Post-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery

I had all the tests and then some, including the HIDA scan. My doc's waited to long ( along story) I finally went into surgery under emergency conditions. My gall bladder at that point was infected and gangrene. All I can say is "if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck" well you get it.

oh dear. I have just been told I will probably have to have my gallbladder removed. I know 2 people who have not complained of diarrhea but people are weird when it comes to talking about their poop. I am scheduled for a HIDA scan. I don't know what to expect and I am getting pretty scared actually. I am going to read up. Any info would be appreciated.

I had a HIDA test. They insert a substance that tests your gallbladder. It is not painful but it is a bit uncomfortable as it produces the same symptoms you should feel if your gallbladder is not working properly. They found my gallbladder was working at 13%. I have not had any side effects after the surgery, but I used to suffer from constipation (another side effect of a malfunctioning gallbladder) and the surgery has regulated it.

my friend had the same after her gallbladder surgery. Her doc gave her Colestipol which she said worked really well and stopped the diarrhea she experienced.. She only took 1/2 dose until the diarrhea subsided then she quit taking it. She said she is OK now. I think I am facing a gallbladder surgery myself but all the testing isn't done yet and I am terrified. Set to have a HIDA test on Dec 29.

@genocurt, would you mind sharing your experiences with the HIDA test here?
- Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan: What does it tell you? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hidascan/

@donnacarp, you may also wish to post your questions about the HIDA test to that same discussion. The answers and tips you get on what to expect and how to prepare will not only help you, but also other members who will have the test in the future.

I had 2 TKRs 3 yrs. apart. One perfect; one a bit less than perfect. Then, to my surprise, had gallbladder removal. I am not suggesting they are related. I believe I am doing quite well. But I do have to plan some activities around the situation - especially in the morning. Not sure if i can take an extensive vacation ever again? I am and have always been basically "regular". I eat basically everything. In fact, am about to start Jenny Craig diet. Even though I am very active physically, weight has become a concern (not too bad yet!). I have been on Synthroid for 38 years and Buproprion anxiety med for 20 years. Both can lead to weight gain. I was on Jenny Craig for 2.5 months a year ago and was VERY pleased with the food; lost 9 lbs. I want to go back on it again but am concerned about the reputation of FROZEN/PROCESSED foods. I felt fine and really want to get back on it (fresh veggies, fruit and water are part of the DAILY diet). Any problem with a diet such as JC? I ate healthier when I was on it than I do now and loved portion control. For me, the biggest problem . post gallbladder surgery 1.5 years ago is 'forceful" gas all day long. Sorry to be graphic, but it seems to be odor-LESS - not what I would call typical unpleasant gas from pre-gallbladder surgery. I have ALWAYS had gas issues, but this is different. (Also tried Nutri-System for a few months once, but food not as tasty.)

What really seems to help is Metamucil in the am and colestipol 1gm twice a day. The big "D" has calmed down and I have taken to drinking Gatorade to restore electrolytes (I don't know where they went but I found them). The gas thing can be problematic but that has calmed down as well. I don't worry about my weight, its there, and I look at it as an investment. Sorry to be so flip but it seems that this subject will take over your life if you let it. Happy new Year!

just to say this.......I haven't had gallbladder surgery however I do have a handle on the dietary stuff. My husband began to have blood sugar issues and he began to watch Michael Gregor MD / nutrition action videos and he also watches 2 guys who are diabetic both of which have kept their blood sugar in check with plant based diets. He already had been subscribing to Dr. Gregors nutritionaction.org newsletter paper edition and I read when it came. We changed our diet to a plant based diet because the data is just so so convincing. He has proof and research that he shows to back his studies. I didn't have trouble changing at all / my husband may have had more trouble than I did. I gave up milk products after figuring out I had a lactose issue when I was churning in my belly all the time. My mother and daughter are both lactose intolerant so it came as no surprise. I gave up lattes and began drinking my coffee black. After about 6-9 mo. I also tried vigorously to give up sugar and I have cut way way down. After the sugar decrease I am not stiff anymore. Anyway, my weight has not been a problem at all since changing my diet. I have never eaten a lot of fat....my fats came from sweets when I ate them / cookies or chocolate or ice cream. Now those things are rare. I have never been really overweight but I struggled to be a weight that I was comfortable in my skin. I began Weight Watchers many years ago when my summer capri pants were too tight..........that was a lot of pounds ago that it is hard to believe. I am a Lifetime member now. I would encourage anyone struggling with dietary stuff to check out Dr Gregor. All his website and you tube stuff is free. Give yourself 5 minutes to find out why he started his work. He provides a real practical dedicated service.

Hello. I have pain in my back, think of where a bra sits on the back. I associated the pain with my gallbladder. I had my gallbladder removed 10 days ago, but I still have this aching. At times it’s dull and at other times it’s more pronounced. Some days I don’t really get it. My husband suggested maybe it’s nerve pain, that some nerves became damaged due to the inflammation of the gallbladder. I also tend to get really bad knots in my neck/shoulders/shoulder blade area. I’m just wondering if anyone has dealt with this aching. Whether or not my husband’s theory could be correct or if it could have to do with the knots. The doctors keep saying it’s trapped gas, but this is the same pain I’ve been dealing with for over a year, ever since the gallbladder issues started.

Hello @jasminemb and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear of your pain below the shoulder blades. From what you said in your post, it sounds like you had this both before and after your surgery. Is that correct?

We have a number of discussions ongoing about problems after gallbladder surgery. I would encourage you to read these posts and connect with anyone who has had similar problems as yours. Here is a link to one of those discussions on pain after gallbladder surgery.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-cholesectomy-gallbladder-removal-chronic-back-pain/?pg=2#comment-233883
If you are comfortable sharing more, would you explain the kind of surgery you had? Was it invasive or was it a Laparoscopic procedure (minimally invasive)?