Cholelithiasis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Cholelithiasis (ko-le-li-THI-ah-sis) is a condition where you have gallstones (stones in the gallbladder). The gallbladder is a pouch-like organ located just below the liver. The gallbladder acts as a storage area for bile. Bile is a green-colored fluid made by the liver. Bile passes through tubes called bile ducts and is released into the intestines when you eat. Bile helps in digesting fats and other substances. Problems in how bile is made may cause cholelithiasis. Stones may also be formed when bile does not empty from the gallbladder as fast as it should.
  
  
• A severe, steady pain felt in the right upper abdomen (stomach) is the most common symptom of cholelithiasis. The pain may also be felt in the right shoulder and between the shoulder blades. There may also be nausea (feeling sick to the stomach), and vomiting (throwing up). Tests may include an ultrasound, oral cholecystogram, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and blood tests. Treatment includes medicines to melt cholesterol gallstones, lithotripsy (shock waves), and surgery to take out the gallbladder. With treatment, such as medicine and surgery, your symptoms may be relieved. Ask your caregiver for more information about the different tests and treatments of cholelithiasis.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Good nutrition for your heart:

Get enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to help prevent poor nutrition and muscle wasting. You may be told to eat foods low in cholesterol or sodium (salt). You also may be told to limit saturated and trans fats. Do eat foods that contain healthy fats, such as walnuts, salmon, and canola and soybean oils. Eat foods that help protect the heart, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts, and sources of fiber. Ask what a healthy weight is for you. Set goals to reach and stay at that weight.

Exercise:

Exercise makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps keep you healthy. Begin to exercise slowly and do more as you get stronger. Talk with your primary healthcare provider before you start an exercise program.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have yellowish discoloration of your eyes or skin.
  
  
• Your urine turns to a dark color.
  
  
• You have clay-colored bowel movements.
  
  
• You have any questions about your cholelithiasis, medicines, and treatments.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have shaking chills.
  
  
• You have severe pain in your upper abdomen, just below the right rib cage.
  
  
• You have nausea and vomiting (throwing up).

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Cholelithiasis (Aftercare Instructions)