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Post-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery
Digestive Health | Last Active: Oct 21 11:40am | Replies (567)Comment receiving replies
Gallbladder removed 9/25/25. I've been getting intermittent pain from right to left side and mid chest to upper abdomen that is so bad I can only take short frequent breaths and I get dizzy and diaphoretic which lasts 3-5 mins. It's what id imagine a heart attack to feel like. There's no pattern to what i eat or drink or do that causes it. The 1st 3 times was in the morning after coffee which I do every morning and haven't had any issues. The last time was durning afternoon, I hadn't ate or drank anything and it just hit me. It doubles me over where I can barely walk and it lasted longer, id be calling a ambulance every time it's so bad. CT and HIDA scan showed nothing so MD suggested a exploratory lap. In which I've had around 20 surgeries and don't want to just add another if not needed. Any thoughts or anyone that's had this experience? Other GI issues is silent GERD, gastroparesis. Hx of GI surgeries-sleeve, SADI-S, hiatal hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair, 5 abdominal exploratory laparoscopies, partial hysterectomy (only have left ovary).
Replies to "Gallbladder removed 9/25/25. I've been getting intermittent pain from right to left side and mid chest..."
Hello @lindseysandquist and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. As @pml said, I'm really sorry to hear of all of the discomfort you are experiencing post-gallbladder removal. It is undoubtedly frustrating when you can't find relief for this type of discomfort.
On Connect, we do have conversations about post-gallbladder surgery problems. Here are links to several of these discussion groups. I would encourage you to post here and see if there are others with the same type of symptoms.
--Nausea, pain and headaches after gallbladder laparoscopic surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nausea-pain-and-headaches-after-gallbladder-laparoscopic-surgery/
--IBS and post-gallbladder surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-gallbladder-surgery-and-fat-digestion/
Since you have had so many abdominal surgeries, you might also find the following discussion group helpful:
--How do I eat after digestive tract surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/
As you have had a partial hysterectomy, I would also encourage you to post in the Women's Health group. Here is a link to those discussions:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/womens-health/
Have you had a consultation with a registered dietician?
Hi, @lindseysandquist - just wanted to mention that I've moved your post and its responses here to this larger existing discussion on post gallbladder removal so that you could meet Mayo Clinic Connect members talking about a similar topic, such as @lesmac @cierrarae18 @dlb123 @kb2014 and others. Hoping they might recognize the pain you are describing that occurred after your gallbladder removal that doubles you over and makes you dizzy.
Did your doctor think that the symptoms you've experienced related to the gallbladder surgery, or that they were unrelated? Have you considered getting a second opinion, if you are not ready for an exploratory surgery at this time?
@lindseysandquist I'm wondering since you've had so many abdominal surgeries if scar tissue is causing your problems. Have they done an MRI on your abdomen to narrow the cause down? Possibly a trapped nerve? Are you on any medications for the gastroparesis? Any PPI's for your 'silent' GERD? I agree with your decision to avoid yet another abdominal surgery and create more scar tissue. Any history of endometriosis?
I think imaging w/MRI would be beneficial since it's more diagnostic than a CT scan. A Gyn consult would possibly help. I hope you get some answers soon! Sounds like it's really impacting your quality of life.
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Hi,
I'm so sorry that you are going through all of this. That must be very hard on you. It's good that you are under a doctor's care. I hope he gets it figured out for you without surgery! 20 of them are enough! I have no suggestions but I can offer a prayer for you. God made you and he can fix you! We'll just pray and have faith. You will be fine!
Keep us posted on how things go for you.
I wish you the best.
PML