I’m posting this in case anyone is going through something similar and don’t understand what’s happening/is getting dismissed by doctors.

The reason I found out I was pregnant was because I was in massive amounts of pain, unable to eat, and very physically fatigued. I went to an Urgent Care Center and was told I was pregnant, and then sent home. At 8 weeks pregnant, the pain continued and I saw a tiny bit of blood on my underwear. I went to the emergency room where they checked me for a miscarriage, saw baby and I were both fine, and then sent me home. At 10 weeks pregnant, I begin vomiting. Everyone, including myself, wrote it down to morning sickness. Everything I ate was thrown up. Even NOT eating made me throw up. After 5 weeks of being unable to eat and 3 days of not even being able to drink water, I noticed my urine was orange and foul smelling. I assumed it was from dehydration, but while I was vomiting, a terrible pain appeared on my right side, directly below my rib cage. I attempted to sleep it off, but the next morning it was worse.

At the ER, I explained to them I was pregnant and unable to eat anything for 5 weeks. I told them I had a terrible pain and that my urine was concerning. At first, the doctor (a woman, even) chuckled and said throwing up and food aversions are normal during pregnancy and in my second trimester things should even out. I told her I’m 15 weeks pregnant meaning I AM in my 2nd trimester, so she immediately diagnosed me with hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme morning sickness). As a precaution, my blood was taken as well as urine, but the color immediately set off red flags. I was waiting for my discharge papers when an ultrasound technician asked to scan my abdomen. Apparently, my gallbladder was FILLED with stones and something they called “sludge”. A surgeon came in and explained I may be able to pass it normally, however after more blood was drawn, they saw it was becoming infected. I was sent for an emergency surgery. Thankfully, my baby is fine and aside from some soreness everything is better. I was immediately able to eat again and my nausea was gone!

I’m sharing this on Glow because my doctor told me it’s very common for younger women, especially those who are pregnant, to develop gallstones. Plus, the symptoms of gallbladder issues is the same as morning sickness! If anyone is experiencing the same pains and told they’re fine, being dramatic, etc. like I was, please get a second opinion and keep this story in mind. Thank you!