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Discrepancy in HIDA scan results
In May of 2019 I had a HIDA scan due to upper right abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, etc. My scan showed gallbladder function at 3%. Surgeon suggested a CT scan as well (due to weight loss) which found a tumor in my large intestine. In June 2019 I had right colon resection to remove the tumor, but not my gallbladder. Tumor turned out to be large B-cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for which I received chemotherapy. Fast forward two years, fully healed and cancer free but I still have some upper right abdominal pain (though not as severe as before), abnormal and frequent bowel movements, and an inability to gain weight. I received a second HIDA scan August 2021 which showed gallbladder function at 61%!
How is it possible to have such a wide discrepancy of test results? I realize the tests are 2 1/2 years apart but, can the gallbladder heal itself? Doesn't seem likely and my doctor cant explain it. Should I still have my gallbladder removed or....?
Thanks in advance for any pertinent information.
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Hi @fwpoole, First off, congratulations on being cancer free and having better function of that organ. I know it is definitely possible to improve your gallbladder function naturally and without surgery. I am just not sure what exactly your change was to improve it. Did you start eating differently? High fiber, more fruits and vegetables?
https://www.in2greatkc.com/gallbladder-problems/
Hi @amandaburnett and thanks for your reply. I know the organ can be improved but going from 3% to 61% seems like a pretty big swing considering I have made absolutely no change in my diet, only lost about a foot of large intestine. I don't make a habit of eating junk food, sweets or high fat foods although I also don't make a conscious effort to avoid them, either.
I should also add that I’m 65 YO and I have been unable to regain the 10-15lbs of weight I lost due to cancer and chemo.
What are the chances of false positives/negatives?
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1 ReactionHi, I have been chasing a diagnosis for a year for abdominal pain. One of the tests I had done was the HIDA scan, which found that my ejection fraction was 99% and my gall bladder is overactive. My GI dr said even though the test caused me pain, she didn't recommend seeking surgery for it because it wasn't EXAAACTLY the same type of pain I feel other times. (i.e. it was localized to only my abdomen in one spot, whereas other times I experience pain in my side, in my upper back, in my lower back, left side, right side, etc.) so she said it's "Normal." My PCP said the same thing.
However, I know that hyperkinetic gall bladders can cause pain. They can become infected and swollen and sick too, even though tests come back normal.
Anyone here have any experience or know anything about that?