Post-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery

I am currently experiencing the same issues. I had my gallbladder removed 2 weeks ago and the pain in my back ( behind the upper incision) and the pain when I turn or tilt to the right side are nearly unbearable. I try to stay away from pain pills but I’m almost in tears from the pain. It’s not the gassy pain you feel right after the surgery and it’s not a back ache type pain. It’s a sharp stabbing feeling that will take your breath away. Can anyone else help with this?

I'm sorry you're going through this. Did the pain start right away after surgery? I would strongly suggest you speak with your GP first and then the surgeon. This pain needs to be documented. Ask about intercostal nerve injury. Be very specific about location of pain, what it's like (e.g. sharp, stabbing, dull, non-stop, throbbing, etc), if anything worsens or alleviates it. The physical exam is important too. Yes, there are ways to tackle nerve pain if this is what it is - some treatments involve acupuncture or anti seizure meds or other classes of meds. Try to wedge yourself with pillows to prevent you from rolling onto the painful locations when you try to sleep. I found that an air mattress helped a lot because it took pressure off of the painful spots so I could get sleep. I couldn't afford the expensive one so I bought a twin size aerobed. If you are a woman, switch to wireless bras; the bra wire tends to dig. Switching to wireless is helpful. Finally, you must document everthimg. I know you're tired, in pain and probably worried. But it's very important that you keep a diary. Use your phone calendar, get a notebook, anything. Document pain location, pain level, etc. This documentation could help a lot. I wish you well.

Hi all. After 2 years of initial symptoms I had my Gallbladder removed over 4 weeks ago when finally it took a HIDA scan to determine I had chronic cholecystitis due to dysfunction. Recovery was slower than expected as I also have mild Crohn's disease. My bowel was initially affected but improved. My billiary pain seemed have subsided immediately as I went back to a normal diet a week after surgery. At about 3.5 weeks I started experiencing the same dull pain and balloon type pressure in the URQ into the back after meals. It's like I never had the surgery at all. The pain can be relieved by lying horizontally on my left side mainly. Sitting up straight or standing for any length of time brings the pain back. The pain and discomfort stops about 4 hours after a meal. I have a follow up with my surgeon in 2 weeks but he told me before the surgery there is a 10% chance there could be another issue. He referenced dysfunction of the Sphincter of Oddi as well. I am going to see what we says and provide an update. I hope everyone else finds some relief.

Update on this: Got in to see my surgeon today and as suspected he believes the Sphincter of Oddi could be dysfunctional. I am being booked for a HIDA scan to diagnose that. In the meantime I have been diagnosed with Post-Cholesectomy Pain Syndrome. If it is the Sphincter, they will do an Endoscopic cut of the Sphincter muscle. I will update as this progresses.

Hello @woodsiechris

I so appreciate both of your updates. It sounds as if you are making some progress with a diagnosis. As I was not familiar with a HIDA scan, I found this explanation on Mayo's website. I thought that other Members in this discussion might also find it interesting as a way to diagnose post-gallbladder surgery problems. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hida-scan/about/pac-20384701

I hope that the endoscopic procedure is helpful. Has this been scheduled yet?

Thanks for the link! I am awaiting the date for my HIDA scan. I won't get the Endo procedure unless the HIDA scan results diagnoses the Sphincter of Oddi as dysfunctional. I will keep people posted of my progress. For the record it was that HIDA scan that diagnosed me with cholesectitis and prompted the removal last month.

Hello All:

As we are all aware, Mayo Connect cannot diagnose medical problems, however, in another discussion group on chronic pain, a Member posted about the possible diagnosis of Sphincter of Oddi Syndrome, which is a pain syndrome that can follow gallbladder surgery. Here is some information about this disorder, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14516-sphincter-of-oddi-dysfunction.

Often this is not easily diagnosed, even by GI specialists and tends to be overlooked by doctors. I would encourage you to read about this disorder on the link above and also the discussions on Connect, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-have-sphincter-of-oddi-dysfuncfion-it-causes-severe-upper-abdominal-pain/?orderby=DESC#chv4-comment-stream-header.

One Member, in the chronic pain group, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-cholesectomy-gallbladder-removal-chronic-back-pain/?pg=2#comment-291537, mentioned that he would be having a HIDA scan in order to diagnose this. I found this explanation on Mayo's website about a HIDA scan and I thought that other Members in this discussion might also find it interesting as a way to diagnose post-gallbladder surgery problems. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hida-scan/about/pac-20384701.

Your gallbladder was on your right side. I'd ask your doctor what it could be.

Quick update. I have been off work over 6 weeks post surgery trying to get into a pain management routine to return to work next week. My GP prescribed me 10 mg Dicyclomine an anti spasmic medication taken 30 mins before a meal. So far it has helped with some of the pain and discomfort. Eating smaller portions as I did before the surgery is helping as well. My wait for a HIDA scan of the Sphincter of Oddi continues. Meanwhile my liver and pancreas blood tests are normal so that is a relief. Still hoping this is just a matter of slow healing and not dysfunction of that Sphincter. My GP tells me the PCS in many cases will subside in time if the Sphincter function is normal. I sure hope so.

Hi all, I'm new to the site & not sure how to post my question.
I'm almost 6 weeks post op for keyhole gallbladder removal. I'm still having lower abdominal pain either side of my belly button. All incisions have healed well & doctor has checked for post op hernia. He says I'm probably still recovering. But I'm so worried as I thought I would be recovered well before now. My pain tends to come on with movement & walking. If I rest I don't feel it. I do have the odd upper pain too were the gallbladder was, but generally again it's only if I do alot of movement. My main worry is my lower abdominal pain. Can anyone advise if this is normal at 6 weeks. Thank you