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@sueinmn

@lookingforanswers2022 Hmm...except for the cravings you describe, this could have been me several years ago.
The HIDA scan, demanded by my RN daughters after cholystectomy solved her years-long issues, showed a barely functioning gall bladder in spite of normal bloodwork and ultrasound. The scan showed just below 40% of normal function, about the threshold for surgery, so my docs decided we should go ahead. It turned out the gall bladder was "hardened" and what part of it was functioning was inflamed.
Surgery was an immediate relief for me, although I had to follow a strictly low-fat diet for about a year. Now the only limitations (still) are a lower tolerance for highly fatty foods, but I can eat them in moderation. My liver function remains perfectly normal 5 years later. I can even eat the occasional bowl of ice cream or a brownie (mostly my sweets are limited too 1-2 pieces of dark chocolate.)
Sue

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Replies to "@lookingforanswers2022 Hmm...except for the cravings you describe, this could have been me several years ago. The..."

Hi Sue, thanks for your reply. Now that you mention it I think the cravings might be due to several sleep disorders which are difficult to manage right now. Since I'm not recovering my energy from sleeping I'm likely getting it from food. I'm taking steps to manage things sleep-wise but that's a topic for another forum.

Like you, I have seen a number of people mention online that even while their ultrasound was clear, upon surgery the doctors found inflammation and even gallstones that for whatever reason had not shown up on the scan.

I can't tell you how badly I've been wanting answers for my symptoms and how badly I wished I could have something that could at least be corrected by surgery...and now that surgery might be on the table I'm worried that there will be complications or that I won't wake up from the anesthesia. I've only ever had one other surgical procedure before and a few outpatient procedures and have never had any issues, adverse reactions to anesthesia or surgical complications. But a dear cousin of mine died within four months of diagnosis of an unusually aggressive cancer several months ago, so understandably health and mortality have been on my mind lately even though my health problems are not cancer-related.

I've also been worried about post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Historically speaking I tend to be a statistical outlier when it comes to my medical conditions and adverse reactions to most treatments. I just got a new PCP and she is the one who suggested getting my gallbladder tested for my gut issues. I've seen other PCPs, dieticians, and GI specialists for years but this is the first time anyone has brought up the gallbladder. I've had a lot of tests done that have all come out normal, but I have a feeling that this HIDA scan is going to be different. The prospect of surgery--while it may be necessary--is also a bit intimidating.