gallbladder systems test results fine

I am a 50 year old female and have had pain under my right rib going into my back. It started after I had a steak and then ice cream about a month ago. Went to ER and diagosed gallbladder but I was traveling at the time and wanted to return home to see a surgeon locally. I have and he recommends gb removal, even though an ultrasound shows no gallstones and the HIDA scan returned a 92% ER.

I continue to have intermittent pain, nausea after I eat. I am inclinded to have the surgery if it means I will feel better but because of the test results I do not know what to do at this point.

[kjmteach45]

I am also a 50 year old female with the same problem (must be the age)...I have been having pain under the right rib cage and in the back for about two years accompanied by indigestion (also no gallstones). However, it has become more frequent lately, especially after eating fatty foods. After something flares this up, I have tenderness for several days in that area. The only way I can get the discomfort to stop is to be very careful about what I eat for several days after a flare up. I have had two HIDA Scans, two years apart. The first one, two years ago, showed an ejection fraction of 87%, but the ejection fraction has dropped to 42% on the one a couple of weeks ago. My family doctor believes my gallbladder should come out and has referred me to a surgeon. I am concerned that the surgeon will not want to remove it since the ejection fraction is not yet below 35%. After reading your post...I am now wondering if doctors always hesitate to do surgery if the ejection fraction is still within normal ranges. My family doctor believes that the decrease in the ejection fraction and the symptoms are significant enough to remove the gallbladder.  

[ellenlu]

Thanks for your post. My surgeon has recommended that I have surgery because of my symptoms. I have been looking on the internet for high ejecttion fractions and found something called hypercontractile gallbladder - this is when the HIDA scan is above 80% (or so). In one study they have found that post surgery most people have had relief of symptoms. I am thinking I should have surgery because I have had similar symptoms on occasion for the past 20 years or so. The only thing that I continue to think about is what if my gallbladder is healthy and I had surgery for no reason. I would have had an easier time if the HIDA had come back low!  

[kjmteach45]

I am having the same thoughts about my gall bladder as well. Because the ejection fraction is not below 35% yet, I keep wondering if I would be removing a healthy organ. I go to the surgeon and a gastroenterologist on Thursday. I guess I'll make the decision after I hear what they have to say. I expect I will probably have to have at least an Upper GI done first to rule out ulcers, etc. I don't have heartburn or acid reflux, only indigestion and the right upper quadrant discomfort, so I truly believe it is my gallbladder.

[ellenlu]

I wondered how your doctors appointment went today.

[kjmteach45]

I had to see both a gastroenterologist and a surgeon. However, the two have different opinions about whether or not the gallbladder should be removed. The gastroenterologist believed it should come out but the surgeon said he won't remove it with the ejection fraction at 45%. My family doctor also believes the gallbladder is the problem. The surgeon says he believes the problem is constipation causing pain in the ascending colon, which is also in the area of the gallbladder and liver. He wants me to take medication for that for a month and then come back for another consultation. He said we'll watch the gallbladder but doesn't believe this is the problem. I really don't think constipation is the problem. I should know that much. I guess I'll wait the month and if the symptoms are still persisting and the surgeon continues to pass it off as constipation, I'll go back to the gastroenterologist and take it from there.

[Kibbles1965]

I am the mother of a 14 year old daughter and she has been having alot of vomiting and nausea mainly after eating. I took her to her doctor and he ordered a ultrasound which came back normal for her gallbladder,no stones etc..He then ordered the Hida scan and her ejection fraction  was at 42%. He sent us to a surgeon this past Monday and he advised me that the "EF" numbers can fluctuate by 20% either way almost daily .He said it isn't likely for a 14 year old to need her gallbladder out but on Feb. 1st she will be having her gallbladder taken out.I have read so much about Diarrhea post surgery  I'm somewhat afraid to go through with it. I can't imagine living that way for the rest of what I pray will be a very long life for her.

[flowerlady50]

I'm 61yrs old & have what everyone says is typical gallbladder symptoms. Problem is I've had these issues for 31yrs & any tests have always shown that everything is within normal range, although the HIDA scan I had 11yrs ago was @ the low end of normal (54%). A week ago it came in @ 74%. Since 1st of this yr I've had about 10 "attacks "where I couldn't finish dinner before the abdominal pain started & ended up in bathroom w/severe diarrhea which seems to contain bile based upon the greenish color. These attacks are always associated with a fatty type meal, chicken skin, prime rib, etc. Between attacks I go back to my normal which is anything but considering the bloating, gas, belching, diarrhea, severe heartburn, nausea,etc, etc, etc. Family history of gallbladder on maternal side-grandmother & 2 or 3 first cousins all had theirs removed. I'm so tired of living my life never knowing what is safe to eat & what isn't as something may almost kill me this time & then not bother again for months. January was horrible & now things have settled back down again but I never know for how long. If someone said I could have my gallbladder out tomorrow I would jump @ the chance. I don't think I could feel any worse & I'm of the thinking that I'd probably feel 90% better. I sometimes wonder if the doctors even listen to the symptoms, severity, & length of time I've been dealing with this, or is it all just black & white?  If the tests say it's within normal range then it must be fine. Unfortunately, my body never seems to play by the normal rules. Anyone else out there like me or any suggestions? I'm getting desperate.