@woodsiechris

I can certainly understand your dilemma. None of us wants to go through surgery and if you are not completely sure about the need, that makes the decision even more difficult. If I remember correctly, you had a HIDA scan. What exactly did it show? Were there problems with blockages or bile problems? The terms used in the scan results might help you understand the need for the surgery even if you feel better for now.

As a last resort, how comfortable would you be if you rescheduled the surgery for a few months and see how you feel after that?

You can call the surgeon's office and say you're running a fever and could they reschedule. That would give you time to think and to schedule a 2nd opinion. The surgery may very be the answer but, it's best to have a second opinion.

@woodsiechris

I started digging further after replying. I know I have post cholesectomy syndrome and I do remember a doctor mentioning Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction but it was years ago and I didn't realize that they're one and the same. I would still suggest a 2nd opinion if you haven't had one because it's surgery. But I can tell you that I'm now 18 years after my gallbladder was removed and I still have what feels like gallbladder attacks from time to time if I'm not careful to avoid fatty foods. I eat dairy (either American cheese or mozzarella cheese and 1 egg a day) but, no meat of any kind. Who knows how much worse or with what greater frequency the attacks would happen if I ate meat (I avoid for ethical reasons, not dietary but it seems to be a win/win). I will say this - and it's clearly anecdotal because I'm only 1 person - if I'm 18 years post-cholesectomy and I still have gallbladder disease symptoms if I'm not careful (SEVERE nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, back pain - different from my nerve damage pain), then I think maybe it's not so likely for this condition to fix itself.

I found this Cleveland Clinic website page. Maybe it will help you.

I am new to Mayo Connect.
Did you ever have the ERCP for SOD?
18 years ago, I had Biliary colic, after 3 ERCP's, 2nd with stent, perforation of the duodenum, ICU 2 weeks, NG tube, perforation sealed, sent home, 2 weeks later back in hospital, 3 rd ERCP stent dislodged, removed stent, 2 weeks later,emergency surgery, removed gall bladder.
Have been suffering with upper abdominal cramping, Sphinter of Oddi , biliary pain.
Now have a hiatal hernia, pancreatitis that comes and goes, statins and bivalent covid vaccine have contributed to aggravated pancreatitis symptoms.
Going for acupuncture next week.
Hope you are feeling better.