Post Gallbladder removal diarrhea 2 1/2 months after surgery

I ignored my intwrmittent stomach pain and 2 ultrasounds that showed calcified stones that were still attached to the wall of the gallbladder. None of my doctors were too concerned so I let it go. I ended up in the ER septic with a gangreneous gallbladder that had to be removed right away. I could have died. Be sure your gallbladder isn't infected, which will require a good doctor who is willing to test you, before you attribute it to diet. A good low fat plant based diet is good but please make sure your gallbladder is not inflamed or infected or full of stones...don't make the same mistake I did. You would have thought I learned a lesson from my Aunt when she died from ignoring her gallbladder symptoms until it was too late. Please be careful.

I was also diagnosed with IBS-D years ago. I don't know, maybe the Gallbladder exacerbated the diarrhea. I will be anxious to hear how you come out. My thoughts are with you.

Please ask your doctor about trying you on cholestyramine or some kind of bile salt sequestrant.

Thank you for writing to me and sharing your experience. I have had one appointment with a surgeon's PA, who said she was new to the practice and wasn't sure my symptoms added up to removal of the gall bladder; she went out, checked with him, and reported back that I should have surgery and it could be done in three days. Well, I am caretaker for my sister and three days was not enough preparation time. I radically changed my diet about two weeks ago, had no flareups but do have morning abdominal pain; cruising along, i then foolhardly ate something I should't have and now I have just had 24 hours of non stop vomiting. I would have the surgery with this doctor because he has five stars and is recommended by my primary. I had been told if there was such a flare-up to go to a hospital here; when I called the squad last night they informed me that that facility is not a full-service hospital and they recommended that I not go to the local hospital ER because it is so backed up for beds. I took their advice, stayed home and the symptoms disappeard! Waited today for call back from this doctor's office but missed them due to another appointment I had. My huge dilema is that I must register a carI bought in Ohio no later than March 3rd at the Ohio Clerk of Courts office, in person with the car! Not what I had been told before, but this woman is at the top and, turns out, is a good friend of my daughter's. So, really, no way out of this trip. Long story there...but I have to decide if I should have the surgery as soon as possible and hope I am well enough to make the 700 mile trip (which normally I would enjoy) before March 3rd OR if I should just take off, get to my daughter's (she isa nurse) and make arrangements there. The question really is: will I be well enough to drive after surgery or should I just get going, watch my diet, and get family help? I have had no other tests other than a hospital ultra-sound. Thanks so any further advice you can offer. Sincerely, Theresa

If you could get a ultrasound, HIDA scan or a CT scan to make sure your gallbladder isn't ready to burst or isn't seeping or if there are no stones bouncing around inside the gallbladder or plugging up the bile ducts that might be the deciding factor. Once the gallbladder burst or leaks or a bile duct is plugged by stones the situation becomes a real life or death emergency. Please talk to a doctor that will give you a good sound medical opinion. I just think your life is important and you should seek some real sound medical advice. Deal with yourself first...the rest of the stuff with the car can can wait if need be.

Thank you for this great advice; I see my primary tomorrow and will request such a test be done; now my sister is really sick with vomiting as I was and we are wondering if it's a bug going around as well as the gallbladder issue. I am very grateful for your suggestions on how to proceed; I will let you know as things unfold! Sincerely, theresa

Please do. I totally get what you are going through. I was hesitant because Iam also taking care of my sister. At the end of the day we won't be any good to anyone if we aren't here. Keep me in the loop. I really care.

IT'S BEYOND IMAGINING HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE YOU RIGHT NOW. I HAVE A POTENTIAL CAREGIVER COMING OVER AND MY SISTER INSISTS ON SITTING IN HORRID SMELLING FECES IN HER BED AND ON HER CLOTHES AND ITS TRAVELLING INTO THE REST OF THE HOUSE - I AM REALLY REACHING MY LIMIT...SINCERE THANKS, THERESA

I was also diagnosed with IBS years ago as a diagnoses of exclusion. I seem to have the IBS-D. For years I have had to plan outings and dinner dates with the IBS in mind. After the GB surgery, I find Iam living around my IBS. It is a crummy way to have to live. My hope is that after my body adjust to life without a Gallbladder it will get better. I only take 400 vita D. The surgery may have made my IBS WORSE TEMPORARILY.

@anniegk - You are right- your IBS is temporarily worse. It will fall back into a routine again eventually.
It seems to me that the character of my IBS changes every few years.
It’s very annoying now- bloating, gas and always having to be near a bathroom.
It obviously changed character alongside current medical conditions.
I guess it always will be there.