Analgesics for possible gallstones?

[kira000]

Hiya,

I've had odd sharp, severe pains very sporadically in upper central abdo region up and around my back, almost following where a bra band would go, for about 2 years now- some of you may remember me asking about them once before- consensus was possible oesophogeal (sp) spasm.
In the past they happened maybe once every six months if that, sudden onset, lasting 20mins to an hour.
In the last month it has happened about 6-7 times, lasting betweeen 45mins and last nights record attack of 7 hours, waking me about midnight and going all night, and increasingly severe. This is the 4th attack starting at night.

It is so painful i have now made an appointment with the docs, but he couldnt fit me in till next Tuesday.
Frankly, i'm a bit scared of having another attack like that in the mean time. I have a suspicion having talked to a family member, that it may be actually be gallstones, which my grandmother, and her mother both had ops for.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, in case of another attack before i see the doc, is it a) safe and b) will it do any good, to take any form of analgesic if it is gallstones? And i guess c) which one if any should i try?

Supplementary question, do you think i should come out and tell the doc what i think it might be, or is it best just to tell him whats been happening and let him make the call. I imagine it must be annoying for GPs to get patients guessing!

Thanks for any thoughts you may have..

[Goodsoulette]

I had gallstones, sounds very much like them. 7 hours is still not a long, long one though I am afraid. I am afraid no pain killers you take at home will touch them, you'll have to cart yourself in to a and e for pain relief. I had a diamorphine (sp) drip when one caused a blockage and that still didnt relieve me of my pain. The best thing you can do is avoid triggers, I found all fat (esp dairy), biscuits were a definite no no, coke or any fizzy needed to be avoided. I had mine taken out a year ago and the fear of the pain still makes me avoid biscuits lol

Good luck and say yes to that op if it is gallstones.

[Sqad]

Difficult.
Not sure that your symptoms are due to gallstones, but your GP will be better placed than me to comment.

For the pain I would certainly try Ibuprofen 600mgs initially as it may well produce relief.
Merbenty 20mgms relieves the pain of Gall Stones but I am not sure if they can be given over the counter.
As Goodsoulete says, if the pain is so severe, them Morphine or Pethidine may be required and that would mean a trip to A&E

Let the Dr listen to your history and examine you first before you come out with yopur own suggestions.

[kira000]

Good Soulette, Sqad,

Thanks both for the advice. Will wait and see what doc says in relation to the symptoms.

Kx