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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

donnabe | @donnabe | Jan 14 12:54pm

In reply to @jkarmazin "If you want to see if you think you have it try taking OTC pancreatic enzymes..." + (show)

Did they help you?

jkarmazin | @jkarmazin | Jan 14 1:50pm

In reply to @donnabe "Did they help you?" + (show)

Yes, that’s why I asked for the test!

cheryl46 | @cheryl46 | Jan 15 8:34pm

In reply to @jfperrone "After a very painful event I had surgery to remove my gall bladder. Surgery took 2.5..." + (show)

Colestid, cholestyrine are the best for bile salt diarrhea post gallbladder removal

sorentj | @sorentj | Jan 16 7:45am

In reply to @rfherald "I had gastrojenunostomy and had the same results. My PA recommended Creon to get the enzymes..." + (show)

Anybody in this network who knows where I can have my gallstones removed and preserve my gall bladder - which apparently has an important function?
Soren T-J

cheryl46 | @cheryl46 | Jan 16 10:07pm

In reply to @donnabe "@jkarmazin No I have not been tested for EPI. Crohn’s in remission- lactose intolerant. EPI never..." + (show)

Normally with bile salt diarrhea s/p cholecystectomy Colestid ow Questran does the trick.
However with EPI it is definitely related to diet. No fiber, no fatty foods and from there every patient is different.
I would recommend a 72 hour high fat stool study to check for fat in the stool to rule out EPI.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 17 3:33pm

In reply to @marman101 "I had gall bladder removed in 2016. I was told diarrhea may happen but would get..." + (show)

@marman101, you may wish to review these discussions in the Digestive Health group:
- Uncontrolled diarrhea after gallbladder removal surgery: Any advice https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-op-diarrhea/

- Post Gallbladder removal diarrhea 2 1/2 months after surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-gallbladder-removal-diarrhea-2-12-months-after-surgery/

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 17 3:33pm

In reply to @sorentj "Anybody in this network who knows where I can have my gallstones removed and preserve my..." + (show)

@sorentj, if you would like seek an appointment with Mayo Clinic specialists, you can request one here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Also see this related discussion:
- Gallbladder removal: What can I expect? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gall-bladder-removal-1/

sorentj | @sorentj | Jan 20 6:05am

In reply to @marman101 "I had gall bladder removed in 2016. I was told diarrhea may happen but would get..." + (show)

Thanks Colleen Young - I'm considering. Very useful site!

carol228 | @carol228 | Jan 20 7:11pm

In reply to @mef51 "I had horrible diarrhea after my gall bladder removal. What works for me is one serving..." + (show)

Hi to all, I had my fb removed also, and the only thing that helps me is Colestpol, (and staying away from fat)but taking it is a real nuisance, because I take a lot of meds. But, it’s better than diarrhea! Good luck to all!!

mef51 | @mef51 | Jan 20 7:49pm

In reply to @jfperrone "After a very painful event I had surgery to remove my gall bladder. Surgery took 2.5..." + (show)

Yes, I take two colestipol tablets at one time daily. They are very hard for me to swallow. I use a pill cutter to make several small pieces. Has anyone tried the powder form? It sounds like it is a bit more expensive.

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