When You Visit Your Doctor - Gallstones

Gallstones

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

  • Do you have pain in the mid- or upper-right portion of your abdomen?
  • Do fatty meals worsen the pain?
  • Does the pain occur after eating?
  • Do you have nausea, vomiting, or bloating?
  • Does the pain ever go through to your back?
  • Is the pain steady or intermittent?
  • Have you had fevers?
  • How long does it take for the pain to go away?
  • Do you take any medications (for example, birth-control pills or hormone therapy)?
  • Have you had any rapid weight loss?
  • Have you noticed darkening of your urine or yellowing of the eyes?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

  • Abdominal exam

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

  • Blood tests of liver function
  • Complete blood count
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan)