new here-pain after gallbladder surgery?
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new here-pain after gallbladder surgery?
| Mon, 10-17-2005 - 4:11pm |
Hi everyone! I'm new and very confused...I had my gallbladder taken out in 2002 and since then have had off and on pain in the upper right side of my abdomen--same pain as before the surgery. It wasn;t too bad so I kind of ignored it. Now, about a week ago, it started hurting REALLy bad, so I went to my doc yesterday and her said this is "weird" and has now referred me to get an ultrasound and to see a specialist.
Has anyone had this? What could it be? What kinds of tests do I have to go through? I'm scared!! Thanks for your help!
Yvette

Hi Yvette!
Welcome to the board.
Hi Yvette - it could be a number of things and it's good that the doctor is doing test to find the source of your discomfort.
Even though the GB is gone you can still develop gallstones. I haven't had this happen - but I've encountered others on line who have. They are no fun. I have one friend that has two small ones and she has to eat a low fat diet. If they get worse - ie. cause her pain that she can not manage - or if she grows more that cause pain that can not be managed she will have to have the removed. The surgery (in her case) wil be 'open' - not laproscopically. (thus 8 week recovery period)
I had my GB out in Feb 2003 and have had pain since then after eating foods very high in fat (ie. If I have cake with icecream - one piece and a scoop - not like I'm eating huge portions) - or if I eat a high fat diet for a few days in a row. Meals moderately high in fat won't cause immediate problems - but last time this happened I had a muffin one day, 2 slices of veggie pizza the next, and on day #3 ate another muffin - then had pains for about 3-4 days.
I really have to avoid high fat foods and commercially made foods (ie. the muffin, frozen pizza, anything that comes out of a box, package or deli counter).
I've been through spells where the pain and nausea was a daily thing even though I was on a strict low fat diet and ultra sound showed some inflamation in a duct - the test was repeated 2 months after and it was 'normal'. These spells come & go without any explanation that the doctors can find. Last one was about 8 months ago and since then if I'm feeling icky I can usually explain it (ie. the pizza I had at a work-lunch today is all ready starting to haunt me!)
Please let us know how things are going - and if you have any questions please ask,
Jo
p.s. - you may consider recording your food intake at www.fitday.com It's a free on-line food journal that will provide you with reports that show the percentage of calories you are getting from fat, carbs & protien. It would be helpful if you can tell your doctor that your diet is X% fat. The phrase 'low fat' is very subjective
Hi Jo--
Thanks so much for your reply. What you are saying is completely true about me. I had not had these pains for about 4 months because I was on a strict diet (trying to fit into my wedding dress!! haha) But I ate only salads and chicken and not a pain in sight. After my wedding in August, my husband and I let ourselves go and have been eating horribly. Pizza, fast food, desserts, you name it. Now, 2 months of bad food and my pain has started up again.
So you said you do not have a stone? Did anyone tell you exactly what the pain is from? What tests have you had done? My US results are not back yet, but I have heard of some other tests that can be done, like the HIDA scan and the ERCP, i think its called. Have you had either of those?
I'm just so sick of being in pain. I can't do things I used to do, like go to the gym and be as active as I would want. It's just a very dull, constant pain and I hate it!!!
Yvette
Hi Lynn,
Had my US last week, no results yet. I am seeing a surgeon on Nov 9 I guess to discuss my symptoms and whatnot. I'm just frustrated with this pain.
Yvette
Hi Yvette - here is my post about the u/s results http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhgendigesti/?msg=2174.1