© 2006 Wellness Clubs of America.com

 

I have a friend who was recently told that her gallbladder must be removed because it is non-functioning. What does that mean? K.W.

Dear K.W.: The current custom of removing “non-functioning” gallbladders is illogical, and I am confident that it will someday become as unacceptable as removing the tonsils to treat sore throats. The practice is really treating the doctor, who is unwilling to say, “I don’t know what the problem is.”

 

I have had the opportunity to provide a second-opinion to several people who had been advised to have their gallbladder removed even though it contained no stones, was normal in size and was not inflamed. In many instances the problem is a structural one, such as a rib that is not seating properly. In other cases digestive problems unrelated to the gallbladder are the source of the symptoms.

 

Very few medical doctors have been adequately trained in skeletal diagnosis and do not realize that subtle skeletal abnormalities can cause chest and abdominal pain. I would encourage your friend to consult a chiropractic physician and exhaust all means of supporting the body’s digestive health before submitting to a cholecystectomy. After all, if the problem is truly a nonfunctioning gallbladder how can removing it restore function?  -Dr. Peterson