What is the Gallbladder?
The gallbladder is the storage area for bile. It releases the bile into your intestines when you eat, to help digest fatty foods. Gallstones form from an imbalance of cholesterol, calcium and fatty acids.
Why do I get pain?
The gallbladder empties into the bowel through a small tube called the cystic duct. When this tube gets plugged up, either from sludge or a stone, the bile can't get out. Pressure builds up. This can be painful and often leads to infection.
Are there other problems stones can cause?
If a stone migrates further down the bile ducts, it can also block the liver and/or the pancreas. You can become jaundiced and suffer pancreatitis. These can be life threatening.
IMPORTANT TIP: The ideal bowel movement comes the moment you sit, without pain, straining or bleeding. It's completed within seconds, and is easy to clean.
MEDITOONS™ ARE DESIGNED TO BE USED IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN. THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE SELF-DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. PLEASE CHECK WITH A PHYSICIAN PROMPTLY IF YOU SUSPECT YOU ARE ILL.