Problems Associated with the Gallbladder as Resulting from Yaz

Yaz is a prescription drug for birth control that is under-fire for potentially causing a number of harmful side effects. Gallbladder disease is included as one of the most common of those side effects. This disease results from the formation of gallstones within the organ. Contained within the liver, the gallbladder is small and stores bile as well as aides indigestion. Gallbladder disease is normally not life threatening, but it is a painful condition that can create additional problems with digestion. Women are two times more likely than men to develop gallbladder disease. As associated with Yaz, gallbladder disease may have far-reaching consequences.

Gallbladder disease usually takes the forms of cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. Cancer of the gallbladder also exists, although it is rare. The former results when gallstones form within the gallbladder and prevent bile flow from the liver to the intestines; cholecystitis occurs when the gallbladder is inflamed. Both conditions are very painful and have the potential to cause serious infections.

Gallbladder disease can produce the following symptoms:

• Intense pain of the upper back, typically located on the body’s right side or in the middle of the shoulder blades.
• Upper abdominal pain, similar to that of an ulcer.
• Low-grade fever accompanied by sweating.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite.

Jaundice is yet another symptom exhibited by gallbladder disease that is serious in nature. Bile from the liver flows back into the gallbladder if bile ducts grow plugged with gallstones. From there, the bile flows into the bloodstream. Skin grows yellow when this occurs, and eyes also become yellow in more severe cases. Jaundice can create vitamin deficiencies as well as liver disease.

Yaz triggers a spike in estrogen, and this can potentially raise cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is one contributing factor to the formation of gallstones. Attacks from gallstones occur in rapid succession; once the initial stone occurs, the gallbladder falls increasingly vulnerable to future attacks. Pain that results from an attack can last for up to five hours. That pain generally will be experienced in the back or the abdomen, and can have duration of a half hour or several hours.

Cholecystits produces almost the identical symptoms as demonstrated by gallstones, in addition to inflammation. That swelling also restricts bile ducts and can cause problems involving the pancreas, digestion and bile displacement. The pancreas is crucial for the digestive process, and inflammation of this organ could be life-threatening.

Gallbladder disease shares a number of symptoms that are associated with other conditions as well. Accordingly, if you or someone you know experiences any of the above symptoms, you are advised to seek immediate medical attention. This is especially true of those persons who have been taking Yaz. If the only exhibited symptom is a stomach ache, attention from a medical provider should still be sought. Early detection could prevent future digestive problems, or even save your life. Detection methods such as blood tests, ultrasounds, CAT scans, X-Rays and other means can be employed by medical experts to find gallbladder inflammation and gallstones.

Two surgery procedures are linked to gallbladder disease: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. In the former procedure, four incisions are made around the rib cage, hip and abdomen to remove obstructions from the gallbladder rather than altogether removing the organ. This surgery usually requires one or two hours, but just one day of recovery in the hospital is necessary. With a cholecystectomy operation, an incision placed under the rib cage allows physicians to remove the gallbladder. This can require one or two hours as well, although recovery time in the hospital is up to five days.

The two surgeries both contain the potential for side effects. With gallbladder cleaning measures, future attacks may still occur. This includes future incidents of back and abdominal pain, and heightened risk for pancreatitis, liver disease and jaundice. Removal of the gallbladder is the only certainty to stop gallstones. Infection and blood clotting may also result from the surgical procedures. In addition, digestive complications may occur from gallbladder removal.

If you experience any of the symptoms described here or are diagnosed with having gallbladder disease, you are advised to seek immediate medical attention. Assistance from a medical professional can begin ready treatment. If you think Yaz has caused your gallbladder disease, it is your legal right to seek compensation for all medical expenses you incur. You may also receive compensation for pain and suffering endured by you and your family. Free consultation is available at The Newsome Law Firm for users of prescription Yaz who have suffered severe side effects.