Problems following gallbladder removal

[zoie_]

I had a cholecystectomy in 1998 (lap).  Since then I have had numberous problems.  One of which is severe pain every day starting in the mid abdominal area and through to the back and right shoulder.  I have had several scopes ran, an ERCP and liver function tests.  All of which have been normal.  I have read about the sphincter of oddi disorder and would like to know if anyone has this disorder and what steps I need to take to find out if this is causing my symptoms.  My family doctor put me on Librax four times daily which seems to help the "spasms" during the day but I still have them in the early morning hours or if my stomach is empty.  The pain is so severe sometimes (on a scale of 1-10, it would be a definate 12!).  Occasionally I vomit with these episodes but I think that is due to the pain that I am having to endure.  The spasms can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.  I have lived with this now for almost three years and I just seem to be at the end of my rope.  It has affected every aspect of my life....especially my job.  If anyone can give me any insight on this or if you are taking meds for this condition please let me know.  Thanks in advance for all your help.  
Zoie

[zoie_]

Thanks for your reply bjasch.  I have only had one ERCP performed and I just knew this would be my answer.....to find trapped stones.  But no, it was normal.  Since then I've just been searching for answers myself because I felt that I needed to give up on my GI doc.  He did not dilate the duct during the ERCP and I feel like even if there were no stones that he should have.  So, at this point I am finding out more and more and I will change GI docs and try again.
Again thanks for your reply.  Any information I can gain is of great help to me.
Zoie

[bjasch]

I also had pain for 5 yrs after the removal of my gallbladder. I have had 5 ERCP since 1999. They did find stones in my duct after the 1st ERCP. Since then they have cut the bile duct to help the duct to drain. Have they tried that with yours? When that didn't help me they placed a stent in my duct to help strech it. They remove the stent about 6 - 8 weeks later. Since then I have no real problems with my bile duct. Hope this helps.

[cjl]

I had a cholecystectomy two years ago and I also have frequent biliary spasms.  My doctor prescribed Nitrostat which dilates or opens the bile ducts.  It works quite well most of the time, but it does cause a headache until you've adjusted to it.  Hope this information is helpful to you.

[zoie_]

Thanks for your info cjl.  I will mention this to my doctor and maybe I can give it a try.  Hopefully it will help me as well.  A few headaches is better than any of the spasms I am having now.
Thanks again!

[zoie_]

Hi Lor,

Thanks for your response.  It's good to know that I'm not alone although, I sympathize with you that you too have this problem.
Mine started immediately after surgery as well.  And most of the time if the pain starts on an empty stomach, I can eat and it will go away.  But there are occasions that food doesn't help.  Actually I have gained a lot of weight since my surgery and I'm sure that's not helping either.  If you want to email me you can do so at ***@****  I am looking into doing further testing even if I have to be sent to a university hospital for "experimental" stuff.
Zoie

[Lor]

I too have had pain since my cholecystectomy. I've have had every test ran everything comes out normal. Now Dr is wondering if my hormones my be the cause or when the levels drop it may bring it on. I have this pain everyday most often on an empty stomach. Sometimes the pain gets worse after eating other times it takes it away. Always the pain is most severe around my menstrual cycle. I didn't have this pain before surgery. This started the night I had the surgery.