It was approx 2 years ago when I discovered I had a gallstone issue (Oct 2015). I was eating extremely spicy Indian food at the time and it must have made the stone move and it blocked the GB bile exit that caused a 12 hour attack. I saw my PCP the next day and he ordered an abdominal ultrasound to see what was going on. (I wish he would've also ordered a pelvic ultrasound since I am female but he did not...you will read more below why I say this). The abdominal ultrasound results revealed I had a half inch GB stone, sludge and GB wall of 4mm thick (inflammation). A year later the stone grew to 1 inch large from another abdominal ultrasound. Anyway, I experienced many more attacks over the 2 years. I learned through much painful "trial and error" of what type of foods to stay away from.
For my particular case with 1 LARGE stone, I could not eat the following: anything with peppermint, dark chocolate, any type of oil (olive or any other), anything greasy like rotisserie chicken with skin, caffeinated coffee, any gassy vegetable (including beans, broccoli, cauliflower etc). I could eat some of this maybe a tablespoon of these (except the dark chocolate or peppermint). I also could eat only limited dense bread of any kind (1-2 tablespoons only). I could not drink any type of beer.
So long as I eat low quantity at a time and if the weather is cold I could eat even LESS quantity. If I failed on any of this, it would mean a guaranteed attack (4-16 hours long). So far, in the last 6 months I have lost 10+ pounds. I eventually discovered 3-4 pills of ibuprofen would help my attacks sometimes. Well thanks be to God, I finally discovered via Google, a place on this planet that preserves the gallbladder by removing the stone(s) only and it is in China! Learning of this good news, I have scheduled GB preservation surgery (http://nogallstones.com/ or https://elikimclinic.ru ) and I will update this blog once I return from my trip. I chose to preserve my gallbladder organ and China is the only country on the planet performing this surgery as of year 2017, everywhere else they remove the stone(s) AND the GB organ. I depart in a little over 2 weeks from now (May 11, 2017) and will be sure to post my experience. Pray that all goes well for me. I hope to be 100% healthy again soon.June 2017:
I am back from my gallstone removal surgery in Guangzhou China (http://nogallstones.com/ or https://elikimclinic.ru) and all went great thanks be to God! I will get into the details later, but for now it is critical I post the following - ATTENTION WOMEN:
Come to find out I had TWO overlapping problems, the gallstone limited me to eat certain TYPES of food and drink; then I also had numerous fibroids (aka tumors) throughout my uterus! This also limited me to eat certain types of food and drink and gave me a "sense of fullness". I have two very large 4 and 5 inch diameter sized fibroids on top of the uterus and several medium and smaller throughout. Apparently this is why I would get bloated and could not eat large quantities of food, and not drink beer or bread (yeast), not the gallstone! They were making my uterus press against certain intestines and bowels creating the sense of fullness. Be proactive and take charge of your own health ladies (especially over 30 or 40 years old), and request your GYN doctor for a pelvic ultrasound to be included each year with the women's PAP / Breast exam. This is the only way to find out if you have any fibroids in the pelvic area (uterus) before they grow large so the doctor can easily remove them in the most non-invasive way. It is a long story as to how I discovered or self diagnosed this problem by the Grace of God through a friend because both my PCP and GYN doctors had not, unfortunately.
I will write more about the experience in China and post more pictures soon...Overall, it went very well and I would not hesitate to do it again. I just pray the gallstone does not redevelop.
Some pictures from the hospital in China:
Above picture: The hospital info where I had my surgery.
Above Picture: a picture they had posted in the hospital wall of what the new hospital will look like that they are in process of building. It's suppose to open some time in late 2017.
Above picture: the day of surgery NO FOOD and nothing to drink. Second day bland rice porridge (white rice & hot water) and water only. Third day same for breakfast but then dinner a regular meal.
Above 2 pictures: is the yummy food they served us in hospital - ordered from a local restaurant. For breakfast we had fried egg with fried noodles and sweet bread with yogurt drink or milk drink.
Above 2 pictures: is the post surgery medication the doctors prescribed that I brought back with me.
Above picture: only 2 incisions. Belly button for camera and the other is a half to one- inch incision which is the location of the GB where the gallstone was removed and the gallbladder cut and sewn back up.
One week after my gallstone removal surgery I was eating a piece of "deep" fried Hong Kong chicken! ;-) I know shame on me...I couldn't help myself. I only ate 2 or 3 bites though because I had another medical issue and had to have a second surgery once I returned home (fibroid issue mentioned above!).
Hi Monica,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting your experience.
I have some questions, I am planning to go to China for the surgery, is it safe to bring my 5 years old kid to this country? how is the safety and the security of the city?
Hi Evie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog and let me know if you have any other questions. It is very safe and secure in China. So long as you have a partner go along with you to care for the child as you undergo surgery and recovery. Pack light because post surgery you won't be able to lift child or luggage so your partner will have to over compensate. Me and my friend took along 1 carry-on luggage each with wheels and that was it. If you take a look at the comments under this youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFOzx-cFTNc&feature=youtu.be), you could also ask Marilou Tarrant. She is Australian and had her surgery in China the same day I did and her husband and young child went along. She could provide more details and perspective regarding taking along a child. As for the security and safety it is totally fine.
Thank you for answering me so quick.
ReplyDeleteNow I know that this surgery is not a scam. I will ask Marilou Tarrant about this. Both my PCP and my surgeon told me that this kind of procedure is too risky, and they didn't recommend me to do it. But I am very scare living without GB, that's why I am still looking for more information about this. I live in Los Angeles, CA, and Thank God they will have a free consultation in LA this coming July, and I already signed up.
I have four stones and living with gallstones for almost 8 months is really painful, so thank you so much again Monica for sharing your experience, it will help a lot of people who have gallbladder stones.
Hello, Evie, have you already been consulted in LA ? Please advise.
DeleteYou're welcome. Who is having a free consultation in LA in July? It is the Chinese doctors? If so, great!
ReplyDeleteYes, the Chinese doctors. I found in their website that they are giving a free consultation for the one who consider to do this surgery here in LA from 10 to 21 July 2017.
DeleteHello Monica, how is it possible to get such a big gallstone out of the gallbladder? Do they cut the gallbladder open?
ReplyDeleteHi, yes. There is a small half inch cut in the rib cage area (where they cut the bottom of the GB to take it out). They stitch up the GB and the rib cage area. Then you'll notice my belly button has tape on it as well. They cut a small quarter inch incision for the camera to not only help see and guide them but they also take a video of the whole procedure.
DeleteHello Monica!
ReplyDeleteI have finally put our blog together. For anyone reading this, myself and Monica had our operations in China on the same day. My experiences can be read about here;
http://savegallbladder.blogspot.com.au
Marilou
Thank you Marilou and yes your blog is great and very informative. Hope you are continuing to be well.
DeleteHey Monica where are you from? I'm brazilan and found a gallstone in a routine exams, I want to make this procedure at instead remove GB.
ReplyDeleteHi Ale,
DeleteI live in Texas USA. Keep in mind just because a stone(s) shows up on xray, you may not experience any pain from it for all of your life.
Hi Monica.. Thanks for posting your experience.. I am Canadian and have been looking for place that can do gallbladder sparing surgery to remove 2.8 cm calcified gallstone.. Would it be possible for me to ask you questions by email or phone..I would greatly appreciate it.. Thanks in advance..Fred
ReplyDeleteHi Canadian, Sure ask away! Is your 2.8 cm stone causing you grief or did it just show up on an xray?
DeleteIt was discovered on a CT scan taken a year ago.. My family doctor just mentioned it to me in passing and ignored it..I was asymptomatic and unaware of the silent stone other than I noticed for the past 2 years bloating after eating. It didn't seem normal to me to have such a large silent stone so I began to do some research and learnt of the potential problems with having such a large stone such as gallbladder cancer and potential attacks in the future and compromised functioning of the GB. I read about flushes but was sceptical and afraid about trying to pass a large stone in a relatively narrow duct etc. I did try some milk thistle extract for 3 weeks which resulted in me for the first time having pain associated with the stone. I continued googleing until I found that Chinese doctors have been performing gallbladder sparing surgery for more than 10yrs. I wish to retain my GB but get rid of the stone while hopefully my GB is in good enough shape to save, so I am trying to learn what I should do..The idea of going to China for surgery kinda scares me and is expensive but there is no other option at present.. I don't think I should put it off indefinitely just because I am asymptomatic other than bloating after eating.. I would greatly appreciate if could contact you to learn more..PS.. How have you been feeling now and is there anything you would have done differently given your experience.. Thanks
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the bloating. I had that feeling too. I am doing very well now, however. I had 2 overlapping issues and had 2 surgeries in order to fix all of my digestive problems...a mess I was for sure! I am normal now with no problems. There is nothing I would've done differently. If my stone comes back I will go back to China and have it removed again. I pray this does not happen anytime soon, but if 5+ years later, I won't hesitate and have it done again. They are really great and there is nothing to fear. I was the same way before going but I knew it was the only option on the planet to get it done and I absolutely enjoyed my visit while I was there.
DeleteI forgot to mention one other thing...you are right that the stone is too large to try to expel so I would strongly suggest stay away from ALL home remedies. They won't work because it is so large....even if it was small it is risky too because it can get stuck in the bile duct system and cause jaundice and pancreatis issues.
DeleteSubsequently I did google search "living with silent gallstone" and learnt that prophylactic tx. is not recommended. The vast majority of people discovered to have silent gallstone will live without any gallstone related problems. Studies indicate that the risk of gallbladder cancer or other problems is far too low to warrant prophylactic intervention. These findings are good news for me. Although I would prefer not to have this large calcified stone, I am presently undecided whether I will proceed with the surgery in the absence of any symptoms. Thanks for posting your experience and wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteMonica I have a few questions. If you have time please answer. 1. What category or under what code did you use to apply for your Chinese visa? Like in the countey as tourist? Or did you just show them your doctor letter? Im also in Texas, so I hope to apply at the same place and the more I know the better. I just had another attack so I will have to wait another month for healing, I think.
ReplyDelete2. Did you find it easy getting an ultrasound that included all the information needed by Chinese doctors?
Hi AnonymousNovember 14, 2017 at 10:16 AM:
Delete1) Tourist Visa because we did tour the area a little after and before the surgery
We flew out of Houston into Hong Kong because it was a lot less expensive. I highly recommend using Google Flights to find the most inexpensive flights. It works great and is the best out there!
2) Yes it was no problem requesting the ultrasound from my primary care physician. I let them know I was in pain and that I was contemplating surgery in USA (GB removal) or abroad. I hope this helps. Lmk of any other questions you have.
Monica thank you for answering my questions. I do have a couple more: 1. Do they really only take cash payment for surgery? My understanding is that you can only bring $5000 cash with you to China, and the operation is over $6000. Did you take travelers checks as well? I'm really nervous about the payment process. 2. Will the hospital call a taxi to get me to the airport after recovery? Estimated cost? It's an hour or 40 minutes back to airport. Sorry to bother you with all these questions, I just really want to be prepared. Thank you!
DeleteMonica thank you for answering my questions. I'm preparing to go and am a bit nervous. I have 2 more questions.
ReplyDelete1. Does the hospital only accept cash? U.S. citizens can only carry $5000 into China and the surgery is over $6000. Did you supplement with traveler's checks or arrange something with your bank?
2. I won't be traveling after so I'm wondering if the hospital would arrange to call a taxi to airport on day of release? How much do you think it might cost? I know the airport is about an hour away...
Thanks again for answering my questions, I just want to make the trip as easy as possible.
Dear Anonymous:
Delete1) I had a friend go with me so we split it up. We took USD ($100 bills cash: make sure the $100 bills are the latest, not the older bills). It does not take a lot of space. It is very thin. We used separate claim forms, for instance I claimed $3200 and my friend claimed the remaining amount. Once we arrived in China, next day we went with the other foreigners who were getting the same surgery and we all walked together to a local bank to convert our USD to RMB cash currency. We kept the cash on our bodies or inside our boots at all times and were fine. A bag or purse on the shoulder could be lost.
2) The hospital will help transport using their free shuttle only if they are not busy that particular day you are departing. Otherwise, you will have to pay for it.
I don't mind answering your questions, but it seems in personable to address you as Anonymous.
Hello Monica,
ReplyDeleteHow is your gallbladder now few months after the op ?
Thanks !
Hi Rysiek,
DeleteThings are great! No problems at all. No limitations on what I can eat or drink. I am back to normal. The only problem is I need to go back to eating healthy again with very few cheat moments eating high fat food. Ha How are you feeling?
I am doing all right :) Still planning my trip to China :) Did you enjoy the holiday season ? Did you have some time off to re-energize ? :)
DeleteGreat, good for you! Let me know if you can think of other questions before leaving on your trip. There is not a day that goes by that I am so grateful for being whole and normal again by having no limits on food and drink choice. I am very happy about this.
DeleteHI Monica, thanks for your blog. I am planning for surgery but I was asked to make 100 % payment upfront even before surgery. Was this your experience as well? Thank you for any feedback you can provide.
ReplyDeleteHi, Yes I had to take my cash (USD) (and it is pretty thin, not thick at all) with me from US to China. We flew into Hong Kong and then took speed boat into China and there were no problems at all. Once in China, the next day we all walked together as a group (there was a couple from Australia, and another from Ukraine) to a local bank to get our currencies converted into the Chinese RMB and then paid the hospital Int'l Language Translator coordinator, Natalie (at that time). Then we were off to get xrays etc prep-work in the hospital and then the next morning the surgery. Best of luck and lmk if you have any other questions.
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ReplyDeleteDear Monica - thanks for your quick response. Best of health to you.
ReplyDeleteHI Monica, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It is so kind and generous of you and so helpful for those of us considering this surgery but with questions and nerves around the process! I have a few questions for you. Would it be possible to write you an email? If so please send me your email contact and I will write to you directly. Thanks again. I really appreciate your time! :)
ReplyDeleteHello Monica,
ReplyDeleteHow are you? I hope you are doing well.
I have a problem to find hotel (2 or 3 star hotel)thru google map that near to the hospital. Can you help me please? Where did your family stayed while in Guangzhou, how far is it from the hospital? I am planning go to China this Oct, but has confirmation that only 1 person will allowed to stay in a ward, so I have to looking a hotel for my other family.
Thank you.
I am doing well so far. Google maps should show nearby hotel. We stayed in Hong Kong at Best Western Plus and took a speed boat on the day of check in to hospital. Natalie picked us up at boat port near Guangzhou. Best of luck and sorry it took me a while to respond. I am in process of moving
DeleteNice Blog Post!!This information is definitely useful for everyoneGynecologist in Bangalore | IVF Treatment Centre in Bangalore | Gynaecology Hospitals in Bangalore
ReplyDeleteHello Monica,
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel now? Is your gallbladder ok?
Hi Pavel, I feel great and can eat and drink ANYTHING. I hope a stone does not grow again in my GB, but I would not hesitate to go thru the surgery again. It is safe and well worth it to save my organ. Best of luck in your decision.
DeleteHi Monica, I want to thank you for answering my questions before my trip to Guangzhou, China. My decision to go was made so much easier knowing others had gone before me...before going though, I did do my due diligence and visited the hospital and talking to Dr. Wang before signing up for surgery. With all the scams that exist in the world today one can't be too careful. Dr. Wang was very kind and answered my questions and I had surgery just one minth ago. Already I feel the relief and don't wake up with pain. It has been a surreal experience and I just want to thank you, Mark & Marilou, Lauren, and the Austrailian woman who have all put your blogs up to help people preserve their gallbladders.
DeleteYou are welcome Smiles - we likely wouldn't have been game to go over without reading the blogs of others too. Marilou is still symptom free and healthy over 2 years since her op in May 2017. Dr Wang assisted Dr Qiao with Marilou's procedure, so it is good he is now doing them himself as they need more doctors trained. The bonus with Dr Wang is he speaks English.
DeleteGreetings from Australia Monica! For anyone reading this, Marilou and Monica had their ops on the same day.
Hi Monica, what is your surname, I am actually verifying if this blog is real, as I am now planning to have this surgery. And I am not sure if this is real..
ReplyDeleteGil, I had the same hesitation. I actually traveled to China and spoke to Dr. Wang before traveling there a second time to do the surgery. I used the first sign Monica posted on her blog to find the Chinese hospital address. I stayed at the airport hotel and took the subway down to the hospital (you will have to walk a mile to the hospital from the subway station). If you want to avoid the subway...you can take a taxi and print out the picture with the address on it. It will also be necessary for you to take some kind of translation app. as few people speak English at the reception area when you first get to hospital. For me, these testimonials helped, but going there and talking to the doctor made the final decision. Nataly, the coordinating doctor said they will be opening a new hospital in October...whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best and no more pain.
DeleteGil, it is as real as it gets. We are so blessed that this hospital in China offers this alternative surgery. This is why I posted pictures of my experience. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you have. Thanks and best of luck. Thank you Smiles for posting again on my blog. Good for you and your thorough due diligence.
DeletePosting the pics was a great idea Monica - didn't think of it for our blog, except for the picture of everyone in the hospital courtyard. The hospital picked us up from the airport and dropped us off at our hotel afterwards. Even the driver was a nice bloke, although he didn't speak a word of English. One of the things that really struck me with the hospital staff and doctors, is they had no trace of the arrogance and superiority of some western doctors I have met, and they don't try and rule you through fear. The doctors here in Australia had Marilou petrified, trying to talk her into having her GB out. They told her it was sick and not functioning, which wasn't true. She just had Gall Stones, and Dr Qiao told me immediately after her op (through an interpreter) that her Gall Bladder was very healthy.
DeleteHello, I was very interested in your story, my husband also has a problem with gallstones. I have a question, were you in London before going to China? ANNA
ReplyDeleteHi Ana, I live in Texas so I flew from Texas (Houston) to Hong Kong direct flight. Then took a boat to China. Hope this helps.
DeleteHi Monica, Would like to know how you are after 4 or years have passed since you had the operation.. Also, is it possible to learn more about how to organize logistics and contacts to be able to have the same operation. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI am still pain free thanks be to God. I highly recommend. It takes time to piece the trip together but once you arrive to hospital its worry free.
DeleteWHere do I start? Is possible you could provide contact info or email with whom I need to begin the process? the nogallstones webpage no longer exists.. Is it possible you could provide a step by step outline of how you make contact and arrangements and any preliminary tests required etc? Would be greatly appreciated. Who was Dr (full name) that did the surgery for you.
ReplyDeletehttps://elikimclinic.ru
DeleteIs the new website and new hospital. Be sure and choose English on website. All the details are on there.
Thanks for the info. However, the website provided is by a third party that organizes things for foreigners seeking this type of surgery. Another blogger stated there is a huge difference in cost by going thru this russian intermediary. I am seeking direct contact information of Dr Qiao or Nataly who can help with logistics. Any possibility you have contact info for them would be greatly appreciated.
DeleteHi try calling in WHATSAPP +86 136 2288 6224. Please ask them what is their new website replacement to nogallstones.com and Please let me know so I can update my blog. Thanks
Deletethat is the number on the elilimclinic.ru link that you already provided. Do you not have contact info for Nataly or Dr Qiao directly when you originally went for your operation? How did you originally establish contact before you went and to whom you sent ulatrasound image and info etc?
DeleteThe 2 ways I communicated with them was through the number I shared with you and their email: nogallstones@hotmail.com I did not dialog with the Doctor directly nor Natalie. When I arrived at the China airport is when I first met and spoke to Natalie when she picked us up. I hope this helps. They are a very busy hospital - esp the Dr and Natalie.
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ReplyDeleteBest Gallbladder Surgery Hospital in Coimbatore
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ReplyDeleteI am looking for information in Gallstones in Marathi
How to get rid of Gallstones in Marathi पित्ताशयात खडे का निर्माण होतात
Surgeons for gallbladder removal, known as cholecystectomy, are skilled medical professionals specializing in this minimally invasive procedure. They possess the expertise to safely and effectively remove the gallbladder, often due to gallstones or other gallbladder-related issues. These surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure patient comfort and swift recovery.
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