biliary dyskinesia

I have biliary dyskinesia with an ejection fraction of 23%. I am on a very low fat diet and I eat very little dairy or wheat.I have become very skinny since this began-- about 2 years ago. My symptoms include stomach pain that moves all over my stomach area after almost every meal, but especially dinner, nausea, bloating, gas, intestinal pain, sore throat, sometimes a feeling of heaviness/pain at my sternum, but I do not have upper right quadrant pain. Isn't that the most common gallbladder problem symptom? The doctors suggest surgery, but I don't understand why it would be helpful to remove an at least partly functioning gallbladder? I understand why removing the gallbladder might help relieve pain in the gallbladder area if the gallbladder is irritated, but how will removal help with my symptoms? And, why will removing the gallbladder help reduce the the overabundance of acid in my stomach? Nobody has been able to answer these questions for me, and thus, I've refused surgery and have been getting acupuncture instead for the past 6 months. I'm flirting with the idea of surgery again because I'm not sure that acupuncture is going to be able to heal the problem. It hasn't so far, but it has helped to relieve some symtoms (symptoms). I would be very grateful if you can help answer my questions, and I am open to any suggestions you have to offer.

Sincerly, amy

[KRasmus]

I was also diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia, and had all of those symptoms plus the right-sided pain. But I also have GERD w/Hiatal hernia, and that can also produce the symptoms that you listed. Have you been tested for GERD or had a PH study or endoscopy done? If not, I would get it done before having your gallbladder removed.

[CalGal]

Are you intolerant to wheat and the casein in the diary? Are you celiac?

[Jaybay]

An ejection fraction below 30% is something to be concerned about regarding your gallbladder.  You may find your symptoms go away with gallbladder surgery - but maybe not.  For whatever reason, your gallbladder isn't functioning the way it should.  Some patients have what is called "referred" pain.  All that means is that pain from a given medical condition shows up somewhere that is not typical.  For example, when my appendix went south on me, my pain was in the upper abdomen (epigastric) area instead of the lower right pelvic area.  Referred pain makes a condition much more difficult to diagnose.

If your docs are telling you to have your gallbladder removed, I think that is a reasonable suggestion.

[Heather31572]

My husband has the symptoms coba37 described (nausea, sore throat, chest heaviness/tightness, plus: diarrhea immediately after eating but not always, dry eyes, fatigue). This is interesting b/c we haven't seen anyone else with the sore throat and chest thing.

He has been seeing various doctors. Mostly they were concentrating on the chest heaviness looking for asthma/lung problem. Also have investigated allergies but not come up with anything yet. Had chest x-ray. Also PFT but results not back yet.

The difference is that he already had his gallbladder removed several years ago and the symptoms have come and gone for all this time but more consistently in the last 2 months. It's been on all his medical forms but no doctor has mentioned gallbladder related issues at all. He is frustrated b/c he takes great care of himself, eating well, no smoking, regular exercise. Any thoughts are welcome!

[Hill1986]

My husband justrecently got diagnosed with this condition. Has anyone else had this diagnosis given after a hyda scan? Another question....What are some helpful hints on food that are low and fat and ones in which he should avoid?

[moe75]

I have!  

In fact, the Hida Scan is the only thing that saved me!  My ejection fraction was 18%.  After an ERG and colonocopy to rule anything else out, I had my GB removed.  During surgery it was discovered that the fluid surrounding my GB was gone and it was literally peeled off of my liver.  I do not know what would have happened if I had waited and tried to manage the situation with a modified diet.  

I am happy to hear that he was able to have a hida scan!  I fought with several physicians before my test was ordered.  Because I did not have stones (as evident in my ultrasound), it was determined that the source of my symptoms was something other than my GB.  

You can have gall bladder disease without the presence of stones.  

I am one week post surgery, and still recovering.  It is a tough road, but I am happy to have found some answers.

Hang in there!

[Sues1958]

I recently had a Hida scan after spending the day in the ER for Rt quadrant pain, mid chest pain and I have had sever bloating for many months - I look 5 months pregnant.  I now have intermittent right quadrant pain but the biliary ducts came back normal as did the gallbaldder. The intestine results state Enterogastric refulx with and EF of 14% at 20 minutes (normal ef is >35% at 20 minutes.) The conclusion of the test a decreased gallbladder ejection fraction suggesting biliary dyskinesia. Enterogastric reflux. I am just not sure I want surgery. I have no gallstones and the pain in not every day. I am tired of the bloating. I've been trying to lose weight but not very successful - and I haven't been cheating. Any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks in advance

[Reruho]

I have suffered from this condition for 22 + years. I went in thinking it was my gall bladder, classic symptoms but was told I had IBS. Over the years the symptoms have come and gone. I finally got a doctor listen to me and this questionable diagnosis of IBS. (I have no bowel dysfunction, never have.) the new GI ran a HIDA scan with CCK and it showed a very low injection fraction around 15%. Since I did not have a violent reaction when the CCK was injected the GI said I could wait on surgery.

Over the past 6 months, the pain/ attacks have been daily and I have grown a polyp in my gall bladder. I am thinking it is time to remeve the GB and end this feeling of having a knife in my back all the time.
Reta

[dburka]

I just had a HIDA scan 2 days ago and was told my gallbladder was operating 20%. I have all the same symptoms that you have and my Dr. has already scheduled surgery for next week. A couple of people I know had the surgery, its in and out in the same day and they said that was exactly what fixed their problem. I didn't have any reaction to the CCK.  I am all for the surgery. I'd rather be sore for a week or two then deal with the pain.

[TnMama]

I am so glad I found this forum. Im glad Im not the only one. Ive had gastro issues that are documented since I was 16,but have always had a "nervus stomach". Anyway. I have been having HORRIBLE reflux. at 16 I was diagnosed with reflux disease. Anyway, in the early summer I went to see a Gastro Doc. He did an endoscopy. It showed gastritis, inflamation (inflammation), But no real reason for my reflux. He also checked my gallbladder via ultra sound for stone. None were there. He prescribed me medicine, and the main one for refulx my ins. wont pay for so Ive been popping Prilosec like Pez. and taking ranadine too. lots of that stuff,to no avail. So on the first I went back to see my dr. I had been researching my symptoms, pain in my chest, fatigue,nausea,vomiting,diarreah (diarrhea), extreme indigestion no matter what I ate. He set me up for both a HIDA scan and colonoscopy. The latter is due to fam history of early colon cancer. I had my scan and my GB is only working at 2%. The first part of the scan was not bad at all.But when I had to lay still and they injected more meds into me,I had an uncontrollable physical reaction. THought I was going to puke, my abdomen clinced up,and my knees involuntarily drew up. I thought I was dying.  Im glad now that I know what the results are. The surgeon wanted to take it out the day I went to see him. It just was not possibe. {2 small kids and we live away from family to help} So its set for tomorrow. He is also going to do a scope to see if I have a hernia. and that could be the cause of my reflux. We will see if removing the gallbladder helps, and surely it will help somethings! But if the reflux continues I will have the hernia stapled. Im nervous about recovery. My 2 y/o bounces on me all the time and he will only be at my inlaws for 2 days.{they both work}. So now we shall see how things go!

[Reruho]

Good luck with the surgery. I am seriously looking at surgery, I have been hestitant to have surgery because of other health issues and possible complications. I have done enough research to be comfortable with the surgery now.

I have my URQ ultrasound next week I am curious to see what this GB polyp has done over the last 6 months.

One of the things that have been most puzzling for me is the lack of some symptoms. My main complaint has been pain and cramping. They always ask about food and my reaction to fat, I can say I don't think I really had any.

I am hoping to get a new primary soon, my last one was forced to retired because of his age (77). He was a great doctor and we had gotten my health back on track. He worked 3 days a week and read journals the other 2. he was the most up to date doctor I had ever met.

[Jess82jess]

I am also 27 years old and am struggling with daily symptoms.  I have had the same diagnosis (biliary dyskinesia) resulting from the HIDA Scan.  I was intensely uncomfortable upon the injection of the CCK - felt nausea, right side cramping, the need to sit up to belch and breathe easier - I wanted to jump out of there!  My test results determined that my ejection fraction was 8% at 10 minutes, 12% at 20 minutes, and 6% at 30 minutes.  The recommendation is surgery, but I'm told I am not guaranteed a cure for the continuous belching I am currently experiencing, as something else may be causing this.  I cannot digest anything anymore; been on a low-fat and bland diet for over one month (no ground beef, nothing fried, no oil, no mayo, no cream sauces, no butter, etc.).  I still have symptoms daily and am always uncomfortable with belching, whether I have had a bland meal or even a glass of water.  Symptoms last for hours on end.  The newest symptom is diarrhea after meals, sometimes, when I have not even yet finished eating.
I am really hoping that surgery is the answer and that we will not have to search for another cause.  
For those who have had the laparoscopic surgery due to low ejection fraction/slow GB emptying, how quick was the recovery, and when could you begin to eat more normally?  Are you really feeling better?

[Catt1977]

I have had reflux problems for years with continued tenderness to the upper gastric area. For the last 18 days I have experienced mild to severe pain in the upper gastic and right quatrant abdominal area. I have been to the ER and had abdominal xrays that showed nothing. I have had an ultrasound of my abdomin (abdomen) that should fatty liver filtration  and was + for Murrphy to the gallbladder (a pain response to a technic used by the tech). I had blood work that was poitive for H pylori with a result of 5.5 I am on day 2 of my antibiotics . I also had a hida scan that was normal except a 15.8% ejection fraction. When given the CCK I experienced severe nausea and severe abdominal pain and cramping immediately upon the injection. I went to see a surgeon yesterday and he said that there is nothing wrong with my gallbladder because there was no stone or apparent infection. He said a low ejection fraction is not a reason for surgery. He thinks that my problem is the stomach bacteria caused from the H pylori. I really want a second opinon, can someone please tell me what I should do. Should I wait and see if the antibiotics help or should I seek another opinion.

[Snickle24]

I too just found out that I have biliary dyskinesia and after reading about some of the symptoms that still existed in patients after gallbladder removal, I'm not so sure myself. My problems started in July 2009 and since then, I have been to the hospital 5+ times and I've had numerous tests and exams done and everything came back negative. I finally found a great GI Dr who found this problem. I'm not sure if removing the gallbladder is the answer, but I do know that I'm tired of feeling sick eveyday. Wish you the best of luck in your case.  

[molly79]

I am 30 yrs old and have biliary dyskinesia with a Hida scan result of 13%. I have had symptoms (bloating, nausea, vomiting, pain and other problems) my entire life and just thought that it was normal until I found out earlier this year that everyone on my mother's side of the family had their gallbladders removed for biliary dyskinesia. The docs say that it's not hereditary, but my youngest son has the same symptoms as i had and he's only 10 yrs ols and has been diagnosed with IBS, the GI docs say he's too young for a hida scan. My GI doc said that my weight gain (I've gained over 80 lbs ov er the last 2 years) is because my gall bladder is toxic and my tissues have been absorbing the toxins, the more my gall bladder continues to fail, the more toxins spill into my system, thus the reason for the fatigue, bloating and weight gain. We are hoping that after my surgery next week, that my system will slowly get rid of the toxins and my body can get back to normal. My mother lost 50 lbs in 6 months after her surgery. I just hope that I'm as lucky. Good luck to all of you, I hope you all start feeling better soon.

[lexismami]

I too have been having the same symptons-- Back in april i was in the hospital for a blood clot in the lung(right) and ahve been doing great since. I went back to the dr due to right quadrant pain and thought i had another clot. He sent me to do an bunch of test and one was an ultrasound. During my ultrasound i told the technician it was tender in certain areas and she noted it- My doctor informed me I have a Fatty liver, kidney infection, and possible gall bladder disease and was going to send me off for a HIDA scan.. First part was a breeze the 2nd part of the test ooh man i thought i was going to ralph all over that machine.. my stomach cramped soo bad

We got the results back and he informed me my gall bladder is only contracting 14%. He is going to refer me to a surgeon.. I am nervous and want to be back to normal!! I have been feeling bloated since atleast Jan of this year.. I feel like im 7 months pregnant, my stomach sticks out and my legs feel like they are going to explode when i sit on my knees!! I read in a post from someone on here and they gain 80 pounds from the toxins( i have gained 40lbs)  and i feel it in my heart thats whats going on with me!!  I asked the dr. and he says no. no way.. but seriously, i havent changed my diet ( I eat pretty healthy) and play softball 3 to 4 nights a week. PLUS i have been exercising and no luck with that! its like hitting a brick wall....

Do you guys think the weight gain is related? Anyone lose weight after the surgery?

[lexismami]

hey did anyone have exessive sweating?

[Reruho]

Hello All,
I had my ultra sound in September and my mysterious polyp disappeared. I finally got a referral to a surgeon. He was very positive about the surgery at our first appointment. He refered me to a hematologist because a family history of clotting. When I went to see him to schedule the surgery, I complained that his exam caused me pain for several days and has made my symptoms worse. Now everything  is on hold while I go see a pyschologist about my pain. He tells me that the symptoms do not get worse but I have been dealing with this for 22+ years. I really think I should be referred back to a GI, if he thinks this something else instead of a pyschologist. This makes me think he doesn't believe me.

I can't see the pyschologist until December 15, almost 3 weeks down the road. Meanwhile, I am left to manage my pain on my own. I am trapped in my house since I am having clothing issues. I can only wear a bra for a short period of time, it starts feeling like I am in a vice.
Reta

[susier56]

Does anyone has shortness of breath?  I feel like a have the flu, the weight gain, bloated belly and nausea but have also been having breathing problems for a few months.  Drs can't seem to find anything wrong.  Maybe its the bloating pushing on the lungs but I can't wait to have the dang thing out next Friday.

[rm1017]

I to have had trouble with the vomiting and nausea etc.... went to many drs and they basically told me I was crazy,  Did the ultrasounds they came back fine, did catscans they came back fine ( get the picture)  I finally found a doctor who order me a Hida Scan and my gallbladder was only empting less than 10%. I had my surgery last week and am still recovering but I know now that I am not crazy.

[Reruho]

Hey all,
I finally found a surgeon to remove the GB and I am very happy. The back pain, you know the knife-in-the-back pain, was gone the first day. I have four small incisions that look like they were super-glued and taped shut. I am still a little sore but it has only been 4 days. The belly button incision is the most painful one. The difference between day 2 and day 3 was amazing, 1000% diference in how I felt.

My surgeon told me I would be in recovery and could not go home until I was up walking around and peed. After 1 hour in recovery, they told my husband he could take me home. He dressed me, I rode in a wheelchair and rode in the car, none of which I remember. I was in pre-op around 7:00am and the next thing I know I am home and it is 4:00pm.

Having this surgery has so far been wonderful and a blessing. I can even wear grown up underwear (a bra), which I haven't been able to wear since November.

Reta

[myoga]

About four years ago I was living in Brazil and got terrible bleeding Ulcers.  I was very sick.  And returned to the states and went through a series of the "prev-packs" to get rid of the ulcers and every kind of anti acid.  After two years of being back I was still having a lot of abdominal pain.  I went in for an endoscopy in winter 2008 because I had terrible pain, vomiting, diarrhea attacks every few months.  But it came back negative for ulcers and negative for H. Pylori.  I moved shortly after that and they still weren't sure.  I am one to push through pain and not see doctors if I don't absolutely have too.

I was seeking for new answers.  I had another endoscopy in June 2009 because I thought it was Celiac disease.  My vilias came back blunted.  But not entirely.  The DNA test came back negative and I had little relief living for many month with a gluten free life. I have been through most of the GI book of problems with negative results. I turned to food allergies and was skin tested for those.  I stopped eating the list of the 19 things they told me I was allergic to: among them rice, cucumbers, onions, garlic, beef, cow's milk, fish, soybean, and corn (the last two eliminated all things in a box because they have been processed and contain corn syrup and or soy lethicin).  But from August to December 2009 I had daily diarrhea.  

In November 2009 I went to the doctor again for help of abdominal pain.  I  had another endoscopy with no results.  This GI doctor shrugged his shoulders at me and just wanted to give me meds for the pain.  Still no answers! Honestly I was praying intensely to find out why I was in so much pain.  I went into the primary care clinic to the hospital after a painful attack and my own personal conclusion that it was my gallbladder and as luck would have it got the "best resident" in the hospital.  She actually listen.  I had a HIDA scan the following week that when I was injected with the CCK caused terrible stabbing pain.  But oddly my ejection fraction was at 72%.  She still thought it was unmistakably biliary dyskinesia (and I have read it can be even if the ejection fraction was normal).  She sent me back to the GI specialist who disagreed with her again but followed her recommendations of a CAT scan. He didn't think it was my gallbladder. The radiologist kindly took me back after the scan and checked them with me.  We found a HUGE gallstone. Ta-dah.  I am confident that it is biliary dyskinesia accompanied with gallstones.  My wonderful resident told me they don't know much about biliary dyskinesia and was confident that what has been my problem with the gallstones (that didn't show up in an ultrasound in September 2009).

So my word to all of you with real pain-- keep going.  And be persistent and pray until those doctors find out what is wrong!

Meg

[tiff80]

Hello All

I just had my gallbladder removed Friday June 18th. I'm hoping I made the right decision. Anytime I eat anything like a cheese burger and fries, or say maybe I go to a birthday party and have cake and pizza. I will feel sick after wards. Usually about 3 to 4 hours after I eat. I am a very healthy girl. I don't eat this way all the time. Just on occasions and I do workout. Also if I decide to have a glass of wine or a margarita. I become very sick as well.  Again I only drink on occasions as well. And the same thing will happen I will feel very nausea, will burb some and have a sharp pain right in the of my stomach. Right between my rib cage. It feels like my stomach is on FIRE!! This will usually last about 5 to 6 hours and can be relieved a lil when I go to the bathroom. I do go to the bathroom allot when this happens. I feel like I want to vomit but never do. Just diarrhea. My question is does this happen to anyone else with Biliary Dyskinesia? I am doing very well after surgery. No complications. Just sore. Thanks!!

[tiff80]

p.s.

they said my gall bladder was only functioning at 2% of the time. Something with it contracting only 2% of the time.

[zippyfish]

Yes to all the symptoms and including the excessive sweating!.... it's so embarrassing.   I've decided to have the surgery.  Acupuncture helped immensely however I can't get to him every time I have an attack (the last time was the worst one yet and he was out of town ).  The pain and bloating is relentless and I'm sick of it (no pun intended...)

[zippyfish]

How have you been since the surgery?

[geokev]

Congratulations on your surgery!  I had the same symptoms and struggled with my Dr. to get additional tests.  I explained to him that my father and two of three sisters had their GB removed due to very low EF readings but he wa not convinced that my sypmtoms were GB related.  He finally relented and I had the CCK/HIDA test done and my EF was 12%.  He was shoked and told me that an EF of <30% typically was referred for removal surgery!  I am a 49 yo man in good health otherwise and still have some reflux but no longer have the intestinal issues or bloating like I did before.  Post surgery recovery was a cinch and I had the operation on a Friday and was back at work on Monday.

Good luck to you I hope you have great results.

[Maude254]

I am waiting for the results of my CCK HIDA scan that I had yesterday.  After many years of suffering all of the symptoms you all have related, I began having eccessive sweating and shortness of breath this spring which urged me to try to find the reason once more.  My chiropractor told me she felt it was a bile problem, either from the gallbladder or liver/pancreas.  she told me to take Milk Thistle which has really helped.  I have told doctors for years that I am sure this is a gallbladder problem but they refused to listed because the ultrasound did not reveal stones.  So frustrated.  

I really appreciated reading all of your entries.  Thanks for posting.  If my scan suggests removal of the gallbladder I will definitely do it.

[aug282010]

Three years ago I had a HIDA scan done...44% was my EF, but I too was diagnosed with biliary dyskensia. When the CCK was injected I became very sweaty, and horrible pain, and started to vomit.  I have been symptomatic since the age of 15 (I am now 31 yrs old).  I have had colonscopies, Upper GI studies, alot of barium and CT scans with contrast, all with no answers.  I never know how I am going to feel hour to hour.  It doesn't matter what I eat (or don't eat) I bloat...my weight will fluctuate around 5 pounds a day!   My bloating is completely across my abdomen and at times I can't put my arms down to my sides because I am so bloated.  I get short of breath, sweat horribly, and the passing of gas is horrible...its like I have to bear down to pass it.  I spent the night in the ER the other day and I am finally going to get another HIDA scan to determine if it has went below the 35% mark...I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I truly feel removing my gallbladder with give me relief.  I have no stones, nor do I have any cysts or growth on my gallbladder or liver.  I have a family history of Primary Biliary Chirrosis (cirrhosis) and I am nervous that I might be heading that way if something isn't done soon :(

[NurseMia]

I also have a galbladder EF of 23% and my EGD reveiled minor gastritis. I have spasms where my entire abdomen cramps up and I become severely nauseas and bloated after eating. I have always been on a low fat diet, so now even the smallest amount of fat can bother me. I was told that with my biliary dyskinesia (EF of < 30%) I also have reflux of the bile through my stomach, which explains my gastritis. The doctors want me to have my gallbladder taken out. Like you, I am hesitant since my EF is not super low (my mom's was 7%), but anything less than 30% is bad. They are pretty sure that my symptoms will be resolved after the surgery. Until you decide what is best for you, try mint supplements. Pepogest is great; take it on an empty stomach to help your intestines or with food to help your stomach. Hope that helps you make a decision.

[christine0719]

I have been experiencing symptoms for a while now but just within the past two weeks around 5-10 min or even immediately after eating I get immense pain in my right upper side and nausea and bloating. It doesn't matter what I eat, the result is the same. I went to the er yesterday after eating a turkey wrap and the ultrasound showed no stones, and my abd/chest xray was normal. The er doc suggested I get a hida scan because she still thinks its my gallbladder. I've noticed other posts about weight gain, I've gained about 40lbs over the last year, and constantly bloated and fatigued. I'm wondering now if this is all related to my gallbladder.

[Jax555]

I was also diagnosed with Biliary Dyskinesia as during my HIDA scan it took over 2 hrs for it to drop through the duct, but my EF was normal at 54% so they have decided they want to check the ducts now... they dont think removal of my gallbladder will help since it drained at proper rate once it finally started to drain... its frustrating.. i am now waiting for my MRI and then off to another GI to see if she wants to do an ERCP with manometry, I have lost 35lbs and was told this procedure might be risky for me becasue I am to skinny now... (its like hello im skinny from this)  just want to feel normal again...but they could be right and could be the ducts... fingers crossed.

[crckc]

I've just been diagnosed with the same thing at 14% and the surgeon told me that it's totally up to me.  He said that the pain might not go away after the surgery.  Also the risks of the surgery which are small but still there. He said I can wait, get it done later on, or just not at all.  If I can live with the pain which is on and off, it's totally up to me.  I've decided to not have it done.  Why risk something going wrong.  He told me all that can happen and yes it's rare but why take the chance if it's not really necessary.

[lynn7195]

I am currently waiting for my appoinment with the surgeon on the 9th.  I have had symptoms for over 15 years that just get worse by the day and the Dr did no think anything was wrong. In March my new Dr. thought maybe gallbladder then started treating my for reflux.  The meds did not help at all.  In September I had a ultra sound no stones.  Complained enough until I was refered to a gastro specialist.  They thought it was IB, meds still didn't help. They did endoscope in October which was fine. Dr wan't to do a colonoscopy I requested a Hida first. They did make me get checked for wheat allegies, negetive. My EF was 5% they have decided that the gallbladder must be causing all the problems and refered me to a surgeon.  I ran onto this post online and have been amazed with how many people are going through what I am. Specialy since the Drs. didn't feel that all the symptoms that I have could have been my gallbladder until they got the Hida scan results. I can't wait to have it removed. I am hoping it will get rid of the nausea, bloating (extreme weight gain in my mid section), shortness of breath (can't stand to were a bra), stomach pain and tenderness, chest pain and indegestion just to name a few. Since seeing alot of my symptoms listed in other peoples posts I did want to see if anyone else had cholesterol problems.  I have high cholesterol that has been diagnosed as a hereditary type that my brothers and I all have been checked and diagnosed with in March since my mother had been diagnosed and had heart surgery last Dec.  My cholesterol is now in normal range with medication all but my triglicerides (triglycerides) which are still extremely high. I  want to know if this could be caused by the low EF level since the bile is not being released? Please let me know if any of you have had anything like this as well.

[donald66]

I am another person with the same type problems.  For many years (at least 10 or more) I have had reoccurring pain in my back on the right side and sometimes moving around to the front right side.  If I am pain free, which is rare, I can always bring it on with activity such as walking, running, twisting my body or doing exercises.  I never have any nausea, vomiting or jaundice but I do have abdominal bloating and some belching sometimes (but not always) associated with meals However I raely eat food with high fat content.  The pain is not sudden or severe but is moderate and chronic in nature.  Sometimes it will get better when I sit in a comfortable chair or lie down.  Lately it seems worse when I get up in the morning.  Over the years I have had all the usual tests (ultrasounds, cat scans, gastric emptying test, blood work, xrays of the spine, etc.) and all have been normal except that in 2006 I had a series of tests including an endoscopic test which was normal except that it reported no flow of bile after Kinevac injection.  The path report revealed "amorphous, slightly refractile crystals that may represent bilirubin."  No cholesterol crystals were seen and no stones.  A HIDA exam at that time was normal at 55.  However on the basis the endoscopic test my doctor suspected it was my gallbladder but it was not completely clear that was the problem.  I consulted a surgeon who thought it was about a 50% chance of being my gallbladder.  In 2007 I had another HIDA test and this time it was 22.  The surgeon then said the odds increased it was the gallbladder and suggested I may want to consider the laparoscopic surgery.  I was still not convinced because of the strong relation to activity as opposed to the usual symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.  In 2009 I had yet another HIDA test and this time it registered 33%.  I continue to have bloating  and the back pain is just about constant.  I am again considering removal of my  gallbladder.  Has anyone had a similar type experience with the pain being in the back, moderate not severe but constant and not related to eating high fat meals? Thanks for reply.

Don

[Jax555]

Yes with my biliary dyskinesia I constantly get RUQ pain that goes around to the back...definitely is the cause.  I decided to go ahead with surgery and pray to God it solves all my symptoms.  Good luck hope yours works out too. :-)

[justfun17]

I am so tired of this shooting knife stabbing pain thru to my back.  I haven't found any anwers.  I have had 2 HIDA scans over a period of 2 years the 1st showed 59% and the 2nd 86%.  Bizarre.  I'm seeing my 1st gastro dr in 2 weeks can't wait.

[Kaite60]

I have had bouts with stomach upset, headache and fatigue for about 8 years. These episodes are sporadic. I could go 3,4 or even 5 months without a problem. However, when it rears its ugly head, it's debilitating. The fatique is overwhelming. I can not eat "real" food, and will eat just crackers and tea for up to a week (but I don't lose weight!). I never pursued this with a doctor because I felt that by the time I'd see one, I wouldn't have the symptoms.
During the past year, I started having an ache in my back. I also have excessive sweating, which I had blamed on menopause.I finally went to a gastro doc.After an abdomininal scan (nothing abnormal),and  an endoscopy (just slight gastritis inflammation), I finally had the HIDA scan with a result of 12%. He said that he's leaving it up to me. Some of my symptoms don't seem to be part of the usual GB complaints. I am now trying to decide whether to have my gall bladder removed. When I am not symptomatic, I can live with the back discomfort. I just don't know whether the benefits of this surgery are worth the risks (though I realize they are minimal).
Thank you to all who post, as I hope to continue reading to help make up my mind.

[patient915]

You have responded to an old, outdated thread from 2008.  The people who originally posted these comments may very well have moved on.  Rather than reply to an old thread, we recommend that people start a new topic to discuss the subject anew.  To do that, please click on the green "Post a Question" button at the top of the page.  This will get your post the attention it deserves.  Thank you.

[sweetG18]

I have been searching for the answer to my discomfort for years and FINALLY got the hida scan. My gall bladder currently has an ejection fraction of 15%. I'm 19 years old and can't remember a day without some kind of abdominal discomfort. My symptoms are like my stomach is expanding and it starts to hurt my ribs and my spine and I feel like I can't breath. This can happen 4 to 5 times a week then disappear completely for months, then return. I have been dealing with this my whole life and want to know honestly from someone who has had their gall bladder removed (due to biliary dyskinesia) if it was more beneficial than detrimental. Since I finally have the answer to my problem I now need to know how to fix it and be normal for the first time.

[45oranges]

Hi, I have had a lot of problems with gastroparesis, a stomach condition where the stomach empties food too slowly in to the intestines, my whole life. I recently had a really bad time with it and was going to the doctors and I had a surgeon that found that I have a gall bladder with an ejection fraction of 8%, he said this may be a cause to some of the problems.
So I was looking into the two problems to see if there was any correlation. I did find that some thyroid disorders can cause both problems, and biliary dyskinesia by itself. A thyroid problem, such as hypothyroidism, could be causing a sore throat because mine was swollen one time and it felt like a very sore throat. I would see if he could get blood work done not only on T3, T4, and TSH but also on the thyroid antibodies to make sure it is not his immune system attacking his thyroid. I think its called Hashimoto's disease if you would like to look into it.

[Dawniebaby68]

I am so glad I found this site. I thought I had lost my mind.  For over 23 years I have been told I have acid reflux, IBS, lower back problems, dairy intolerance, allergy to eggs and nuts, and the list goes on.  Went to a gastro, best in the DC area, did all the blood work to check for all the bowl and intestinal diseases, did a colon and endo, 2 sonograms, a cat scan was told nothing was wrong with me.  After coming home and feeling defeated and crazy. My daughter called and told me she was having a gallbladder attack and her doctor told her "my story".....so after all of that and a trip to er and the er doc doing a cat scan....she said you are having a gallbladder attack, then after not seeing gallstones said ohh, look here "it must be your food allergies and IBS, after looking at your records"....really did you go to med school!!!! So I went to my pcp and asked for  a HIDA scan and my gallbladder has a refraction of 22%....so thank God I see my surgeon next week!! After 23 years of severe pain, weight gain, severe gas pains so bad I thought that something was wrong with my back, told the headaches were migraines from stress, crapping myself....etc...I have lost faith in the medical community. NO one in 23 years could connect the dots???

[Reruho]

This was my story, except for the food issues. I kept telling them it was gallbladder but the GI said it was IBS. All my tests were normal, which is common for this disorder. I was treated for back strain during one of the attacks. I had URQ ultrasouds every 6 months for years: clear, no stones, no sludge. I finally got a GI to listen to me in 2007 and he ordered a HIDA Scan. My ejection fraction was 15%. I put off surgery until 2010. That last year was difficult because of the daily pain.

There is a 20% chance that it will not help your pain. I told the surgeon that I liked those numbers, because I would have 100% chance of being in pain without the surgery. I fell into the 20%. I was painfree for 6 months. The returning pain is the cramping and tightness in the URQ area and is nothing like it was before. I am convinced I have this pain because it took so long for them to figure out what the problem was. Like you,  it was 23-24 years of suffering.

Now, I can't get them to remove the IBS label.
Reta

[MelissaSalz]

Dear forum with gallbladder pain,
I have this diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia and cannot eat dairy or certain medications otherwise I will have an acute episode that lasts for 12 hours of awful, horrible pain that makes me want to kill myself (doctors have told me that gallbladder pain is worse than childbirth pain). My GI doctor and surgeon told me the only option is to cut my gallbladder out; however, after reading the post gallbladder removal surgery posts, I don't want to have the terrible side effects that they have. Moreover, my GI doctor gave me this amazing medication that takes away the awful gallbladder pain within a few minutes. I think that I would rather take this medication once in a while than live with the possible awful new side effects of removing my gallbladder. The medication is called Hyoscyamine (0.125MG sublingual tablets, dissolve 1 to 2 tablets under the tongue every 6 hours as needed)! I have absolutely no side effects with this medication and it makes the pain go away fast and stay away!

[ChitChatNine]

My daughter had similar .. her HIDA Scan rate was only a 4 and after her Gallbladder surgery her reflux was almost gone and all her issues resolved!

I know this post is old but the topic comes up and is a valued thread!

C~

[Spidergal]

I had all the symptoms you all seem to have for years, and was told IBS, acid reflux, etc.  I just got to where I couldn't just keep living with it and changed doctors.  My symptoms weren't "classic" gallbladder - no stones.  The HIDA Scan showed a poor ejection fraction and surgery was recommended.  I appreciated the surgeon's honesty about the possible effects after the surgery, etc., and decided to go for it.  I just celebrated the one month anniversary of the surgery, and I do not regret it.  There are times that I eat something particularly greasy that sends me running for the restroom, but generally, I eat everything I did before the surgery.  My energy is back, and I am finding that many of the other issues that were diagnosed as something else are either gone or tremendously reduced.

The decision whether or not to have surgery is one you have to make based on your own circumstances - except for those emergency situations.  When I did go in for the procedure, the surgeon told me my gall bladder was inflamed, and that it could have become an emergency situation in a short time.  For me, it seems like the right thing to do.

Also - if you are a laparascropic candidate, check into your surgical options.  My surgeon was trained in the Spider system, which is just one incision at the navel.  The recovery is quicker and you have one scar instead of four.  It is not an option for the very overweight, and there may be other limiting factors to be discussed.

You have to go into something like this with the right mind set too.  If you are convinced you are going to have all the side effects you've heard about, or that the surgery will just create other issues, you might need to work on a pros and cons list to help you decide.  

Sign me - Taking two less medications and no more pain!

[wannabehealthy573]

When I read your example about your knees feeling so full of fluid you thought they'd explode, I had to respond.  I had bariatric surgery 10 years ago and have held a fairly steady weight since then.  Lately, weight has crept up without ANY change in diet or exercise.  It feels like fluid to me.  I cannot even put on my wedding ring.  My middle has been bloated to the point that I look pregnant.  13% function with my HIDA scan.  Legs swell and burn at night.  Other symptoms like fatigue, nausea, gas, etc...bother me daily.  Was diagnosed with bilary dyskinesia and am seeing a surgeon in three days.  Anxious to see some improvement.  This pain and discomfort is awful!  I'm also experiencing severe shoulder pain and am wondering if it is related to all this gas!

[Kibaoftheleaves]

I've been feeling sick and throwing up in the mornings about once a week. Sometimes twice or thrice a week. This has been ongoing for about half a year now, and what confuses me is that nausea (and occasional diarrhea and constipation) is my only symptom. No bloating, chest pain, cramping, or any other discomfort.

I had been on antacids and ulcer meds for the past few weeks that my doctor prescribed, and none of those helped. I finally got an upper endoscopy, and they couldn't find anything there, either, so my doctor put in the order for a HIDA scan.

During the scan I just laid there, feeling bored and crummy, and when I got the CCK injection I threw up within thirty seconds! Twice! Again, though, that was my only symptom - just nausea. I did feel tingling in all of my extremities like all of my body had fallen asleep... the doctor finally called me a few days ago and informed me that I had an ejection fraction of 18% and reccomended surgery. I'm meeting with my primary doctor this Thursday for a second opinion, or perhaps a confirmation.

I'm not so sure it's gallbladder dyskinesia though, based on the fact that I only have a few of the symptoms. I'm also very nervous about having it removed, because it might not even help. I don't have an 'official' diagnosis (i.e. the doctor didn't say I had gallbladder dyskinesia, but I'm sure that's what he meant)

Any advice? I'm scared and confused and not sure what to do next.

[AliDunne]

Hi your story is identical to mine!! im still waiting for doctors to either remove my gallbladder or make an incision in my sphinctor muscle. I have two specialists whom cant decide! did you start to have water infections with blood and protein presant?

[nopainnow]

Hi,

I had intermittent upper right quadrant pain for a while before it started to get worse.  My doctor ordered a HIDA scan and the gallbladder ejection fraction was 17%.  The pain got worse and worse, and I was getting close to finally scheduling gallbladder surgery when I found an article in a medical journal about PPI's (like Prilosec) causing low gallbladder ejection fractions even in healthy people.  Once I stopped the medicine (ironically all the doctors I talked with had been prescribing higher doses of PPIs when I started to have problems since they were worried about gallstones; I did ask my doctor first before stopping), the pain was mostly gone within about two weeks, and I have been pain free for at least 8 or 9 months.  I don't know if that will help anyone reading this post, but I am just so grateful that it worked out that way and I hope it can help someone else!  Best wishes to everyone who has posted! Biliary dyskinesia is no fun.

[rondaleigh]

It is April 2012. I am going in for GB removal in the morning. I've been having issues in the GB area since at LEAST 2006. I am tired of feeling like the Goodyear blimp! I'm done and it's coming out. In late Feb i had an x-ray -nothing, then an ultrasound-nothing. The GB scan showed my ejection fraction to be 19%, which is extremely low. I know 4 people who have had the surgery done and are glad they did.

[juju2012]

Sounds like you could be having peptic ulcer. it is typical to have pain 3-4 hours after food. Ask your doctor to have it checked just to make sure.

[mom26187]

Dear sweetG18,
   I am the mother of 2 children who have been through the same stuff. My 19 yr old just had her gallbladder out in Sept. and now eats anything she wants occassionally having diaherria, but thats a symtom post-surgery. Her scan number was 21%. My 11 yr old had hers out in October after dealing with this for 6 yrs. Medicine after medicine, hospital after hospital, years of pain and sickness. Missing school wks and months at a time.  Had the biliary scan done and was working at 14%. Thank goodness we had this done, she has put on weight and is back to normal. She has only had 2 bouts since Oct. of just her stomach hurting and diaherria. I am so glad for talking to the dr. that told us to have the scan done, otherwise I feel we'd still be dealing with this. The reason they said they never did the test was because they thought she was to young to be having that kind of problem already and she is not obese. He said it is becoming more common now then it was before. I hope this helps you in some sort of way!

[mine4wine]

I have had all the same symptoms as many of you....lots of urq pain (after just about any meal), sometimes in my right shoulder or around to my lower back, lots of diarrhea (3 x per day for 2 months now), headaches...migraines for years. My primary doctor sent me for blood work, and ultra sound. I have no fever, no stones showed up in ultrasound and no hightened liver enzymes in blood work. She also had me give stool samples. I have mucus in my stools. Which points to colitis, but I have no results from thelab yet. I went to the ER a coulple days ago b/c of the pain in URQ and shoulder blade along with nausea and headache and was treated for dehydration and released. Yesterday, I had a CAT scan. I have no results yet. I have an appointment with a GI doctor in about a week.
My concern is they are going to tell me I have colitis (which is possible I suppose) but it doesn't explain the intense pain under my ribs or in my shoulder blade.
Did anyone else have mucus in their stools?
And how did you convince your doctors to give you a HIDA Scan?  Because that is what I believe I need.

[Reruho]

It took 20 years of complaining something was wrong before I found someone that really listened to me. Everyone kept saying it was IBS. I kept arguing it couldn't be because I did not have bowel dysfunction.  I found out the regular tests used for gallstones are often normal for us. I was going every 6 months for an URQ ultrasound.

I was treated for back strain during one flare. I came home and sleep for a week on painkillers and muscle relaxers.

Just ask your doctor to do the the test. You have the classic GB like pain. It might be time to see how well the GB is functioning. A HIDA Scan is the only test that will tell you that.

I think I had mucus in my stool a few times.

Be warned a low ejection fraction is associated with chronic infection, which may not show up on the bloodwork. My only abnormal lab was a slightlty elevated (about 10-20 points higher) alkaline phosphatase, which no one thought significant.

My biopsy report said signs of chronic infection. I showed the report to my Primary and told her I felt vindicated because no one believed anything was wrong . She believes me when I tell something now, no matter how small.
Reta