go to a doctor last Monday. The doctor originally thought it was an ulcer. But the lab results came back for no ulcer but there were elevated markers (???) for his liver function. So on Friday Mark had an ultrasound. The ultrasound didn't show much unusual, other than some "sludge" in his gall bladder. Yes, "sludge" is the word. Ew, gross. Apparently sludge is the forerunner to gall stones. Not good.

Mark's doctor said that Mark could have his gall bladder removed, but he wasn't sure if it would help or not. That's really comforting to us.

Over the three day weekend, Mark was miserable (which made me miserable). It was really bad. The coughing/gagging was terrible. Mark was exhausted. No good. No good at all.

We asked Mark's doctor for a reference for a second opinion. He gave us a name for a gastroenterologist. But that doctor wasn't available for an appointment until APRIL! Mark called our insurance and found some other names. After making quite a few phone calls, he found one who could see Mark today. Hallelujah!

So anyway, the gastroenterologist today agreed that gall bladder removal would probably help a lot. He said with all the symptoms Mark has and with the blood and ultrasound results, he thinks gall bladder removal is the best option.

Mark will meet with the surgeon NEXT Wednesday. (He actually had to make an extra phone call to get an earlier appointment there too. He was originally scheduled for MARCH 5th. Sheesh!)

We'll let you know what happens next week. But, as of this afternoon, I feel so much better with the news and with everything. I've been really worried about Mark. I don't like having Mark sick.