littleonefb, as I said before, I understand there are many, many patients who have their gallbladder removed and do very well. They are in and out of the hospital, often within the same day, and are back to work very quickly. However, there are also many patients who DO have a difficult time recovering and/or DO have post-operative diarrhea that is literally life-altering. Does that mean patients should not have their gallbladder removed? Of course not! Many people MUST have their gallbladder removed, regardless of the potential for post-op problems. If the gallbladder is infected or if it is not functioning properly, then there is no other choice. However, all of this needs to be discussed between the patient and the surgeon prior to surgery. I feel strongly that every patient should have ALL information pertinent to their condition/surgery. However, there are always going to be surgeons who don't take some time and do a thorough job explaining the surgery and the possible complications. The reason I said 'if I had it to do all over again, there's no way I'd do it again' is because after all was said and done, my surgery was not really necessary. I was having acute abdominal pain and gallstones were found on an ultrasound. With no further testing, a surgeon immediately decided I needed surgery. I was pretty out of it on pain meds so I didn't have much say so in the whole matter. Once my surgery was over, I was very frustrated to learn that I was still in the same pain and then later I was bombarded with the terrible diarrhea (which I'd NEVER had before) that has now been going on for over 6 years. I have been to many GI docs and have had every test known to mankind and they all say it is due to having my gallbladder out. My mom and my aunt have had the same experience. However, they are much older than I and they are not able to control theirs very well. They must wear protective undergarments because they never know when it is going to hit and they often do not make it to the bathroom in time. littleonefb, I'm not sure why you became so defensive. I am only trying to help make people aware of some potential complications from this surgery. I'm not just making this stuff up! Why would I? You can do a Google search and you will find all kinds of information regarding this. I also find it very hard to believe that a surgeon who does cholecystectomies all the time has never once had a patient complain of post-op diarrhea. For those who are interested, I have attached a link for more info. It is just one of many you can find through Google. As I said before, I'm not telling anyone not to have the surgery, just be well informed. Do your research, find a reputable surgeon and ask lots and lots of questions. Here is a link that might be useful: Diarrhea after Gallbladder Surgery

lkplatow I too am a firm believer in HRT. I had a hysterectomy in my mid 40's. I kept my ovaries. They worked just fine for 2 yrs. At that point they completely stopped and I was in the midst of a meltdown ! Literally looked like I was showering with a hose many times a day. I put up with it for 2 weeks LOL. I called my OB/Gyn and got immediate relief by taking Estratest. All the symptoms I had been having...sleeplessness, anxiety attacks while at work, nightmares , absent libido drenching sweats ...all disappeared within 2 weeks of starting therapy. I am now almost 63 and have never stopped the med ...not for more than a day or two. Due to having had a hysterectomy I would not have been prescribed Premarin. I agree it is not a safe drug. The benefits of my HRT so so so far outweigh any possible side effects that my Dr and I agree it is the best treatment for me. I have regular checkups and mammograms. When I just had my second bone density scan they were amazed once again at my bones. With 100% being the highest I was 130% !! As to the bladder surgery for stress incontinence there is absolutely nothing negative about it if you have a good surgeon. I had it done when I had my hysterectomy. I have never leaked another drop of urine when coughing etc. I had had three 9 1/2 # babies vaginal births with precipitous delivery in two cases....my bladder was SO low it actually had pushed into/through the va&*()$ wall and was hanging down...sorry to be so graphic but that is what happens. The surgery is much better than wearing a pessary. Annie is completely correct in her definitions. The problem with the Kegel , and they are the only thing that works that is non-surgical, is if it has gotten as bad as mine was through the birth process, then surgery is the only way to correct it. A good exam by a competent MD can tell you the state of your bladder etc. There is no cream that will correct this problem . The creams are wonderful for many cases...everyone has to be evaluated and then make a very well considered decision with the assistance of a competent MD. c

When I began using Depo Provera for endometriosis and then had my uterus and an ovary removed in the early 90's, I started leaking urine and had to start wearing light pads every day. I'm only 39 and am tired of this. Just started using Estrace. Hoping and praying that because of the time that has past since my hysterectomy, the hormones from Estrace will not trigger a relapse of endometriosis. So, I have two questions: 1. Has anyone used Estrace to control leakage and benefited from it? 2. Is anyone using Estrace cream who has had endo? Any return of endo? Thanks so much for any input.

You need to find a new vet. Struvite stones in dogs are caused by UTI. There is absolutely no reason to make a diet change for struvite stones in dogs. Either your vet doesn't know that, or is trying to sell you an Rx diet your dog doesn't need. Your dog needs to have the correct antibiotics in order to kill the infection that caused the stone formation. There should have been a urine culture and sensitivity done at time of admittance, and your dog should be on the appropriate antibiotic. You should also have a recheck urine culture scheduled for 5-7 days after completion of the antibiotics. As long as *all* of the stones were removed, and that was confirmed by x-ray after surgery, then all you need to do is complete the antibiotics and make sure the infection is cleared by rechecking the urine C&S. I also generally recheck a urine culture after a couple of months, because some dogs are prone to infection which makes them a risk for stone formation. My own lab Max had struvite stones due to recurrent UTI. The second bout was 100% my fault because I did not follow up on urine culture often enough, and he developed another infection which caused the stones. The first time he had struvites, he blocked and needed surgery, was put on appropriate antibiotics guided by the urine C&S results. But I didn't follow up on the recheck C&S, and the infection wasn't really cleared. He got stones again, but this time didn't block, so I was able to use Hills S/D to dissolve the stones while he was on appropriate antiobitcs to cure the infection. That time, I made sure I had repeat C&S to show the infection was cured and the stones never came back. Once the stones were gone, I switched him back to his regular food (Natural Balance). He never got stones again. Sorry to be so blunt in the beginning but if all the vet does is Rx a diet then your dog will still be at risk for struvite stone formation.