gallbladder problems

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
gallbladder problems
19
Wed, 09-01-2004 - 10:52am
I was just recently diagnosed with a gallbladder that only functions at 20%. This is after being sick for 4 years with severe nausea, bloating, abdominal pain,poor digestion, and fatigue. The doctor recommended surgery. I guess I have a couple of questions. Is there anyone here that has/had the same condition, or know what the symptoms are? Is there any way to fix it without having surgery? Has anyone had gallbladder surgery, and how is it? I have heard some real horror stories about people having major problems after surgery. I guess I would like to try to fix this naturally, but haven't been able to find much info on how to do that and I'm really scared that having surgery will just create more problems. Thanks so much for any help you can give.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Sat, 09-04-2004 - 12:59pm

Hey Donna,


It could be the meds that is causing your stool to be white or it could be either the gallbladder or liver.

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Sat, 09-04-2004 - 1:39pm

I saw the GI on Friday and he says right now he is calling it undifferntiated Crohn's. Meaning he doesn't know which kind I have because it is so atypical. He thinks we may have to do another colonoscopy and biopsy other areas, because the areas he biopsied did not show Crohn's nor did the blood test, however he was not impressed with the validity or accuracy of those indicators. My blood tests before did show indicators. So I am willing to have another colonoscopy to get a proper diagnosis. He also said that he was going to meet with a colleague to discuss what it happening. It looks and acts like Crohn's so we just need to figure out which kind it is and get it definitely diagnosed. I read that 10% cannot be definitely diagnosed so maybe I am in that category.


Anyway, will see him in another two weeks for follow up. Meanwhile I will be getting a cardiac stress test. The first time

Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 09-04-2004 - 2:26pm

Hi Polkadot - . There are only 15 people in my office and a month after I was dx w/ gallstones & surgery was recomended a co-worker (age 27) recvd the same diagnosis.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 1:50am
My GI said I have "undifferntiated" Crohn's for now but thinks it may be "lymphatic Crohn's" which I have never heard of. More communications with his colleagues and probably another colonoscopy to do more biopsies in key ares will be in my future. Oh well, I am getting pretty neutral on the colonoscopies. I know the drill. The only thing is everyone says you can't feel them. I feel every one, they are painful to me. I keep telling them to make sure to sedate me more but still I feel them. Still, if it helps to diagnose and treat me I am up for another one, it doesn't last long and sure doesn't hurt like my flares do.
Donna
Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 1:22pm

Happy Labor Day Donna,

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 1:45pm

I asked the GI this last time to be sure I had enough sedation and even talked to the nurse anesthetizing me beforehand. She said she would do the best she could and still keep me breathing. Maybe it was that

Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 2:36pm

Well

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-11-2004
Mon, 09-06-2004 - 10:07pm
Hi, I normally post on the IBS board, but definitely wanted to add my experience with the gall bladder problems. I had my gall bladder out in 1992, full of stones. I had no problems until about 2 years later, every time I went eat a meal, especially one that was fried, like fried chicken for example, I would have terrible gas pains, nausea and diaherria. After about 4-5 months of this, I went to the GI doc and he first wanted to test me for lactose intolerant, but after hearing about what kinds of foods trigger the problems, I was told it was post operative diaherria. I've been on Questran ever since, it binds me up and helps to keep my cholestral lower.

In the past 2 years, I've had problems with IBS-C, and have cut back on the amount of questran I take daily, 1 packet a day to start 10yrs ago, then down to 1/2 packet each day about 2 yrs ago, now I'm taking 1/2 teaspoon each day and having to add flax seeds to my diet. I've cut out alot of dairy, I drink soy milk instead, which isn't that bad. I also don't eat anything fried, I so miss french fries! but we do bake them at home. Other than that, my diet is fairly healthy, no caffeine other than what I get in chocolate.

Best of luck if you do have the surgery.

Valerie

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 6:00pm

Thanks you very much on your details of your problems, it helps others who are having some problems as you have or had...

thflowers-hahd23222.gif picture by Wren53B

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