Gallbladder and bile duct issues – any advice?

Since Hrvoje hasn't been active on the forum for a while, I’ll attempt to answer these questions myself. Just a disclaimer: I don't practice gastroenterology anymore, so there's a margin for error here.

Angela Wright said:Is it possible that the sludge seen on the ultrasound cleared out, or would it be invisible on an MRI?

An MRCP can certainly detect gallbladder sludge; in fact, it might even be more sensitive than an ultrasound. Source for this.

Furthermore, gallbladder sludge is quite common toward the end of pregnancy and for some time postpartum, though in most cases, it resolves on its own. Source for this.

It is entirely possible that the sludge simply cleared out in this instance.

So, what am I looking at now with a folded gallbladder? Is it possible the folding was caused by those two subsequent attacks following the first ultrasound?

Based on the medical literature—and my own training—a folded gallbladder is considered an anatomical variation present from embryonic development. It's unlikely to be caused by body positioning or a baby kicking near the right rib cage.

Generally, a folded gallbladder isn't noted as a specific clinical issue. From what I understand, the gastroenterologists I've consulted suggest looking elsewhere for the cause of symptoms rather than the fold itself. That said, if certain types of folding carry specific significance, that's a question for someone with subspecialty expertise.

Gallbladder sludge can mask small stones during an ultrasound, so it's possible tiny stones were missed and were actually the culprit. These micro-stones (microlithiasis) can definitely cause issues.

The general consensus is that surgery is reserved for symptomatic patients—those actually experiencing trouble.

Also, looking at the referral, the gastroenterologist noted "suspected liver lesions and microlithiasis." I wouldn't assume those two findings are necessarily linked.

edit: I didn't do the liver function tests because they told me to wait until a few days before my follow-up (I have a standing lab order), so I'm not sure where things stand. But the MRI shows the liver is fine. Should I head to the local clinic to get the bloodwork done anyway?

That depends on when your appointment is. Assuming the doctor will see you relatively soon, waiting a week or two shouldn't make much difference.

Thanks for the reply. My doctor’s finally back in action and scheduled me for Tuesday; I’ve got some tests running tomorrow, so hopefully that gives us the full picture.
Regarding that suspected lesion—it showed up on the ultrasound, but they didn't mention any folding, and the report actually noted there was no thickening present.
I'm really curious to see what the next steps are. Since you have to keep an eye on suspected polyps to make sure they aren't growing, I'm guessing I'll be headed back for another ultrasound in about a month.

My apologies, but I truly wasn't sure where to direct this inquiry—I couldn't find a more appropriate thread...
Last week was quite rough; I ended up in the ER, and they told me there's an issue with my gallbladder—apparently, I need to follow a very strict gallbladder-friendly diet...
They ran blood work—mild inflammation, they said—and performed some imaging, though nothing showed up clearly yet. Now, I'm scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound and an endoscopy...
I am simply posting this to provide an update on my situation...
The core question is: am I allowed to have chocolate pudding while on this specific diet?
I’ve reached a point where I’m at a loss for what to eat—I am constantly hungry...🙂 😵
Thank you.😁

analogseal86 said:Sorry, I’m honestly not sure where to post this... couldn't find a better thread...
Last week was rough. Ended up in the ER and they told me it’s something with my gallbladder. Now I’m stuck on a strict gallbladder diet...
They ran blood work—slight inflammation, apparently. Scans showed nothing, but now I have to go back for an abdominal ultrasound and an endoscopy.
Just posting this to give you guys an update on what's going on...
The big question: can I actually eat chocolate pudding on a gallbladder diet or not?
I have no idea what to eat anymore, and I am constantly starving. 🙂 😵
Thanks. 😁

It's weird they didn't hand you a printed list of approved foods. I have a list of everything allowed on a gallbladder diet right here; I can scan it and send it over to you. Let me know if you want it.

The doctor told me to go look it up online 😁

analogseal86 said:my doctor basically told me to just go Google it myself😁

Hmm, now that I’m actually thinking back on it...

I knew at least one woman who, right after her gallbladder removal, cut out dairy entirely and lived on things like oatmeal, chocolate cereal mixed with fruit juice, or those vitamin drinks.

There are definitely some basic guidelines you should follow, but honestly, everyone handles the recovery differently and finds their own rhythm. 🍿

Actually, I’ve switched over to using 1% milk now...

Hey everyone.
Can someone walk me through what severe gallbladder inflammation actually feels like? Also, has anyone here dealt with gallbladder issues triggered by stress? My mom has been dealing with intense pain and attacks in her stomach area for three months now, though it’s only recently migrated to her right side.
Her latest MRI confirmed inflammation, but the doctor is suggesting she see a neuropsychiatrist. He’s claiming that pain this intense can't just be physical—that there’s a psychological component involved, specifically tied to stress. Honestly, the last three months have been terrifying. Between all the endless testing, specialist appointments, and hospital stays, I’m starting to get scared myself that there might be something deeper going on that isn't just going to go away.

I need some advice here. I’ve been diagnosed with a gallbladder infection. My doctor put me on antibiotics and cleared me to head home with instructions to stick to a specific diet and just get plenty of rest. After about four days, the pain subsided quite a bit, but then—after only lasting a few hours—it flared right back up again. It's not quite as intense as it was at the very beginning, I guess, but it's definitely there. Since I don't have any experience dealing with this kind of thing, I'm wondering if anyone who has been through it could tell me if this fluctuation is normal or if it's actually something to worry about? I haven't had any nausea or vomiting, and everything else seems fine, I suppose.

Nancy Anderson90 said:I’m looking for some guidance regarding a gallbladder infection I was recently diagnosed with. My doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics and cleared me to head home, provided I stick to a strict diet and get plenty of rest. After about four days, the pain subsided significantly, but after holding steady for a few hours, it flared up again—though thankfully with less intensity than when it first started. Since I haven't dealt with anything like this before, I am unsure what the typical progression of this illness looks like. Could someone who has experienced this explain if these fluctuations in pain are standard or if they should be a cause for concern? Aside from the discomfort, I don't have any nausea or vomiting, and everything else seems to be functioning normally.

Issues of this nature tend to fluctuate quite frequently, much like a temperamental engine, because the gallbladder is a rather simple organ that contracts every single time you introduce food into your stomach and intestinal tract.
Naturally, maintaining a disciplined diet by avoiding heavy, greasy, or highly seasoned foods is essential.
It is also vital to confirm whether the inflammation was triggered by the presence of gallstones.