DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a soon-to-be 85-year-old healthy woman. I take a statin and baby aspirin (I assume because of my age) and have my gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) under control. I have scheduled gallbladder surgery for late next month, and I am having doubts about this so-called simple surgery.

My recent symptoms have been occasional stomach discomfort that goes to the right, then under my shoulder blade. An ultrasound revealed numerous stones, and my lab work was negative for any side effects. My only real bout was eight years ago when I thought I was having a heart attack. Soon the pain in the center of my chest passed to the right side under my shoulder blade.

My GI doctor referred me to a surgeon, who explained that with my symptoms and history, I “qualified” for surgery.

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