Hi,

I've been suffering from severe chest pain like heart attacks for the past six months. I've seen 7 different doctors and been to a hospital emergency room three times.

It all started with my 3rd full IVF cycle and initially my FS thought it was OHSS, however the OHSS specialist thought I was just suffering from a virus. I've had so many people and Doctors suggest this was perhaps stress related due to our failure of falling pregnant and pressure at work.

Anyway - these pains were in my chest region and could last up to 8 hours. Typically lasting around 4 hours leving me emotionally and physically exhausted. The pain is excruciating and just builds and builds. I have even been to see a cardiologist. Last week I discussed these recurring "attacks" with my FS who told me not to bother pursuing it and its most likely just a progesterone surge. He had even seen me during one of my "attacks" and felt it wasn't worth investigating and just to continue on the ivf journey.

It's cost my husband and I an absolute fortune, but finally I have my answer! The youngest Doctor I have ever seen ordered a routine ultra-sound and low and behold - I had gall stones. I was so happy to find something wrong with me that I cried with pure joy. All these months of thinking that I was having panic attacks and Doctors telling me that this is purely in my head and that they have other patients going through IVF with similar symptoms. - HENCE WHY I FELT THIS INFORMATION WAS IMPORTANT TO POST IN THIS FORUM.

Apparently gall stones are very common in IVF patients due to the increase in hormones - so I just really wanted to share my experience and put some details below regarding what it is and how it can effect you.

I had my gall bladder removed 2 days ago and if I hadn't persisted with questioning Doctors - I came very close to suffering severe side effects - including death.

I do hope that no one else is going through this but just in case : -

Gallstones
A gallstone, is a lump of hard material usually range in size from a grain of sand to 3-4 cms. They are formed inside the gallbladder formed as a result of precipitation of cholesterol and bile salts from the bile.

Other causes are related to excess excretion of cholesterol by liver through bile. They include the following

Gender. Women between 20 and 60 years of age are twice as likely to develop gallstones as men.

Obesity. Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones, especially in women.

Oestrogen. Excess oestrogen from pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills

Cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Diabetes. People with diabetes generally have high levels of fatty acids called triglycerides.

Rapid weight loss. As the body metabolizes fat during rapid weight loss, it causes the liver to secrete extra cholesterol into bile, which can cause gallstones.

Symptoms

Many people with gallstones have no symptoms. These patients are said to be asymptomatic, and these stones are called "silent stones." Gallstone symptoms can be similar to those of heart attack, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, and hepatitis. Accurate diagnosis is important.

Symptoms may vary and often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night.

abdominal bloating
recurring intolerance of fatty foods
steady pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours
pain in the back between the shoulder blades
pain under the right shoulder
nausea or vomiting
Indigestion & belching
Diagnoses
Ultrasound is the most sensitive and specific test for gallstones.

Other diagnostic tests may include

Blood tests - may be used to look for signs of infection, obstruction, pancreatitis, or jaundice.
Computed tomography (CT) scan may show the gallstones or complications.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). ? Under sedation a telescope is passed via the stomach into the duodenum. The bile duct is accessed and a special x-ray dye used to look for stones that have passed into the bile duct. These can then be extracted.
HIDA scan ? a special scan that assesses the function of the gallbladder. A gallbladder damaged by stones and inflammatory tends to lose the ability to contact and empty properly.