reflux

I just had my gallbladder out four weeks ago after a month of trying to figure out what was wrong with me.  I had several attacks and lots of heartburn and began to take a ppi which seemed to help.  I have still had heartburn after and also have mild colitis.  Today my colitis is feeling better (not much bloating at all) but the last two days I have had constant heartburn.  I did a gastroscopy before the surgery and discovered that my esophagal sphincter doesn't close properly and so I am sure that plays a major role in this problem.  However before the gallbladder symmptoms I didn't even notice the malfunctioning valve.  Could this heartburn be partly caused by some sort of other pressure in my digestive system?  I am still taking the ppi's but they don't seem to be doing anything.  The colitis should pass at some point right?  I am doing all the right things in my diet and can't figure it out.  Thanks for the help!
Vince

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Gallbladder concentrates bile. It is a temporary resorvoir of bile. Removal of GB does not affect digestion much. But it may cause diarrhea due to bile acids.

Similarly acid reflux is different from bile reflux and the treatment is also different.
24 hours pH monitoring may be done to find whether you have reflux and if so what type of reflux you have.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

yes , never had acid reflux had my gall bladder out and about year later got it bad, we dont dijest our food as good without our gall bladder, harder on our stomacks more acid no where for it to be stored now gall bladder is gone, i take ppi to been on the everyday for couple years now , but today am haveing bad acid reflux even with the pills feel sick at stomack very nauses. so i know what your feeling . somedays i can eat anything other days are like today. so hang in there .

[hubie999]

They say that bile reflux (as opposed to acid reflux) from the intestine into the stomach is fairly common in people who have problems after gallbladder surgery.  I think this is what might cause the acid reflux even while taking the ppi, which is something I have been experiencing also.  This may be what causes your nausea, it seems to be one of the possible symptoms.  I usually alternate between a bloated indegestion feeling and heartburn.  I guess the only thing to do is wait and see.