Pain in old gallbladder surgery site

Posted by mikehow @mikehow, Jan 22, 2017

I had my gall bladder out 40 years ago, the old major abdominal surgery way, with an 8 inch scar and a 1 week hospital stay. I have had no problems for 40 years,but now, right along the scar line, I get occasional sharp pains, almost stabbing. It feels like it is right under the skin line. Could it be that the internal staples are shifting after all these years?

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@shahn08

Hello I had my gallbladder removed 2 summers ago and within the pass year I've been experiencing terrible stomach pains with sharp stabbing pains along with what feels like electric shocks. From reading this I think I'm suffering from scar tissue in my stomach. I'm having trouble moving my bowels lately and I'm constantly in pain. I've been to the ER 3 times, my GP 3 times and my GI still no relief. Any suggestions on what my next move should be with my doctor's? Desperately seeking answers.

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I do not have trouble moving my bowels. I have the total other issues with my bowels. I am also in pain. I feel like the GI doctor thinks it’s in my head but it is interrupting my sleep and daily life. My pain is near my breast bone and goes to the right of my body along the underneath of my ribs. And I can feel it in my back. Sometimes it feels like it is ripping down my stomach towards my right hip.

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@nickicustode3

I had my gallbladder out one year ago. I have sever pain starting near my breast bone going along my ribs to my right side. I also feel the pain through my back. I have diarrhea twice a week. I have had an endoscopy, CT scan, and MRI. Nothing seen and even my blood work was clear. I need help and my GI suggestion is to eat smaller meals. Can some help me or point me in the right direction. This pain is affecting my daily life and causing me sleepless nights.

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I had my gall
Bladder out way back in 2006 and get abdominal wall discomfort frequently. The tests rule out any physical digestion problem. The doctors believe it is caused by scar tissue nerve pain. I have had a steroid injection into the abdominal wall to help tissue calm down. Also I rest and use heat/ice. I have bial salt malabsorption which can happen when the gall bladder is gone. I must take a medicine called cholestipol to help with diarrhea. It is tough to get through some days. I wish the best of medical luck to you and hope and pray for all people with health issues.

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@ldavy

LavenderRaven my gall bladder surgery was done 11 years ago and I have exactly the same symptoms as you. I couldn’t have explained the symptoms and remedy any better. I have seen my general doctor and he has no idea what it is. I’ve been dealing with this for the past two years and it is getting progressively worse. I’m afraid to even twist and bend down to put socks on. Once the twisting/cramping feeling starts, I have to almost knead the area like I’m pushing things back in place and stand up and stretch. And then yes, I’m sore for days afterward. I had my surgery done originally at the Mayo by Dr Kendrick who is a fabulous surgeon. My local docs have no other answers for me other than laparoscopic surgery. I did have an ultra sound performed and it was inconclusive. My doc did say it could be adhesions but surgery sometimes makes that worse as more adhesions can grow. I wish I had more answers for you. I find myself in the same quandary.

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I have your exact symptoms. Have you figured anything out? I have seen my primary care, had ct done and they have no answers. It is so scary when it happens and I'm in so much pain for days after.

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@jillroys

I have your exact symptoms. Have you figured anything out? I have seen my primary care, had ct done and they have no answers. It is so scary when it happens and I'm in so much pain for days after.

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Yes me too. I can’t get another GI doctor to take me for a second opinion. I hurt all day and night. Doesn’t matter what I eat, drink, or how much exercise I get. Now my ribs hurt on my right side.

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