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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
gallbladder?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
gallbladder?
by newmother, Jan 21, 2006 12:00AM
I gave birth to my third child 4 months ago. After birth I noticed a slight tenderness in my right upper flank. About 2 months postpartum, tenderness and discomfort increased. I lost appetite, didn't feel like eating fatty foods. Ultrasound was performed to rule out gallstones. Results showed gallbladder to be normal, i.e. no cholelithiasis or cholecystitis, no biliary dilatation. It revealed increased echogenicity of portal triads, but liver enzymes were normal. A few days later had what felt like a bad gallbladder colic: stabbing pain in right upper flank also radiating around to just below the rib cage in the back. Pain lasted about half an hour to 45min. After that felt like somebody had beaten me up. Whole back, left and right side, very sore and tender. Right flank remained tender for a few days. After that "colic" started to develop dizziness on and of which is still present. Over last 2 months noticed lots of indigestion, i.e. gas, burping, a bit of reflux. A few days ago, dizziness was very bad and now I have started to have discomfort again in right flank. Dizziness not quite as bad today.
A physician at an urgent care clinic suggested that I might be experiencing gallbladder spasms. He said that they are apparently fairly common in pregnant and postpartum women. He also said that they would resolve on their own after a few months. Was suppose to have test done for gallbladder spasms, but couldn't have it done due to the fact that I wouldn't be allowed to nurse for 24 hours following the test.
I am wondering if my symptoms could be related to the gallbladder and if the dizziness could be part of it. Would appreciate any suggestions.
A physician at an urgent care clinic suggested that I might be experiencing gallbladder spasms. He said that they are apparently fairly common in pregnant and postpartum women. He also said that they would resolve on their own after a few months. Was suppose to have test done for gallbladder spasms, but couldn't have it done due to the fact that I wouldn't be allowed to nurse for 24 hours following the test.
I am wondering if my symptoms could be related to the gallbladder and if the dizziness could be part of it. Would appreciate any suggestions.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 23, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 23, 2006 12:00AM
It may be possible that the dizziness is caused from the gallbladder.
To evaluate the gallbladder function, you can consider a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation. A low gallbladder ejection fraction can cause some of these symptoms.
You can also consider a stone within the biliary tree. An MRCP (i.e. MRI of the biliary tree) can be considered to evaluate this possibility.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician or gastroenterologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
To evaluate the gallbladder function, you can consider a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation. A low gallbladder ejection fraction can cause some of these symptoms.
You can also consider a stone within the biliary tree. An MRCP (i.e. MRI of the biliary tree) can be considered to evaluate this possibility.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician or gastroenterologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
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God Bless,
CJ
I scheduled the surgery, and everything went fine. However, the pain returned, just as bad as before. I had a number of episodes over 6 months until I went to a new Dr. He ordered a CT scan which came back normal.
I think I have figured out that the pain is related to stress. I moved house, and have a shorter commute, and a more relaxed lifestyle. I had no attack for 11 months until this week when we received some bad news about my husbands health - then I had 2 attacks in 1 week (I am pregnant again). I noticed that if I try to breath through it instead of paniking and think positive thoughts, and drink ice cold water, the pain eventually eases (after about 30-45 minutes).
So - I don't think I should have had my gallbladder out at all. It had no impact on my symptoms, eventhough they said I had sludge.