Physician, Heal Thyself!

I have a little problem.

About two weeks ago I had a rough weekend. It started on Friday night- I forgot to bring a snack to work, so after going most of the day without eating I got some fast food (Wendy's) at 2pm and had a super late lunch (this is after I didn't eat breakfast that morning). Dinner wasn't much better, and that night I woke up at about 2am with a sharp pain under my right ribs. At first I thought it was painful gas, but it was a little too high, and didn't move or respond to massage at all. Hmm. The next day I had brunch with my family (chicken strips and fries at a restaurant), and for dinner that night, at Sam's grandma's we had breakfast for dinner: pancakes, bacon, sausage; the works! Again, I had pain, more severe ... and I was pretty sure what was ailing me. However, that didn't stop me from yet ANOTHER fatty meal on Sunday ... and even more pain. The worst pain. HORRIBLE pain.

So what's wrong with me? Gallstones!

I had suspected as much after the first (painful) night, and my aunt Amy, who is an ultrasound tech, was able to confirm it. I'm having quintuplets! Seriously, there are five, three really small ones, and two larger ones (but still relatively small). Since then I haven't had any pain, which is good, especially since I don't want to have surgery! I like my gallbladder, and yes, I know I can live without it, but I'd rather not, since I figure it was put there for a reason.

Thankfully, I'm of an experimental nature, and eager to put my medical training to use on myself. I know that some simple additions to my diet can help soften and dissolve the stones, especially if I combine them with herbs. (I'm actually going to the clinic for a treatment tomorrow!) So what exactly will I be doing? Well, for the next two months I'm going to cut down on meat, and I'm going to avoid rich, heavy meat in particular. No fast food, less processed food, less fat content, and no nuts. Increased vegetables, especially radish, parsley, green apples, lemon, lime, (these are all foods that help soften and dissolve stones) and olive oil (which stimulates bile production- to help push it all out). Drink more water, especially with added lemon, and chammomile tea. Lemon is particularly good for the gallbladder and quite effective at disolving stones.

There is a gallbladder flush that consists of drinking 1/4 cup of olive oil followed by 1/4 cup of lemon juice on an empty stomach before bed - and it's supposed to work for 99% of people - but I'm going to try this gradual method for a while first! After two months or so, I'm going to have my aunt ultrasound me again and see where I'm at.

Disclaimer: Now, please, don't do this kind of thing yourself without proper medical supervision. At least make sure you actually HAVE gallstones first! An inflammed gallbladder or even pancreas can cause similar symptoms- make sure you have a proper diagnosis. Anyone experiencing pain like this accompanied by a fever, chills, or jaundice should seek medical attention right away, as it may be something serious.