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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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.
No I haven't. Thats certainly a possibility. Will check into it if things are still going on..Thank you.
I also have had elevated liver enzymes prior to and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In fact one of the reasons my Dr. gave for having a cholecystectomy was elevated liver enzymes. However, it did not cause them to go down but have stayed elevated and even worsened over time. I'm curious about what else could cause this besides alcohol.
@jasonharjo Good morning, I hope you are doing well after your surgery. My name is Sandi and I am a patient Ambassador with the American Liver Foundation. I am being treated by Northwestern in Chicago since I was diagnosed with cirrhosis in May of 2020.
If you have not already, I would suggest seeing a hepatologist for the elevated liver enzymes. If you are located near a medical center, you can find one there. These providers are trained to manage the specifics of the liver and can give you the best direction and also follow your case and trend lines.
I wish you all the best and if you would like to discuss more, please let me know.
Why was your gallbladder removed? Did it burst by chance.
20 yrs ago, my brothers Gallbladder burst. He was quite sick and in the hospital for 6 weeks. After recovery, his liver enzymes were high for all those years. The doctors all thought he was drinking when he wasn't. Consequently, it turned out that when his gallbladder burst, 93 gallstones lodged into his liver which is very rare. Fortunately he found a doctor who read about this and did exploratory surgery. He had to remove 60% of my brothers liver. After 6 weeks the liver regenerated itself and my brother was fine.
I'm not saying this is your case, but suggesting you run it by your doctor for a possibility.
Hope you feel better soon.
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.
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
Have you been checked for kidney stones?
I had my Gallbladder removed on October 16th laparoscopically. My liver enzymes have been extremely elevated since. I have alway had my blood work done every 3 months and they have alway been normal. My most recent ALT was 387 and my AST was 109. I have an appt with a gastro/liver doctor on Monday. Is this normal for my levels to be so high because of me having no GB now.
Hi @aprilgrivet, did you learn anything at your gastro-liver appointment yesterday that you could share with the group?