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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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I’m afraid to say that medicine in the US is awful. From my point of view, the US health system is broken. It doesn’t matter if you are in a small town or a big city. Everything seemed to be ok when I needed a regular annual check up. But it’s different with chronic illnesses.
Once you see a doctor, they run the usual tests and by the book it is one or another thing. Then, if you don’t improve with medication (palliatives) they tell you “there’s only so much medicine can do.”
Having diarrhea can mean many things, from my experience.
The bottom line, I have learned that diet is a big factor in everything health related. With my diarrhea crisis almost every month (I ve been diagnosed IBS) I stop every food, drink a lot of fluids. After my third visit to the toilet, I take 2 Imodiums, after my next episode I take 1 Imodium, I drink very warm camomile, and I put heat on my belly. After feeling better I start with 1/2 cup of chicken soup. If after that I have another episode, after the soup, I take my 4th and last Imodium for the day. Then I eat 2 to 4 tbsp of cooked brown rice. It usually stops until the following day, when I start eating one thing at a time, then I can id what is causing the problem. Then until probably a week and all over again. In my case it’s apparently the IBS. I follow a low FODMAP diet and gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free diet. When I get to see my Gastro doc, same thing, follow diet, reduce stress, take Dyciclomine (that helps but the side effects are not good). I have weekly psychological therapy to manage the stress. But I still get sick every month. Now I’m seeing a functional doctor. Apparently the imbalance of my gut bacteria may be causing the symptoms. I’ve been prescribed several supplements, but once again I get sick. This time I’m going to observe myself after having 4 tsps of coconut yogurt and have a banana. Let’s see.
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2 ReactionsHi, did your Dr. check for microscopic colitis? He has to take a biopsy of the colon because it can’t be seen with just a normal colonoscopy. I have microscopic colitis and it causes severe diarrhea. The medicine that’s usually prescribed is Budesonide. Thanks. I hope this helps.
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4 ReactionsYes she did , during the last colonoscopy in Mar , took a few biopsies. Negative.
Just put in my PCR stool sample to lab .
Also did endoscopy during colonoscopy.
Next is pill endoscopy.
I’m diagnosed with 6-7 different chronic illnesses ( gastrointestinal) . Plus chronic fatigue and PVC’s . Everyday I’m sick . I tried all different RX’s , over 20 different supplements, holistic Dr’s , elimination diets , you name it .
It’s 10 th year . Getting so much worse last 2 years. Not a day off .
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4 ReactionsSo sorry to hear you’ve been through so much. I pray that things get better for you.
Thank you , it probably won’t as no one can help me at this point . I’m only getting worse.
I’m in therapy to learn how to cope with chronic illness. I just had 1 session so far .
It’s hard to get through these days and years . Not much of a life ( I feel bad for hubby as I can’t do much outside house ).
He retires in 2 years. Works remote 2 days and 3 at office.
I’m home alone w/ my dogs and on my phone texting a lot .
It can get lonely esp being sick 🤢 and fatigued.
My kids are 2 hrs south so we don’t see that often . They are busy w/ homes and work .
Thank you 🙏
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3 ReactionsLike other posts, I, too have been where you are! I had constant diarrhea every time I put something in my mouth. It got so bad that after over 2 months, I was unable to eat, then drink liquids! I was so weak that I could hardly make it to the bathroom. That's when my husband took me to the hospital. I had lost 30 pounds. I was on IV fluids for 2 days, then my GI Dr did an EGD and colonoscopy., where they found autoimmune microscopic colitis. Also my esophagus had ulcerations all the way to my stomach!I'm on Budesomide and a Rx med for diarrhea because the over the counter Imodium stopped working! I am
able to eat a healthy diet now and only have occasional loose stools. My GI said as I continue to heal, it should get better. It's been 6 weeks since my tests and I almost feel like my old self. Maybe you should get a 2nd opinion. My heart goes out to you. You don't have to suffer!!
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2 ReactionsWhat I hear is very..very serious!! Call Mayo and see how fast
They can see you. In my opinion they are the best of the best. Please please keep us posted. We care.
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1 ReactionHave you been tested for BAM (bile acid mal absorption) ? If not maybe look into it and bring it up to your DR.'s
You could try eliminating all processed foods. If it comes in a box or bag, dont eat it. That means eating veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds. That has helped my gut a lot!
I understand the wanting to give up . I’m 10 years in .
Seen 6 Gastro’s , done every test , took every supplement, tried diff RX , have 7 different diagnosis. Plus chronic fatigue syndrome and Gastro cardiac syndrome ( with PVCs , PACs ). Can barely eat anything. Tried elimination diets , functional medicine dr , all holistic , take anti anxiety meds and sleep med for years .
Even went to Mayo Clinic.
No one and nothing helps .
I pray 🙏 you get a good good GI Dr or Functional Medicine Dr. to actually help you !! I’m chronic so long , I just don’t know how to cope anymore after so long . Keep us posted . 😢.
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