The pain subsides after a while, but it's hell until the stones dislodge themselves. I'd have my gallbladder removed if it weren't for this pesky hernia mesh blocking the area where the laparoscope would go. Otherwise, they have to slice me open like a baked potato to get at it, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that.
I also can't take strong painkillers unless it's an emergency because I'm a recovering opioid addict.