Gallstone symptoms require further investigation

August 9, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 71-year-old female. I have been nauseated for about 10 weeks. It started with just nausea, went to being unable to eat, then to where I cannot stand the smell of foods cooking, especially greasy foods.

I have been eating apples, cheese strips and Wendy’s Frosties for about a month and am now able to eat sliced tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches. I still can’t stand the smell of or eat anything fried.

About two weeks ago I went to my primary care physician. He ran some tests, including an upper GI, X-ray and ultrasound of my abdomen and esophagus. The results seem to show gallstones. He is sending me the diagnosis and a recommendation for a visit to a general surgeon.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With:

Gallstones may be cause of GERD

February 13, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: This is in response to the writer diagnosed with GERD and a hiatal hernia who questioned taking omeprazole. Several years ago, I suffered with the same symptoms and the same diagnosis. Medication did not help me, and finally, after a CT scan, gallstones were discovered. I had laparoscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder and repair the hernia. I have not had any problems since.

DEAR READER: When gallstones form, they can cause a blockage that may cause bile to build up, leading to inflammation and/or pain. The pain can often be confused with that caused by stomach acid.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With: , , , ,

Doctor unsympathetic to pain

November 20, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Five years ago, I complained to my doctor about serious pain in the area of my gallbladder. The pain also extended around to my back. A sonogram was taken and the report came back normal.
I went back to the same doctor two weeks ago to prepare for a colonoscopy. I complained about the same pain. He thrust his hand into that area; I screamed and my legs flew up. Another sonogram was taken and came back normal.

Well, there is nothing normal to me about having this endless pain and discomfort. Is there a more in-depth examination? Can a gallbladder really hurt this long and still be normal?
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

Developer of ‘gallbladder cleanse’ lied

September 15, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a family history of gallbladder trouble, and I react badly to fatty foods. Have you heard of Dr. Hulda Clark’s recipe for a gall bladder cleanse? It is very popular, but is it safe? Sign me cautious.

DEAR CAUTIOUS READER: During Dr. Hulda Clark’s lifetime, she claimed to cure cancer, AIDS and a number of other diseases. She claimed to have held a bachelor and master’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. in physiology from the University of Minnesota. The Register of Ph.D. degrees from U of M, however, indicates that Dr. Clark actually held a doctorate in zoology and minored in botany. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , , , , ,