I'm a 29 y/o female, who gave birth for the first time 3 months ago. One month prior to his conception, I had my gallbladder removed (as a result of poor HIDA scan results, althought my U/S was normal). Apparently, there were no gallstones present, but my GI doctor noted that my gallbladder was kinked. I remained pain-free throughout my pregnancy. Shortly after my son's birth (3 months ago), I started feeling the "gallbladder-like" pain all over again. On one occassion, I landed in the E.R. because of the pain. I was administered Morphine, which increased my pain dramatically. I have since learned that such a reaction to Morphine may be indicative of Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction. My GI doctor is currently running tests to diagnose.
The pain is located in the upper-right quadrant (ribcage area) and radiating to the back. I experience this pain EVERY day since it started after my son's birth (3 months ago). Some days it is worse than others. I will have sporadic pain-free periods throughout the day, too. The pain is not usually unbearable. It's a nagging, achy, dull pain - very similar to the pain I felt before my gallbladder was remvoed. I have not noticed this pain coinciding with eating, and fatty foods do NOT make the pain worse. Based on these symptoms, is there anything else it may be, or does the negative Morphine reaction I have had an endoscopy to r/o more common problems, but the test was normal. I also had an abdominal CAT scan, which was also normal. I am scheduled to have some type of U/S next week.
Some brief internet searching has left me with great anxieties about this condition. Does SOD always result in pancreatitis? How does it lead to pancreatitis in the first place? Is SOD curable? Is it progressive? My GI doctor thinks that I have a SO stenosis. I am so fearful that I'm going to experience this pain indefinately, and moreso, that I will develop pancreatitis and die. I feel too young to be combating something of this nature. What is the prognosis for SOD, and how can I ensure that I am receiving the most appropriate and proactive care? Can you hear the fear? Help!