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Post-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery
Hi – I had my gallbladder removed 17 years ago and have chronic, sharp back pain behind the port incision. That incision was in my upper left abdominal quadrant; the pain is felt in my back, directly behind the incision. It is thought that I have an adhesion in my upper left quadrant. Is it possible that nerves are trapped and that it causes referred pain in my back? The pain is nauseating and hasn't improved. I have been on anti seizure medication and a pain killer that isn't a percocet-type medication. I am curious if anyone else has persistent pain in their back following gallbladder surgery. If so, how is your pain treated.
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Maybe you have a hernia? Appendix? Best of luck. I had my gallbladder out because of gallstones. If the bile duct gets plugged you can develop an infection I was told?
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2 Reactions@bunnycuddlez
Another thought is the tie of Covid to gut issues. Did you get the Covid shots and have the virus 2020-2023? I wonder if your gut issues are tied to long Covid.
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-long-covid-affect-the-gut-202303202903
2. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/long-covid-and-the-digestive-system-mayo-clinic-expert-describes-common-symptoms/
3. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/11/potential-treatment-found-for-covid-related-gi-issues/
4. https://medicine.washu.edu/news/covid-19-infections-raise-risk-of-long-term-gastrointestinal-problems/
5. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-expert-explains-gastrointestinal-symptoms-related-to-covid-19/
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1 Reaction@bunnycuddlez
I am assuming you had extensive bloodwork, an abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy and colonoscopy to check your gastrointestinal system before moving to the HYDA scan? Have you had updated testing/imaging since your surgery? You have been suffering way too long.
I had all of the above and the HYDA scan last. My gallbladder is ejecting only 7% bile when the minimum should be 35%-40%. I was told to get my gallbladder out but I have held off due to other higher priority surgeries needed (spine).
I have read some have had issues with getting their gallbladder out where symptoms continue or they have complications. This makes me nervous about getting mine out. I do know that having smaller, more frequent, lower fat diets can help reduce symptoms.
Have you ever been tested for allergies to foods or autoimmune illness? Have you ever worked with a nutritionist/dietitian to review diet/supplements? Do you take any other medications or supplements?
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1 ReactionOkay, this is a long one so stay tuned… LOLAlright, about 2 years ago now i started feeling crummy, actually kinda pregnant (my ladies will understand) i was experiencing nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, (i literally have to undress to potty, i sweat so bad) food aversions, the pain comes and goes. I can be miserable for an amount of time then just poof its gone, but it comes back on and off throughout the day, i also experienced no period with this so it actually made me think i really did seal the deal. I started out at the OB, turns out not pregnant but guess what still all the symptoms. As time went on the pain worsened and then i started to notice my pain got worse after eating foods, especially Italian. So went to my PCP went thru a bunch of testing to get to the last one, the HIDA scan which tests the function of the gallbladder mine was at a whopping 22% so it automatically got taken out, now a GI did not do my surgery or check me out she was like a general surgeon she only covered some things, she tried medicines and diets nothing helped, then sent me off to the GI, so now here i am a year after my surgery and im still experiencing the same pain. Instead of the pain being under my right ribs like a boot feeling, most of my pain is on my left side, i have all the same symptoms listed above with a pain under my left ribcage on my side, my stomach feels like an accordion just being shoved downward when im trying to stand, day to day life is unbearable anymore. Doc is setting me up with a CT to test pancreas and liver function, then the stomach emptying test for gasteopareosis…… has any else ever experienced this!? Im in desperate need of help trying to get answers, maybe someone has been thru this that can help a girl save a few months of pain and agony?Oh- period did come finally before gallbladder surgery but went without one for 6months😬
I take digestive enzymes from health food store. Just discovered your Dr can prescribe them which is a lot cheaper. Enzymes help some
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2 ReactionsNOW Super Enzymes, also at the health food store, works for me. When I remember to take it.
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2 ReactionsI had this issue after gall bladder removed. My surgeon prescribed Welchol and it's helped SO much. I hope you feel better soon!
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3 ReactionsSorry...I've never discussed nor do I have knowledge about bile acid malabsorption (BAM).
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1 ReactionI'm so sorry you are struggling. My husband had his removed 6 weeks ago and the pain he had prior to his gallbladder removal has never gone away. We have been back and forth to the ER 3 times all the tests and scans come back negative. Our daughter works for HR thru a medical clinic she works for so she got my husband an appointment tomorrow for pain management. We will see how that goes and hopefully they can help him with his pain cause he can hardly get out of bed without hurting so bad. I pray you can get some answers on your situation as well. It's so crazy how many people are struggling after gallbladder removal. Makes me wonder what really goes on in surgery as to why so many are in worse shape after.
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1 ReactionI am on cholestrymine and a low fat dairy free diet according to my last colonoscopy Crohn’s free but still suffered from diarrhea and that was prior to having gallbladder removed. Added the psyllium husk yesterday hoping for good results. Would love to off cholestrymine.