Post-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery

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.

Gallbladder removed by laparoscopy in 2018. Due to gallbladder being infected had to ho thru course of antibiotics weeks prior to surgery. On day of surgery surgeon discovered it was still infected and had to work a long time to get gallbladder removed. Since removal of gallbladder have days when I have to rush to bathroom (sometimes don’t make it). Guts hurt after those episodes and it drains me.

Recently was diagnosed with pneumonia and had to go thru 2 rounds of different antibiotics and 2 rounds of steroids. During that time I did not have issues with rushing to the bathroom. Now that courses of antibiotics are complete my symptoms have returned. Could all this stem from having an infected gallbladder at time of removal?
What can be done to get back to enjoying life without having to be concerned about bringing extra clothes and wipes for accidents.

I DO understand your plight. I had GB removed in ‘85 due to stones. Consider asking a GI (which I am NOT) to test you for BAM: Bile Acid Malabsorption. For me, I already had diarrhea due to Crohn’s. But maybe BAM exacerbated it. Good news is that my surgeon suggested trying cholestyramine powder (brand name Questran, and others). Originally created to lower cholesterol, was found to bind excessive bile. Whatever the original reason, I asked my GI about it, who commended the surgeon’s advice. Within TWO days, I was having “normal” movements WITHOUT diarrhea. And so forth for 40 years. Twice a day powder mixed with juice. If I forget a dose (rare) I usually pay for it the next day. But getting back on schedule sets all well again. For a “normal” person to take this, someone without disease-induced diarrhea, a likely side effect is constipation. For other possible side-effects, read the label or ask a GI doctor. It likely saved my life. Again, ask a professional. I receive NOTHING for this personal suggestion. Good luck.

[Sciarretta G, Furno A, Mazzoni M, Malaguti P. Post-cholecystectomy diarrhea: evidence of bile acid malabsorption assessed by SeHCAT test. Am J Gastroenterol. 1992 Dec;87(12):1852-4. PMID: 1449156.]

Thanks for sharing your experience & knowledge. Appreciate any suggestions:)