Gall ( Bladder ) Stones &  Homeopathy

 

Gall Bladder is a small bag like organ, located in the right side of  our abdomen, near liver . It helps in digestion of fats, secretion of bile juices .

Sometimes it doesn’t work properly and some of the contents of bile precipitate or are undissolved , settle down to form SLUDGE ( mud like material ) , later solidify to form STONES ( calculi ). Also known as CHOLELITHIASIS.

The stones & sludge is made up of digestive juices & materials ( bilirubin, cholesterol )

 

These are more common in over weight females, those females who have taken hormone therapy , contraceptive pills, those who have suddenly  gained or lost weight,  patients who have fatty liver, diabetes & those who have a genetic history of same.

It can be easily diagnosed by a simple sonography ( USG of abdomen, done empty stomach ) .Some blood tests like LIPID PROFILE, LIVER FUNCTION TESTS, PANCREATIC ENZYMES are also checked for assessment.

Sometimes further investigations may be required like endoscopic ultrasonography, magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP),  endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP), oral cholecystogram (OCG) , intravenous cholangiogram (IVC), CT or MRI scans as per the need of the case

Symptoms-

• Abdominal discomfort or pain, burping , especially after eating
• Difficulty in digesting fats, full meals
• Nausea & vomiting with above
• Pain between shoulder blades
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Light stools
• Dark urine

As per conventional medicine, gall stones are “ incurable” & if they cause any symptoms, , the whole organ should be removed.

 

Here are some common question & myths about treatment of gall stones & scope of homeopathy in these cases-

 

1. If I have gall stones , surgery is the only option.

 

Ans- Surgery ( removal of gall bladder ) is the LAST resort, when nothing else works. Means there IS a treatment. However if they get stuck in ducts ( tubes ), cause pancreatitis or any complications,  then it’s a medical emergency that need immediate surgery. Getting stuck in ducts is not common though.

 

2. I can live without gall bladder, why not get it removed if it has stones.

 

Ans- Yes one may be able to live without the gall bladder , but most people after the removal suffer from POOR DIGESTION, ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT, LARGE PENDOULOUS ABDOMEN, HAVE TO LIVE WITH DIET RESTRICTIONS.  Quality of life is poor in terms of digestive system.

 

3. How can homeopathy help ?

 

Ans- With homeopathic treatment, gall stones melt down to form sludge, slowly sludge dissolves in the bile juices & GB Is free of stones. Unlike kidney stones that simply pass down ( sometimes dissolve ) these MELT down.

 

4. Homeopathy takes lot of time to provide results .

 

Ans- Stones are not formed in a day or few weeks. Melting them will certainly take months. A simple ultra sonogram ( USG ) done every 60-90 days of treatment can show the doctor & patient about progress of the case in positive direction ( reduction in size, appearance of sludge , condition of GB , etc )  .  Usually treatment lasts for a minimum of 6 months . So as compared to an expensive surgery& life time of poor digestive function, homeopathy offers safe , economical & promising solution.

 

5. What happens after the treatment, can they form again?

 

Ans- Like any other metabolic or lifestyle disorder, if the factors like sedentary living , weight, hormone imbalance etc are not managed, stones may form again.  One has to be logical in food intake, exercise routine & follow a mindful mode of living to prevent any lifestyle disorder- like galls stones, fatty liver, diabetes, obesity, heart disease etc.

Regular monitoring by a simple USG , done once an year is suggested for all patients.

 

6. What can I do at home, any home remedies or home care ?

Ans- Regular exercise , treating fatty liver are the first things one can do. Avoiding refined oil, too much fat, excess intake of carbs , being physically active daily, taking smaller meals, avoiding late meals – all above help in symptoms & also prevent any metabolic disorders. Jeera & ajwain water helps keep digestion slightly better & reduces bloating.

 

7. I have gall stones , but I don’t have any symptoms, what should I do ?

Ans- Most gall stones are asymptomatic, till they grow big and cause complications. If you know, then don’t sit on the information, get them treated & lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent them from getting worse.

 

Thanks!

Dr Anshita Singh Rathore

Pune