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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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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | 5 days ago
In reply to @lindseysandquist "Gallbladder removed 9/25/25. I've been getting intermittent pain from right to left side and mid chest..." + (show)
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Gallbladder removed 9/25/25. I've been getting intermittent pain from right to left side and mid chest to upper abdomen that is so bad I can only take short frequent breaths and I get dizzy and diaphoretic which lasts 3-5 mins. It's what id imagine a heart attack to feel like. There's no pattern to what i eat or drink or do that causes it. The 1st 3 times was in the morning after coffee which I do every morning and haven't had any issues. The last time was durning afternoon, I hadn't ate or drank anything and it just hit me. It doubles me over where I can barely walk and it lasted longer, id be calling a ambulance every time it's so bad. CT and HIDA scan showed nothing so MD suggested a exploratory lap. In which I've had around 20 surgeries and don't want to just add another if not needed. Any thoughts or anyone that's had this experience? Other GI issues is silent GERD, gastroparesis. Hx of GI surgeries-sleeve, SADI-S, hiatal hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair, 5 abdominal exploratory laparoscopies, partial hysterectomy (only have left ovary).

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Hi, @lindseysandquist - just wanted to mention that I've moved your post and its responses here to this larger existing discussion on post gallbladder removal so that you could meet Mayo Clinic Connect members talking about a similar topic, such as @lesmac @cierrarae18 @dlb123 @kb2014 and others. Hoping they might recognize the pain you are describing that occurred after your gallbladder removal that doubles you over and makes you dizzy.

Did your doctor think that the symptoms you've experienced related to the gallbladder surgery, or that they were unrelated? Have you considered getting a second opinion, if you are not ready for an exploratory surgery at this time?

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Profile picture for luvnursing52
luvnursing52 | @luvnursing52 | 4 days ago
In reply to @lindseysandquist "Gallbladder removed 9/25/25. I've been getting intermittent pain from right to left side and mid chest..." + (show)
Profile picture for lindseysandquist @lindseysandquist

Gallbladder removed 9/25/25. I've been getting intermittent pain from right to left side and mid chest to upper abdomen that is so bad I can only take short frequent breaths and I get dizzy and diaphoretic which lasts 3-5 mins. It's what id imagine a heart attack to feel like. There's no pattern to what i eat or drink or do that causes it. The 1st 3 times was in the morning after coffee which I do every morning and haven't had any issues. The last time was durning afternoon, I hadn't ate or drank anything and it just hit me. It doubles me over where I can barely walk and it lasted longer, id be calling a ambulance every time it's so bad. CT and HIDA scan showed nothing so MD suggested a exploratory lap. In which I've had around 20 surgeries and don't want to just add another if not needed. Any thoughts or anyone that's had this experience? Other GI issues is silent GERD, gastroparesis. Hx of GI surgeries-sleeve, SADI-S, hiatal hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair, 5 abdominal exploratory laparoscopies, partial hysterectomy (only have left ovary).

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@lindseysandquist I'm wondering since you've had so many abdominal surgeries if scar tissue is causing your problems. Have they done an MRI on your abdomen to narrow the cause down? Possibly a trapped nerve? Are you on any medications for the gastroparesis? Any PPI's for your 'silent' GERD? I agree with your decision to avoid yet another abdominal surgery and create more scar tissue. Any history of endometriosis?
I think imaging w/MRI would be beneficial since it's more diagnostic than a CT scan. A Gyn consult would possibly help. I hope you get some answers soon! Sounds like it's really impacting your quality of life.

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