Symptoms

Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include:

• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone
• Back pain between your shoulder blades
• Pain in your right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting

Gallstone pain may last several minutes to a few hours.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.

Seek immediate care if you develop signs and symptoms of a serious gallstone complication, such as:

• Abdominal pain so intense that you can't sit still or find a comfortable position
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
• High fever with chills
  

Types of Gallstones

Types of gallstones that can form in the gallbladder include:

Chief among the ingredients of bile are cholesterol and bile acids. Normally, the concentration of bile acids is high enough to break down the cholesterol in the mixture and keep it in liquid form. However, a diet high in fat can tip this delicate balance, causing the liver to produce more cholesterol than the bile acids are able to handle. As a result, some of this excess cholesterol begins to solidify into crystals, which we call gallstones. About 80% of all gallstones are called cholesterol stones and are created this way. The remaining 20% consist of calcium mixed with the bile pigment bilirubin and are called pigment stones.

• Cholesterol gallstones. 

The most common type of gallstone, called a cholesterol gallstone, often appears yellow in color. These gallstones are composed mainly of undissolved cholesterol, but may contain other components.

• Pigment gallstones. 

These dark brown or black stones form when your bile contains too much bilirubin.

Causes

It's not clear what causes gallstones to form from a Medical Perspective. Medical Doctors think gallstones may result when:

• Your bile contains too much cholesterol.  

Normally, your bile contains enough chemicals to dissolve the cholesterol excreted by your liver. But if your liver excretes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol may form into crystals and eventually into stones.

• Your bile contains too much bilirubin.  

Bilirubin is a chemical that's produced when your body breaks down red blood cells. Certain conditions cause your liver to make too much bilirubin, including liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections and certain blood disorders. The excess bilirubin contributes to gallstone formation.

• Your gallbladder doesn't empty correctly.  

If your gallbladder doesn't empty completely or often enough, bile may become very concentrated, contributing to the formation of gallstones.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of gallstones include:

• Being female
• Being age 40 or older
• Being a Native American
• Being a Mexican-American
• Being overweight or obese
• Being sedentary
• Being pregnant
• Eating a high-fat diet
• Eating a high-cholesterol diet
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Having a family history of gallstones
• Having diabetes
• Losing weight very quickly
• Taking medications that contain estrogen, such as oral contraceptives or hormone therapy drugs
• Having liver disease

Complications

Complications of gallstones may include:

• Inflammation of the gallbladder.

A gallstone that becomes lodged in the neck of the gallbladder can cause inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Cholecystitis can cause severe pain and fever.

• Blockage of the common bile duct.

Gallstones can block the tubes (ducts) through which bile flows from your gallbladder or liver to your small intestine. Jaundice and bile duct infection can result.

• Blockage of the pancreatic duct.

The pancreatic duct is a tube that runs from the pancreas to the common bile duct. Pancreatic juices, which aid in digestion, flow through the pancreatic duct.

A gallstone can cause a blockage in the pancreatic duct, which can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis causes intense, constant abdominal pain and usually requires hospitalization.

• Gallbladder cancer.

People with a history of gallstones have an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. But gallbladder cancer is very rare, so even though the risk of cancer is elevated, the likelihood of gallbladder cancer is still very small.

What’s the Treatment?

Many people with gallstones get surgery to take out the gallbladder. There are two different kinds of operations.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This is the more common procedure. The surgeon passes instruments, a light, and a camera through several small cuts in the belly. He views the inside of the body on a video monitor. Afterward, you spend the night in the hospital.

Open cholecystectomy. The surgeon makes bigger cuts in the belly to remove the gallbladder. You stay in the hospital for a few days after the operation.

If gallstones are in your bile ducts, the doctor may use ERCP to find and remove them before or during gallbladder surgery.

Laparoscopic Surgery: ALARMING STATISTICS

• 1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced at a professional surgical society meeting in late 1989. By 1992, 85% of all cholecystectomies were performed laparoscopically.
• 2. There was an associated increase of 30% in the number of cholecystectomies performed.
• 3. Because of the increased volume of gallbladder operations, their total cost increased 11.4% between 1988 and 1992, despite a 25.1% drop in the average cost per surgery.
• 4. The mortality rate for gallbladder surgeries did not decline as a result of the lower risk because so many more were performed.
• 5. When studies were finally done on completed cases, the results showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with reduced inpatient duration, decreased pain, and a shorter period of restricted activity. But rates of bile duct and major vessel injury increased and it was suggested that these rates were worse for people with acute cholecystitis. No clinical trials had been done to clarify this issue.
• 6. Patient demand, fueled by substantial media attention, was a major force in promoting rapid adoption of these procedures.
• 7. The major manufacturer of laparoscopic equipment produced the video that introduced the procedure in 1989.
• 8. Doctors were given two-day training seminars before performing the surgery on patients.

Can You Treat Gallstones Without Surgery?

If you have a medical condition and your doctor feels you shouldn't have an operation, he may prescribe the medications chenodiol (Chenix), ursodiol (Actigall), or both. These drugs work by dissolving cholesterol stones. Mild diarrhea can be a side effect.

The downside of using either medication is that you may have to take it for years to completely dissolve the stones, which may come back after you stop taking the drug.

If either of these forms of care (medication or surgery) does not interest you, consider Dr. Huntoon's Alternative Perspective and Your Solution

Why You Get Gallstones

Gallstones are the result of a "perfect storm" after a cascade of several different imbalances resulting for our stress levels, our Digestive System Disruptors, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and chronic experiencing of the following 10 emotions:

• frustration,
• anger,
• resentment,
• galled,
• stubborn,
• emotional repression,
• depression,
• indecision,
• irrationality, and
• aggression. 

Each of these directly impacts the Gallbladder and Liver and their ability to process and excrete in a healthy manner. Due to the chronic nature of experiencing these emotions regularly, this creates congestion within the Liver/Gallbladder (Hepatic) System when a person has difficulty letting go of these emotions. The inability to resolve the issues associated with why you feel these emotions leads to the precipitation of excess calcium in addition to cholesterol causing the formation of the Gallstones. Improper excretion and processing of the bilirubin will also contribute to the formation of the Gallstones. 

Our Experience With Gallstones

Early on in Dr. Huntoon's career, he had a number of patients come to him with Gallstones. Each one wanted to address the cause of the Gallstones in addition to wanting to prevent them from coming back. Dr. Huntoon consulted with his mentors and with their guidance, developed a plan to dissolve the stones and then restore balance to the person so they could go on with their life and not have to worry about developing Gallstones again.

The recommended protocol for Gallstones requires an evaluation and a conversation to discuss the specifics involved, what to expect and what to do if you run into problems. You are encouraged to have a Consultation and Examination to determine if you are a candidate for Dr. Huntoon's Gallstone Solution.

In his experience dealing many different patients who presented with the diagnosis of Gallstones and who had positive x-rays and ultrasounds indicating Gallstones, Dr. Huntoon has placed them on the appropriate care, including Dr. Huntoon's Gallstone Solution that includes dietary changes, specific supplements to dissolve the stones (this takes one to 9 months depending on the person), then a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the gallbladder is ready for the Gallbladder Flush. Depending on the individual, the flush may be one day and can be as long as 5 days. 

After the treatment, the ultrasounds come back completely normal. In one case (below), the MD couldn't believe the results and doubted the ultrasound report, so he performed a new ultrasound himself and did not believe what he was seeing was possible. He never did ask what the patient did to get these results. He simply said come back when the stones come back.

5 STAR Review Feb 16, 2018

After having suffered a major Gallbladder attack back in November 8, 2016. I was told by three different specialists that I needed to have it removed immediately ...but its removal may cause my kidney to not function properly and that was the risk I had to take and deal with for the rest of my life.

I was referred to Dr. Huntoon by my brother-in-law to explore alternative methods. After 5 months of care with Dr. Huntoon I was Gallstone free and my gallbladder function was fully restored without surgical intervention of any kind. 

In fact, after returning to the specialists for follow up...they were amazed to see that I had no sign of gallstones or sludge in my gallbladder. I proceed to explain about Dr. Rick methods but they were tossed aside with a simple "that's great that it worked for you" comment. They believed that the ultrasound machine might have misdiagnosed me...or had a malfunction. Meanwhile I had two different tests with two different machines. 

Dr. Rick not only helped me with the gallbladder but my whole digestive system and taught me how to read the signs my body gives after eating specific foods. He introduced me to a whole new world of self control and understanding the way my body functions and heals. 

Take advantage of Dr. Rick knowledge he has much to offer his patients. He is personable and caring and has helped many members of my family and friends. 

Thank you Dr. Rick for helping me heal and saving my gallbladder!!

Maurizio A.

After the stones have been eliminated, you will need to discuss your dietary habits, understand the mechanism of your stone formation and develop a life-style change to prevent them from coming back. This is vitally important for the successful recovery and prevention of future Gallstones.

Can Gallstones be Prevented?

Rather than having to undergo treatment, it is best to avoid Gallstones in the first place when possible. It can be especially helpful to drink more water, since low fluid intake and dehydration are major risk factors for Gallstone formation. 

You also need to address the 10 Emotions associated with Liver/Gallbladder stagnation, so the mechanism of cause is handled. We recommend NeuroEmotional Technique (NET) for handling this.

Depending on the cause of your Gallstones and your unique medical history, changes in the diet will be recommended to decrease the likelihood of developing further Gallstones. If one has passed a stone, it can be particularly helpful to have it analyzed in a laboratory to determine the precise type of stone so specific prevention measures can be considered.

We recommend the Gallbladder Diet which you can find the specifics here.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Huntoon directly at 845-561-2225. He looks forward to serving you.