Gastritis and possible gallbladder issue
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| Wed, 11-15-2006 - 4:07pm |
I have had some major digestive issues in the last 3-4 months. At first I thought everything was related, but now the doctor thinks I have two separate issues.
About three years ago, I had a terrible amount of pain in my RUQ (upper right side of my abdomen). It was so bad and lasted for at least three hours before I went to the ER, where it got even worse. I had an upper GI and blood tests, which showed nothing. Thankfully, they knocked me out with pain meds...but they couldn't find anything wrong. I didn't get that pain again until about 4 months ago. But, I have had heartburn (especially with hard-to-digest foods like grain, nuts, and beans) pretty frequently. And I seem to have loose stools frequently, coupled with constipation once in a while (my PCP said it's IBS-D).
Anyhow, I got that horrible pain in my RUQ again 4 months ago. I took some pain medication I had and somehow managed to make it through the night, sleeping and waking. It lasted for 6-8 hours or so again. The next day I went to the doctor and she thought it was gallbladder related and sent me for a HIDA scan. The HIDA scan showed biliary dyskinesia and an ejection fraction of 25%, which is low and COULD be causing my pain. I have no gallstones. I have had multiple ultrasounds and blood tests. They're all normal. I had upper endoscopy done and it showed gastritis and duodenitis, but not ulcers. I have since had yet another "attack" under my ribcage on my right side.
So, the present line of thinking is that I have both gastritis and possible gallbladder problems. Sometimes when I eat healthfully, I get very ill. Loose stools are frequent and vomiting is about once-twice per month. Other times I eat crap and feel fine. I am so frustrated. I just went to see a new gastroenterologist and he said it may or may not be the gallbladder and that a HIDA scan doesn't necessarily reflect how well the gallbladder is working all the time. He said it may be other dysfuction, like the Sphincter of Oddi, but that the test for that is very invasive and there is a high risk of pancreatitis. He said he would rather the gallbladder came out before doing that test. But first he wants to rule out anything else.
So, I am going to see how quickly my stomach empties (to rule out gastroparesis I suppose). He also mentioned possible Crohn's diesease. This new doctor seems very knowledgable, but I am so frazzled. My abdomen/stomach hurts a lot one day(from the gastritis I guess) and then I go for days where I seem okay, only to end up completely bloated or in pain the next day. I don't know what to eat. Ironically, the days I have been eating "healthfully" I end up in pain it seems. I am only 27 years old. I just want to be normal. I don't know how to get through this.
Sorry this is so long; I am just really frustrated.
Shannon

Glad you found us Shannon, but sorry for all the pain you are experiencing. The new gastroenterologist sounds very thorough, which is a good thing. I know that you want answers right now, but better to rule out every thing possible, before subjecting yourself to surgery.
By healthy eating, do you mean more raw foods? Sometimes raw foods can be a bit tough to digest, as you are finding out. Veggies can still be healthy if you lightly steam them. Why don't you try that? Also start a food journal/diary to see what foods are causing the most problems. Maybe the same veggies just lightly steamed won't cause the gas and bloating? Also see if you are lactose intolerant. I am, but am able to eat certain dairy products without trouble. I have come to know which dairy foods cause immediate pain and bloating and have to be avoided.
Keep coming here, feel free to read through other posts and you'll see that you are in good company.
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