Your Gall Bladder

Does anyone really know what our gall bladders are for without looking it up online? Neither did I until it became an issue...a painful issue that comes and goes as it pleases. Ever since I was pregnant with Ethan, I've had these spells that come every so often. My back left shoulder blade will have this unbelievable pain, almost like heartburn but in your back. Nothing specific triggers it, but when I was pregnant and was explaining it to my OB, he said, "Well, that is a common symptom of gall bladder issues but it's normally in your right shoulder blade. But everyone's different - you should have it checked out AFTER the baby is born!" Well, those of us that have had babies know that you have NO time after baby is born to do crap! So, I never had it checked. The spells have started again (well they have been for some time)....and I had one so bad a couple weeks ago, that I finally decided to see a doctor. He is referring me to get an ultrasound after he proceeded to push up under my ribs where your gall bladder is and saw me almost jump off the table at the doctors office. I asked him if they found anything what they would do and he explained the different types of surgeries depending on the severity. Lovely. I'll keep you updated.....

So, back to my original question, does anyone know what your gall bladder does?

The gallbladder's main purpose is to concentrate and store your bile. Bile is a fluid made in the liver that helps you to digest fats in your small bowel (intestine). It is made from cholesterol, water, bilirubin and bile salts. Bilirubin is what gives bile its greenish colour. It comes from the breakdown of used red blood cells. When you eat fatty foods, the fats are broken down (digested) in your stomach and intestines. Your gallbladder is not an essential part of your body. You can live without it. So after having it taken out, you are still able to digest your food.

Well, to that last sentence I say "Thank God"!! I will still be able to eat if I have to have it taken out. :)