Most people live in peace with their gallstones, only to find that they have them when subject to a scan for another reason. However, some people suffer complications from their gallstones.
Pain - The typical pain of "biliary colic" occurs within a few minutes of eating and lasts for a few hours. It is often brought on by a meal rich in fat. It is associated with nausea and/or vomiting and is located either in the region of the lower right ribs or in the centre between the ribs.
Rest and painkillers usually resolve the symptoms.
Avoidance of certain foodstuffs reduces the frequency of "attacks".
Cholecystitis - This is inflammation of the gall bladder and is associated with fever, severe pain and feeling unwell. At this point patients are usually admitted to hospital for treatment.
Bed rest, analgesia and starvation along with antibiotics are the main stay of treatment.
After admission your surgeon may advocate surgery during that admission rather than risk another "attack" after your discharge.