Hi. I am new to this group. I have had pain (swelling, burning, tenderness, etc.) off and on under my right ribcage now for over three years. I went to a dr. and they referred me to a GI. I never went for the tests because I believed I could try to help myself first. (Doctors seem to have such an affinity for cutting.) However, I did not do anything about it for awhile. For a long time I thought it might be a hernia. I had found this site awhile ago, but I don't know why I never connected Gallstones with my pain. I am now convinced that this is the source of my problems (the liver congestion and gall problems in general). Trouble is, I have been having what I believe to be an attack for the third day now. The pain is bearable, but it scares me. Assuming it is Gallstones and enlarged bladder, etc., could it be too late to do a flush safely and/or effectively?

My major concern is that a stone will get stuck on its way out, causing me to have emergency surgery. Not only do I NOT NOT NOT want to have my gall bladder out, but having it out this way would be awful. Bigger risk, bigger scar, more invasive surgery, don't get to pick your doctor and much longer recovery time. I read about GCG (Gold Coin Grass). I have two questions: (1) Does anyone know if this actually works? (2) Why is it that I can only find this herb on ONE website on the entire Internet? I want to just run to the health store and get it, since I want to start this ASAP, but I am also concerned about the validity of the claims given that I can only find it at one place (out of the country also) on the Net. Is there anything else that will suffice?

I want to start my program ASAP because I feel I need it. I know you're supposed to do the parasite cleanse first (to get more stones out) and Bowel Cleanse first (so that you can pass things easily--and I am generally constipated), but I fear I don't have the time. Today is Sunday and I have no plans; I would have loved to have done this last night, however, I was afraid to do it without taking something to crush or dissolve some of the stones first (and I really fear waiting until I get the stuff shipped from Canada since I'm having an attack).

I guess my question is, since I am having what appears to be a "steady attack" (and there is always a distension under the right rib cage--for over three years), is there any reason to think it's too late to do this and is there an increased risk of a stone getting stuck? Should I definitely get something to dissolve or crush stones first? If so, is there anywhere else I can obtain such a product and for how long should I take it?

Also, given my situation, can I skip the parasite and Bowel Cleanses for my first flush? I'm thinking if I could just get SOME stones out for some relief...then I could possibly get myself out of a potentially dire situation and THEN do the other flushes before my next liver/gall bladder flush. I am also going to be doing castor oil packs for the next few days. (I just have to buy the flannel cloths today.) I am also going to rigorously control what I eat (veggies and water, basically!) until I can do this.

Finally, if I fast the day of the flush and ingest the stuff at night, do I need to take any more time off from work other than the day after I've fasted and ingested the oil, salts, etc.? I really cannot take much time off from work and school, but I know I need to do this.

Sorry to burden you...and I realize you're not doctors and not offering medical advice...just your opinions based on your research and experience. I really appreciate any help you can give me. I'm desperate...and scared!!

Thanks!