Assistance Needed to Determine Gallstone Sizes
I am a 22-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 135 pounds. My background is Hispanic, and I've been experiencing issues with gallstones and gastritis. The discomfort is primarily located in my upper abdomen. I was diagnosed with superficial gastritis and gallstones about two months ago. Currently, I am taking ursodiol as medication. After my diagnosis, I reached out to the imaging center to inquire about the size of my gallstones; however, they only disclose that information to the referring physician. Unfortunately, I no longer have contact with that doctor. I have access to around 14 images of my upper body, but I struggle to interpret them on my own. I’m wondering if there's anyone here who could assist me in understanding these images better. My current doctor seems inclined to recommend gallbladder removal without first looking into the size of my stones. I managed to advocate for trying ursodiol before considering surgery, but without knowing the size of the gallstones, I am uncertain about the efficacy of the medication. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 12:11:09 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel uncertain and concerned about gallstones and the appropriate steps for your condition, especially regarding their size and the treatment you are receiving. Your current situation involves managing gallstones and gastritis with medication and contemplating potential surgery.
Key Points
- Gallstone size can impact both the likelihood of symptoms and treatment options.
- Understanding your condition is important, and you have already made steps to advocate for yourself with ursodiol treatment.
- While I can't interpret medical images or provide specific sizes, I can guide you on next steps and alternative ways to gather information.
Explanation
Gallstones can vary in size and can lead to different complications based on that size. Smaller stones may not cause symptoms, while larger ones can block ducts and lead to pain or complications. Ursodiol may help dissolve certain types of gallstones, but its effectiveness can depend on factors like the size and composition of the stones.
Next Steps
-
Request Imaging Interpretation:
- Contact the imaging center again and explain your situation; ask if someone is able to provide a formal interpretation of the images. They might be able to share findings directly or through an authorized request.
-
Seek a Consultation:
- If feasible, consider scheduling an appointment with a gastroenterologist or another provider who can review your past imaging, discuss your symptoms, and explain the size of your gallstones. You may also ask for a copy of your medical records, including imaging reports.
-
Continue Ursodiol:
- Make sure you are taking the ursodiol as prescribed. Document any changes in your symptoms over the coming week, as these observations could be valuable for your next consultation.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of any abdominal pain, changes in digestion, or other symptoms. If you experience severe pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), or persistent nausea, these could be signs of a complication and require immediate attention.
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Communicate Your Concerns:
- When discussing with your doctor, express your concerns about surgery without fully understanding the size of your gallstones. Advocate for transparency in your treatment options.
It’s great that you are actively seeking information and advocating for your health. If you have further questions or updates on your situation, feel free to reach out.
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