new here-pain after gallbladder surgery?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2005
new here-pain after gallbladder surgery?
5
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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Tue, 10-18-2005 - 9:24pm

Hi Yvette!


Welcome to the board.

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 10-22-2005 - 10:41pm

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


 

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2005
Sat, 10-22-2005 - 11:30pm

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2005
Sat, 10-22-2005 - 11:35pm

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 10-23-2005 - 2:02pm

Hi Yvette - here is my post about the u/s results http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhgendigesti/?msg=2174.1