Connect
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.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
Thank you for responding! Yes! I actually didnt have an endoscopy/colonoscopy up until last month. 😬 I was scheduled to set up an appointment last year in May but when my HIDA scan results came back, they scheduled me for surgery instead. I found out just yesterday that after surgery i was supposed to have an ultrasound and everything rechecked if the symptoms didnt go away, so its on the list now im waiting to hear back on the date for that. But YES even after surgery i still have the same symptoms i just dont have the boot feeling under my right rib cage anymore, shes had me on a low fat diet, high fiber diet, and a few others. I can eat the same thing breakfast, lunch & dinner all week…. Each day is different sometimes id be running to the bathroom in the middle of trying to eat, sometimes i go days without, it varies day to day. Minute to minute it feels like. I actually never gotten the COVID vaccines. Ive taken numerous medications, she started treating it as acid reflux but we trial and error (i would have to look at everything weve tried) its been so long, my brain isnt what it used to be anymore😅 now im on a trial of IBSRELA, today was my first day.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI just had another thought about this medication. Is this the one that's related to Ozempic, that was renamed. I would strongly encourage everyone to delve into Dr. Bryan Ardis's podcasts and see what he has to say about these meds!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThank you . I will check out Dr B Ardis’s podcast.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy sister had the same thing after her gallbladder surgery. She lived on Imodium until a doc put her on amitriptyline. It made a big difference. With the Imodium she remained in fear of having an accident while not at home before the Imodium took effect. The amitriptyline seems to work all day.
I underwent emergency gallbladder removal surgery about 8 weeks ago. Now I am wrestling with near daily nausea, acute constipation, and occasional vomiting, I’m afraid to eat much, don’t have any appetite anyway, and am curious to know what has helped anyone else in a similar path? I’m wearing scopolamine patches round the clock, and taking laxatives to move my bowels. But this is really a tough recovery process, I can tell you!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsOH NO!! Scopolamine patches will constipate you.. they sent me to the hospital constipated..and the first thing the ER doctor said.. patches.. constipation..don't wanna scare you!! (I had my gallbladder out not emergency.. but "rushed")... Please ask your doctor about that patch.. I use Zofran and Promethazine for nausea..and Trulance (AM) and MiraLAX ( at night) and VSL3 Probiotics to help with constipation. And watch what I eat.. been constipated all my life.. also you can try Smooth Move tea..(didn't work for me but did for my sister and niece.. who only went once a month) I drink 2 Vanilla plant based Ensures.. plant protein 5 grams of fiber and 50% Vit C and D.. so with 2 you get 100% and eat Thomas multigrain English muffins with Country Crock plant butter 1 a day ..8 grams of fiber.. if you can do wheat..I hope this helps you!! Please ask about that patch!! Other alternatives to nausea..I'll be praying for you!!
Fatty foods will redefine the term “fast food”.
I had my gallbladder removed in 2012 and I couldn't eat for 10 days afterwards and I hadn't eaten for a week or so before the procedure, so I finally passed out and they took me back to the hospital and they put me on a medication called cholestyramine I think. It takes the cholesterol out of your bile or something so it doesn't trigger your IBS. That's what I was experiencing anyway. I was on the medication for nine weeks until I became allergic to it, but that was long enough for me to be able to eat and the diarrhea stopped. I would've died without it, I think. I couldn't even drink water before that without triggering severe diarrhea. I hope you can find a resolution. It's awful and scary! Take care.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI, too, am sorry that you suffer from this.
I don’t have diarrhea, but constipation, gasy. Perhaps diet is the way to aid the situation???
I have not checked bile acid nor pancreatic enzyme yet. Thank you for sharing this information. I’ll ask my doctor to prescribe such tests.
Hi, I’m sorry your husband’s surgery didn’t solve the problem completely. Has he had a post surgery check with the surgeon?
Perhaps you can request a session with a dietitian, who can assist in having proper diet for specific problems. I am considering to do this as I make suggestion to you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction