will anything help an inflamed gallbaldder?

[gardenmaniac]

Hi,

I've posted before about my 19 year old daughter. The only positive test result was her HIDA scan in October, the gallbladder did not visualize, so they had to give her Morphine. Also, the emptying percentage was 32%. I was sure the surgeon was going to say "take it out", but he isn't sure it will help as she does not have stones. He ordered a "small bowel follow through" just to be sure there was nothing there and another HIDA scan (done at a different hospital with the CCK given in her IV instead of drinking something) (other tests: 2 EGD's, ultrasound, bile sample analysis, blood work, h.pylori, etc)

So, now we are waiting for this 2nd HIDA scan and the results...if the emptying percent is lower, he will probably recommend surgery, if it is higher, then he would not, if it is the same, he will leave the decision up to us. The radiologist diagnosed the last HIDA scan and said "chronic cholecystitis".

I have done SO much research & am pretty confused. Some say "take it out"..others say " wish I had never had it done"..

The surgeon said that when you do not have stones, the surgery only helps 60% of the time.

My daughter is VERY careful about what she eats..drinks alot of water & herbal tea.

If the gallbladder is inflamed, will it ever get better by itself? Or will it only get worse?

[gardenmaniac]

Second HIDA scan was 8%. My daughter is scheduled for surgery Dec 27.

No, she isn't on Birth control pills or any other medication. None of her blood levels are high, but obviously the GB is getting worse.

the first HIDA scan her GB didn't visualize well, so they had to give her morphine. The radiologist said that it can alter the results. (show a lower ejection % than it should because the SOD is tighter than normal due to the morphine)..but the non-fill indicated inflamation.

I did some reading & made sure that she ate about 6 hours before the 2nd test, to be sure that her gallbladder had a chance to empty naturally before the test, they wouldn't have to give her morphine which might alter the results. the 2nd test the GB filled well, no morphine given. I was pretty sure that it was going to come back with a higher number because the GB DID fill well and the CCK did not cause her to go into an attack. So, it was kind of a surprise that it was at 8%. We had prayed for a clear answer.

[Ami]

Your daughter's situation sounds exactly like mine six months ago.  I had constant pain, so bad that it sent me to the ER one night, and was convinced it was my gallbladder, and had various tests (ultrasound, CT scan, EGD, etc.) that said it wasn't.  Until I had a HIDA scan.  My ejection fraction was 22%.  The surgeon I went to told me the same thing--no stones, surgery most likely won't help.  It was suggested that I probably have Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction, but I was never officially diagnosed with that.

So, I investigated other ways of helping it.  It happened to come up with my GYN doctor, and he told me that birth control pills can inflame your gallbladder.  I was on them at the time, and have since stopped them.  Within 2 months or so of stopping them, my pain greatly diminished.  Is you daughter on BC or any other hormonal drug?  It may be worth it to stop them.  My once-elevated Alkaline Phosphatase (blood level to indicate GB problems) returned to within normal limits.

I still have an annoying pain there sometimes, but it is nowhere near as bad as it was.  This time last year, I was MISERABLE.  

I haven't pursued the SOD thing any further, because my problem seems to be better.  

I agree with another poster who said a second opinion could be worth it.  

Good luck with your daughter and keep us posted.

[janeygirl]

I would suggest that you talk to your daughter's doctor about the possibility of her being tested for Sphinter of Oddi dysfuntion. I had my gallbladder out just this past June and had no stones. My hida scan showed my fraction at 33%. I am still having pain and they know think that it is sphincter of oddi dysfuntion and that it is possible that is what caused the gallbladder to not work properly. Doesn't hurt to get a second doctor involved. Janey

[dog house]

I forgot to mention...that was the best decision I had ever made because I suffered with indigestion for years wonder what the cause was.  Once it was gone, there went the indigestion.

[dog house]

I had my gallbladder out when I was 26, I'm female and 29 now.  It had 120 stones in it and it was very obvious that it had to go.  I have never regretted it.  I had only 2 attacks over a 4 month period and it was taken out 1 week after the second attack.  The only foods that really bother me now are fatty, fried, or really rich...and I usually pay for them the next day with a couple of extra trips to the bathroom.  But, it keeps me healthy to stay away from them.

I'm not a doctor but I would say if it's causing problems, get rid of it.  You really don't need one anyway.  The surgery was outpatient, laporoscopy and pretty easy to handle.