Hi all. I'm a complete mess physically. I have been having recurrent bouts of cholecyctitis (inflamed gallbladder) and even ended up in hospital one night on morphine due to the extreme pain. The pain is excruciating and has me writhing about. The only way to stop the attacks is to eat a virtually fat free diet which is horrible. I'm absolutely craving fat and feel so low on energy and quite shaky. On top of that I've been going to the loo every 2 hours throughout the night so had a urine test and it showed protein and blood in the urine (but no infection). The GP said it might be my kidneys and I have to go back for a repeat test. The joints are playing up too now, probably from the stress of all this. The white cell count is way up and so too are my liver enzymes. Has anyone else had kidney problems or gall bladder surgery? I'm terrified of the surgery and very concerned about the kidneys too. I'm wondering if the RA has caused my immune system to attack the kidneys. Has anyone has any experiences of what I'm going through or got any advice?

Oooh Naomi, that all sounds painful. I know you are worried about having an op but from what I know from a relative who had her gall bladder removed it bought instant relief, are they planning to remove yours? If so I am sure you will be in good hands I know its scarey having an op but could it be the gall bladder thats causing the other problems as well.
I know a completely fat free diet isn't much fun to say the least as I was on that when I had a suspected gall stone (turned out to be nothing and after the last awful attack in the middle of the night after I was sick the pain went. By the time I went for a scan there was nothing there so goodness knows what that was all about - maybe it culd have been the RA as it wasn't under control at that time.
I hope you have a better day today and they get you sorted out quickly, but please don't be to worried about an op.
Love
Sheila

Thanks Naomi, I didn't know that about infamed gall bladder, haven't felt it for 14 months now so will keep my fingers crossed for both of us. Hope you are having some relief from it today, its still best out surely.
Best wishea
Sheila

Hi Naomi - yes I'd missed you too, although I haven't been around as much myself. So sorry to hear that you've got got all this going on - at least you know that you're in good hands at Torbay hospital - hopefully you'll get the treatment you need real soon.

Love and hugs - Sylvia xx

Thanks everyone. I didn't realise that RA could exacerbate gall bladder problems. I had my bloods taken for a routine appointment the morning after the worst attack (the one that landed me in hospital) and my liver enzymes were through the roof as well as the white cell count. I'm hoping this won't interfere with my RA treatment. I'm still suffering. In the 11 days since this all flared up I've only had 2 evenings without severe pain and on both those occasions the Gb was 'grumbling'. I have a scan on Tuesday to see what's going on in there. I hate the idea of surgery......I'll be so worried and upset but I know I can't go on like this either. :(

I just read on a site that Ginger exacerbates GB problems. Something to think about if you have been reading the various posts here about the benefits of ginger for RA

Hello Naomi

Not been on here lately, been away on holiday and been busy, just popped on to see how everyone is doing and read your post.

Sorry I can't help regarding the gallbladder and if it is RA that is causing it, but just wanted to send you a hug and let you know that I am thinking about you.

Hope things get better for you soon and you get some answers on Tuesday.

Love and Hugs
Paula x

How are you know Naomi ?

Hope you ok

Rose

Hi Naomi

Sorry to hear you have been having such a rough time of it. I hope your flare-up is starting to settle down a wee bit and you are getting lots of TLC.

Take care.

Lisa xx

Hi Naomi sounds like you been having a terrible time !
Hope your flare settles soon and you can get the gallbladder sorted

Sophie x