Post-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery

Posted by msb18 @msb18, Dec 11, 2018

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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@itsjohn

Hi everyone. I hope someone can help me with this unusual sitution.
I had my gallbladder out seven months ago - keyhole surgery. My gallbladder had been an issue for two years and I was told I needed to get it out in December, but due to the Covid delays, I had to wait til February. Five days before the surgery, right out of the blue, one afternoon I felt like I had been stabbed in my right side flank, between my lower rib and top of the hip. The sharp, stabbing intense pain proceeded to get worse and I ended up in the ER. I was told I was having a heart attack (I wasn't) and then I was told my pain was due to 'musco-skeletal issues' and to see my chiropractor, who told me to call my surgeon immediately. The surgeon removed the gallbladder out a few days later and I was told the stabbing / electric shock pain in my right side would clear up as I recovered from the surgery. But it persisted, even through high doses of morphine.
Now, seven months later, I still have the sharp, stabbing pain. Not as often as right before and after the surgery, but when it hits, the shock of the pain can make me jump out of a chair. I have so far had more scans than I can count, and been told I have post-infection scarring, scar tissue, kidney issues, slipping rib syndrome, a pinched nerve, neuralgia, nerve pain and today was told I have adhesions. Take your pick!
The frequency is nowhere near as bad as it was, and I can have completely pain-free days, and then it will hit again and it feels like an electric shocks. It is always in the same place - on the right hand side flank.
What has confused many is that this pain started six days before the surgery, although the gall bladder was in bad shape by that stage and the only symptoms I had was nausea but never, ever any pain. But since February, constant debilitating pain.
Can ANYONE tell if they have had anything like this? It has baffled one doctor after another, but the mention earlier today about adhesion seems like it could make sense. Thanks in advance. John

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Have you been tested for a kidney stone? This sounds like it could be one. I urge you to check that out if you haven't already.

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@anniegk

Have you been tested for a kidney stone? This sounds like it could be one. I urge you to check that out if you haven't already.

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No I haven't. Thats certainly a possibility. Will check into it if things are still going on..Thank you.

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My main gallbladder pain, both pre- and post-op, is back pain between my shoulder blades and pressure in my upper abdomen & chest. (I thought my one & only severe gallbladder attack was my heart.) After reading through this thread, I’m really starting to worry about either adhesions or compromised nerves.

In reading about gallbladder symptoms, I’ve noticed that post-op back pain is attributed to the gas you get inside you during surgery. Bit there’s obviously another reason. I’m assuming it’s inflammation and therefore the pain & discomfort will lessen and eventually stop completely. I’m only 12 days post-op.

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I had my gall bladder (220 stones) and appendix removed 46 yrs ago at the age of 25. I have the old-fashion 8" or so diagonal scar. Recently the scar has started itching. Sounds crazy, right? Now I am having sharp pains in it that woke me up last night. Again, this evening while sitting it started hurting. Has anyone else encountered this problem? Thanks. gramaneesee

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@itsjohn

Hi everyone. I hope someone can help me with this unusual sitution.
I had my gallbladder out seven months ago - keyhole surgery. My gallbladder had been an issue for two years and I was told I needed to get it out in December, but due to the Covid delays, I had to wait til February. Five days before the surgery, right out of the blue, one afternoon I felt like I had been stabbed in my right side flank, between my lower rib and top of the hip. The sharp, stabbing intense pain proceeded to get worse and I ended up in the ER. I was told I was having a heart attack (I wasn't) and then I was told my pain was due to 'musco-skeletal issues' and to see my chiropractor, who told me to call my surgeon immediately. The surgeon removed the gallbladder out a few days later and I was told the stabbing / electric shock pain in my right side would clear up as I recovered from the surgery. But it persisted, even through high doses of morphine.
Now, seven months later, I still have the sharp, stabbing pain. Not as often as right before and after the surgery, but when it hits, the shock of the pain can make me jump out of a chair. I have so far had more scans than I can count, and been told I have post-infection scarring, scar tissue, kidney issues, slipping rib syndrome, a pinched nerve, neuralgia, nerve pain and today was told I have adhesions. Take your pick!
The frequency is nowhere near as bad as it was, and I can have completely pain-free days, and then it will hit again and it feels like an electric shocks. It is always in the same place - on the right hand side flank.
What has confused many is that this pain started six days before the surgery, although the gall bladder was in bad shape by that stage and the only symptoms I had was nausea but never, ever any pain. But since February, constant debilitating pain.
Can ANYONE tell if they have had anything like this? It has baffled one doctor after another, but the mention earlier today about adhesion seems like it could make sense. Thanks in advance. John

Jump to this post

Have you been checked for kidney stones?

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@gramaneesee

I had my gall bladder (220 stones) and appendix removed 46 yrs ago at the age of 25. I have the old-fashion 8" or so diagonal scar. Recently the scar has started itching. Sounds crazy, right? Now I am having sharp pains in it that woke me up last night. Again, this evening while sitting it started hurting. Has anyone else encountered this problem? Thanks. gramaneesee

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I had my gallbladder removed on Feb 25th /22. Soon be 1 year and I am now experiencing the same symptoms as you. right side pain and back pain is hard

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@khagan44

My main gallbladder pain, both pre- and post-op, is back pain between my shoulder blades and pressure in my upper abdomen & chest. (I thought my one & only severe gallbladder attack was my heart.) After reading through this thread, I’m really starting to worry about either adhesions or compromised nerves.

In reading about gallbladder symptoms, I’ve noticed that post-op back pain is attributed to the gas you get inside you during surgery. Bit there’s obviously another reason. I’m assuming it’s inflammation and therefore the pain & discomfort will lessen and eventually stop completely. I’m only 12 days post-op.

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@khagan44 -
Checking in on you- Do you still have that post op pain from November?
I briefly had similar pain post op- inflammation.
Years later there was pain again- this time from bile “ gravel” having difficulty passing into the intestines.

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@sandra24

I had my gallbladder removed on Feb 25th /22. Soon be 1 year and I am now experiencing the same symptoms as you. right side pain and back pain is hard

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@sandra24 -
I just posted to @khagan44 that years later I had similar pain and it was due to bile “ gravel” having difficulty entering the intestines. Eventually, they made the opening larger.
Nowadays, I only get that pain if I overindulge eating fatty foods.

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I had my gallbladder out January 17. 2022. Then a emergency ercp four days later. Prior to surgery. When I had my hidascan my ejection fraction was 0 so it was really bad. Since unfortunately nothing but problems had endoscope last June hyperplasia with possibly autoimmune gastritis going on my 4th gi. Trying to have 2nd endoscope for 2nd opinion. Hard to eat alot of foods. Possible sjorgens. Silent reflux and fibromyalga all since surgery. I don't want to scare anyone just sharing my story

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@woodsiechris

Hi all. I am scheduled for my ERCP Sphincterotomy in 2 days. My dilemma is that even with the HIDA showing dysfunction of the Sphincter of Oddi, my pain the past 5 days has been subsiding. Surgeon still thinks I should proceed with it but was wondering what people's thoughts are on this. I am worried I am going through this for nothing and my cholesectomy just needed time to heal and my system adapt.

Input is appreciated.

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I am new to Mayo Connect.
Did you ever have the ERCP for SOD?
18 years ago, I had Biliary colic, after 3 ERCP's, 2nd with stent, perforation of the duodenum, ICU 2 weeks, NG tube, perforation sealed, sent home, 2 weeks later back in hospital, 3 rd ERCP stent dislodged, removed stent, 2 weeks later,emergency surgery, removed gall bladder.
Have been suffering with upper abdominal cramping, Sphinter of Oddi , biliary pain.
Now have a hiatal hernia, pancreatitis that comes and goes, statins and bivalent covid vaccine have contributed to aggravated pancreatitis symptoms.
Going for acupuncture next week.
Hope you are feeling better.

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