Severe pain continues after gall bladder removal !

Posted by hlp123 @hlp123, Oct 23, 2023

After dealing with episodes of severe abdominal pain for years, finally had my gallbladder removed. expecting to have condition resolved, but I continue to have severe, pain, 6 months after surgery. Doctors do not have any answers. My father and my grandmother had this pain and were pain free after removal of their gall bladder. I have a young family and full time job and am very active, but when I get these attacks of pain I am basically paralized. I cannot move. Nothing helps !
I just have to wait it out. Sometimes for hours. Has anyone found an answer to this situation.
Thank you

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

I'm so sorry to hear your not feeling good after removal of your gallbladder.
Mine was removed almost 2 yrs ago and that happened to me.
I continued to pursue other doctors and mine turned out to be MALS. Median Arcuate Ligament Syntrom.
Do you have pain when you eat, drink, exercise? Or Diaherra and Constipation. My pain is in the sternum area and radiates left and right.
If you have any symptoms you might research this. Theres a Facebook page called MALS. It is very rare and very difficult to detect. I've already had a Median Arcuate Ligament Release surgery last year that failed, and having another surgery with a more experienced doctor in a few weeks. This is a complex Syntrom and mostly a process of elimination to find the answer .
It is usually diagnosed with a CTA Angiogram, Mesenteric Doppler Ultrasound and a Celiac Plexus Block.
Good Luck! You need to be your own Advocate. Feel Better..

REPLY

Has pancreas,liver ,hernia,etc. Been ruled out?

REPLY

I had a very bad pain episode last week, am post 14 weeks gallbladder removal, am on a dual course of antibiotics as my blood work shows an infection and my liver values are high, had a MRI waiting to see Doctor again but she thinks it may be diverticulitis- get your blood work checked etc and eliminate

REPLY
@danielabmc59

I had a very bad pain episode last week, am post 14 weeks gallbladder removal, am on a dual course of antibiotics as my blood work shows an infection and my liver values are high, had a MRI waiting to see Doctor again but she thinks it may be diverticulitis- get your blood work checked etc and eliminate

Jump to this post

Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish you well and pain free. I am learning that there are many of us who are experiencing severe pain after gall bladder removal. I feel I need to see a specialist. The Gastroenterologist seem to be mostly interested in performing colonoscopies ! I live in the Chicago area and even though my surgeon has retired I never expected to be unable to get an appointment with a gastroenterologist who was knowledgeable about this chronic condition. I continue to search.
Good Luck to you

REPLY

Have you read about PCS?

REPLY

Also, u might want to read about SOD

REPLY

Hi-do you have anything else-symptoms?

REPLY
@bfort

I'm so sorry to hear your not feeling good after removal of your gallbladder.
Mine was removed almost 2 yrs ago and that happened to me.
I continued to pursue other doctors and mine turned out to be MALS. Median Arcuate Ligament Syntrom.
Do you have pain when you eat, drink, exercise? Or Diaherra and Constipation. My pain is in the sternum area and radiates left and right.
If you have any symptoms you might research this. Theres a Facebook page called MALS. It is very rare and very difficult to detect. I've already had a Median Arcuate Ligament Release surgery last year that failed, and having another surgery with a more experienced doctor in a few weeks. This is a complex Syntrom and mostly a process of elimination to find the answer .
It is usually diagnosed with a CTA Angiogram, Mesenteric Doppler Ultrasound and a Celiac Plexus Block.
Good Luck! You need to be your own Advocate. Feel Better..

Jump to this post

Hi- I had Mals surgery 4 years ago. I had the same symptoms. They first took out my gall bladder then the same pain happened again. It was amazing to wake up from surgery not having the mals pain.

REPLY
@hlp123

Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish you well and pain free. I am learning that there are many of us who are experiencing severe pain after gall bladder removal. I feel I need to see a specialist. The Gastroenterologist seem to be mostly interested in performing colonoscopies ! I live in the Chicago area and even though my surgeon has retired I never expected to be unable to get an appointment with a gastroenterologist who was knowledgeable about this chronic condition. I continue to search.
Good Luck to you

Jump to this post

It’s best to see a Vascular surgeon for this rare syndrome. It’s affects the digestive system but a vascular surgeon can see the classic hook of the celiac artery with the mals around it. Since it is so rare finding a surgeon that has experience, knowledge and can review a ct scan, look at Mals Facebook for info.

REPLY
@lasirvent

It’s best to see a Vascular surgeon for this rare syndrome. It’s affects the digestive system but a vascular surgeon can see the classic hook of the celiac artery with the mals around it. Since it is so rare finding a surgeon that has experience, knowledge and can review a ct scan, look at Mals Facebook for info.

Jump to this post

Hi
Thank You. I do belong to MALS Facebook page..
I'm scheduled with vascular surgeon Dr Park who used to be at Cleveland Clinic. My surgery is late Nov.
Hope your still feeling better! Its a tough road. You need to be a tough Warrior!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.