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Gallbladder removal: Anyone still having complications?
Digestive Health | Last Active: Dec 3, 2023 | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
I had my gallbladder removed 3 months ago, im a 30yr old female. Ever since every time I eat I have horrible pain In my mid back. I have had an mri and I'm just brushed off and told I'm fine. Eating hurts so much I've gotten to a point I just don't want to. I'm also Constipated and all the doctors can say is well that doesn't usually happen. Plus I've had horrible reflux that burns my throat constantly. I feel so ill all the time. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?
Replies to "I had my gallbladder removed 3 months ago, im a 30yr old female. Ever since every..."
I had gallbladder surgery 3 and half months ago on Oct 16th 2022 and I felt ok right after and better after 4weeks. But now I'm really sore in a spot below the incession on the rt side upper stomach. Really tierd most of the time? Not much of an appetite. I went to see my surgeon and he said it was fine. Maybe it's taking me longer to heal. Anyone else? It's getting depressing as I like to stay active but I feel drained.
Hello Sam 325 and Megan
I had a cholecystectomy in December 2022. I was absolutely healthy. Woke up with horrible Epigastric pain and stomach pain. Could not eat. Went to the Emergency Department they put me on proton pump inhibitor and Sucralfate. Lost 15 pounds and I am not a large person.
The medicines helped with the burning chest but the side effects were bad. Had tests, HIDA scan, upper GI, normal. But there is definitely something off.
I propped the head of my bed for GERD ( which helps) and drink cabbage juice in the morning, started taking digestive enzymes with meals, and kept them low acid and bland, and weaned myself off the PPI’s. Forced myself to eat. I Can eat now, small meals. I drink boost, chamomile tea and green tea between. I am so sorry you are having problems. This is a horrible thing to go through, it is exhausting thinking about and feeling digestive discomfort all day and night.
Hang in there.
@sam325
I personally know your misery.
I had my gallbladder removed many years ago. After a few years I started getting the intense pain you are describing.
I had an MRCP- MRI of bile ducts basically. They found “ sludge” in the common bile duct, causing blockage at the opening into the small intestine. The pancreas shares the same opening. I had an ERCP where the opening into the intestine was enlarged.
Nowadays ultrasound is also used to examine the common bile duct.
I don’t want to confuse you but more recently I have had extreme abdominal pain after eating due to a very rare and totally different abnormality.
MALS- Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. A ligament from the diaphragm puts pressure on the celiac artery and limits the blood flow. The celiac artery carries blood to stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas etc. Treatment consists of cutting the ligament.
It is rare but we have a MALS group here on Connect.
Testing is easy- a Doppler ultrasound of abdominal blood flow.
You could just request this test to make sure nothing is wrong with the abdominal arteries.
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You probably have bile reflux.
See: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bile-reflux/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370121
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22056-bile-reflux
Low bile flow causes constipation:
See: https://www.drelenaklimenko.com/causes-of-constipation-part-2-low-bile-flow/
If your gastroenterologist hasn't suggested anything for you, then find another doctor! Try gaviscon until the doctor can help you more.